Full Breakdown
Palestinian National Football Team's Historic Match in Bilbao
11/19/2025, 9:00:23 PM
A Unifying Event Amidst Conflict
On Saturday, the Palestinian national football team faced a Basque team in a match held at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain. This event attracted over 50,000 fans, showcasing a unique solidarity between the two teams, both of which are not participating in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The match served as a platform to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian efforts, with proceeds benefiting Doctors Without Borders. Mikel De Gregorio, the sporting director of the Basque Football Federation, emphasized the importance of this event, stating, "What we want is to send that solidarity to the Palestinian people, so everyone can see it."
Background: The Impact of Conflict on Palestinian Football
Since the onset of the war following the Hamas-led incursion into Israel on October 7, 2023, the Palestinian football scene has been severely disrupted. There have been no functioning clubs or league matches, and many athletes have suffered injuries or fatalities, including the notable footballer Suleiman Al-Obeid, known as the "Palestinian Pele." The Palestinian team has not played a home game since 2019, and the ongoing conflict has made their situation increasingly precarious.
Basque Support for Palestinian Recognition
While Palestine is recognized by FIFA, the Basque region's football aspirations remain unrecognized. The Basque team, known as Euskal Herriko futbol selekzioa, has played unofficial matches with players from both the Spanish and French Basque regions. De Gregorio noted the parallels between the Basque desire for independence and the Palestinian struggle, stating, "We are a culture with our own language, our own identity, our own traditions." This sentiment resonates with the Basque community, which has shown support for Palestine through various initiatives, including banners at matches and public demonstrations.
Official Statements & Responses
The Basque federation's president highlighted the significance of the match, drawing attention to the shared cultural identities of the Basque and Palestinian peoples. Athletic Bilbao, a prominent club in the region, has also demonstrated support by inviting Palestinian refugees to their matches and displaying pro-Palestinian messages. In contrast, Real Madrid has banned Palestinian flags at their games, reflecting a divide in responses among Spanish football clubs.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the overwhelming support for Palestine during the match, there were notable absences in media coverage. The event was reportedly blocked from broadcasts of La Liga matches, leading Spanish international goalkeeper Unai Simon to express disappointment, stating, "It really saddens me that it wasn't shown on TV." This highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the portrayal of the Palestinian cause in Spanish sports media.
What's Next: Future Matches and Continued Solidarity
Following the match in Bilbao, the Palestinian team is set to face the Catalan national side, which shares a rich footballing history and a similar quest for recognition. These events not only provide a platform for sporting competition but also serve as a means to amplify the voices of those affected by conflict, ensuring that the struggles of both the Palestinian and Basque peoples remain in the public consciousness.
