The David McWilliams Podcast

The Bilbao Blueprint

May 27, 2025
Discover how a Basque football club thrives without signing non-local players while Dublin lags. Dive into Bilbao's rich industrial history and transformation, from shipbuilding to modern culture, anchored by the Guggenheim Museum. Explore the vibrant Basque identity, their unique language, and maritime legacy, alongside the political dynamics shaping global perceptions. Join a discussion that connects heritage with contemporary economic resilience and challenges traditional narratives of success.
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ANECDOTE

Atlético Bilbao's Basque-Only Policy

  • Atlético Bilbao only signs Basque players yet qualified for the Champions League.
  • Their €100 million earnings come from TV rights, match days, and UEFA money.
INSIGHT

Basque Language's Ancient Roots

  • Basque language is unrelated to any Indo-European language and might predate the Ice Age.
  • Their linguistic isolation shows they descended from Europe's first settlers, independently from Indo-European migrations.
INSIGHT

Basques' Unique Genetic Heritage

  • DNA testing reveals Basques differ genetically from most Spaniards and Iberians.
  • Basques are believed to be descended from original first farmer settlers, showing deep genetic isolation.
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