Basken’s Dual Loyalty: Supporting Spain’s Team While Yearning for Home
Basque Football: A Powerhouse in Spanish Soccer
Surprisingly, it is not Catalonia or Madrid that has a major influence on the Spanish national football team, but the region of Baskenland, which boasts seven players of Basque heritage in the squad facing the Netherlands in the Nations League quarter-finals tonight.
This is significant for a region with only 2.2 million inhabitants, compared to Spain’s total population of 48 million. Last summer, it was the Basque players Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal who propelled Spain to victory in the European Championship final against England.
This intriguing success raises the question: how does a small region like the Basque Country exert such a major impact on Spanish football?
The answer lies in the exceptional youth academies of Athletic Club and Real Sociedad, as noted by former players Sander Westerveld and Jeffrey Sarpong, who both played for Real Sociedad.
A Unique Approach to Player Development
Athletic Club employs a distinctive policy, only allowing players with Basque heritage to represent the team, making it a unique entity in the football world. Although Real Sociedad lifted this restriction in the late 1980s, 15 of its current squad members have come through their youth system.
Sarpong emphasized the benefits of this approach: “For talented Basque players, the chances to break into the first team at both clubs are substantial. Unlike top teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid, which invest heavily in foreign players, Bilbao and Sociedad have a more patient approach, ensuring they nurture and believe in home-grown talent.”
For instance, he cited Asier Illarramendi, who faced challenges at Real Sociedad but ultimately achieved success at Real Madrid. “He would not have received the same opportunities at a bigger club,” Sarpong explained.
The Basque Identity and Its Impact
There is a strong work ethic within Basque culture that sets them apart, according to Westerveld. “The Basques are hard workers, structured, and committed. They have a mentality that is distinct from the more easy-going nature of southern Spain.”
The historical struggle for independence from Spain has also forged a sense of resilience among the Basques. After decades of attempting to assert their identity, including the actions of the ETA militant group, this sentiment remains alive today. Some Basques even express disappointment at their players representing Spain on the international stage, as seen in graffiti during the European Championship that labeled Oyarzabal a traitor.
The Future of Basque Football
Looking ahead, former players like Westerveld do not expect an official Basque national team to emerge unless the region separates from Spain. “Until that happens, FIFA will not recognize a Basque national team,” he stated.
Curiously, Westerveld’s son, Sem, is of Basque descent and has caught the attention of Athletic Club for a potential career there. “There are few keepers of Basque blood, and it would be a unique opportunity,” he said, humorously adding he hoped the future derby matches would end in goalless draws.
As attention turns to the Nations League clash, all eyes will be on the Basque players contributing to Spain’s proud history and unique identity in football.
