DIPLOMASI SEPAK BOLA ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO DALAM MENONJOLKAN IDENTITAS ETNIS BASQUE

This study aims to analyze how Athletic Club Bilbao utilizes football as a tool for cultural diplomacy to promote and highlight Basque ethnic identity on national and international stages. The primary focus is to explore the role of the Cantera policy, the club’s international activities, and the engagement of supporters and the Basque diaspora in reinforcing Basque cultural narratives without involving formal politics. A qualitative approach is employed, analyzing literature related to the club’s history, transfer policies, and diplomatic activities through sources such as books, journals, and media reports. Data were collected from case studies of international matches, cultural events at San Mamés, and the club’s interactions with Basque diaspora communities. The analysis is conducted within the framework of cultural diplomacy to understand how Basque ethnic identity is integrated into Bilbao’s football strategy. The findings indicate that Athletic Club Bilbao effectively uses football as a means of cultur