Athletic Bilbao celebrate their Copa del Rey triumph in style as hundreds of thousands of fans line the streets to watch victorious squad parade their first trophy for 40 years down the river

Athletic Bilbao celebrated their first major trophy for 40 years in style as their squad paraded down the River Nervion on a boat, cheered on by hundreds of thousands.

Large raucous crowds flocked to the city centre to party alongside the players, who boarded a barge known as the ‘Gabarra’, and sailed down to the city hall.

The journey stretched 13km and stretched from the town of Getxo to the very heart of the sprawling de-facto Basque capital, where the elation continued.

Supporters lined both banks of the river and crammed into every nook, including on the balconies dotted around every street, and waved flags and scarves.

Ernesto Valderde’s side beat Mallorca on penalties in the Copa del Rey final in Seville to clinch their first piece of silverware since a domestic double in 1984.

The triumphant squad held the Copa del Rey aloft as they travelled on their iconic barge

Raucous supporters waved flags and scarves as they lined the balconies in the city centre

Players from that team, who have been immortalised in Bilbao’s bars and restaurants after their momentous achievement, also joined in the celebrations.

The Bilbao barge was followed by several other vessels filled with supporters. 

Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez, who played for Bilbao between 2018 and 2023, steered a boat of his own after being given permission to join in by Xavi.

Schools in the city had shut early to enable supporters of all ages to soak up the celebrations and it was estimated that over a million people were set to attend. 

Valverde is a keen photographer and took photos of the scenes on board the barge. 

Smaller vessels also filled with supporters and film crew followed behind the squad’s barge

Boss Ernesto Valverde (right) joined in with the celebrations after the shootout success

The procession made its way down to the Bilbao city hall, where the party continued

‘At Lezama (Bilbao’s youth academy) we have the photo of the Gabarra. We’ve always talked about how it would be to live something like this,’ Ander Herrera said.

‘This is for those who are here, those who are not here and those who have left us,’ striker Inaki Williams said. ‘For those who played at Athletic and gave everything.’

Captain Iker Muniain led the celebrations from the city hall’s balcony.

‘Who are we? Athletic! And what are we? Champions!’ he yelled to the crowd.