Palestinian football team arrives in Bilbao for historic solidarity match

• The friendly match in Bilbao has become a major display of international solidarity with Palestine, selling a record 50,000 tickets and highlighting cultural and political support.

The Palestinian national football team arrived in Bilbao, Spain, on Tuesday for a friendly match that has transcended sports to become a global demonstration of support and solidarity.

The team is set to face the Basque national team on Saturday, November 15, at the historic San Mamés Stadium. Local media reported that around 50,000 tickets have already been sold, making it the most attended match ever for the Basque team, which is a clear reflection of public support for the Palestinian cause.

Upon arrival, the Palestinian players donned the traditional Basque hat, the Txapela, a gesture symbolizing cultural solidarity and mutual respect between the two peoples.

The match, organized by the Basque and Palestinian football federations, is dedicated to the victims of the 'Israeli' aggression on Gaza. The Palestinian Football Association emphasized that the game aims to show solidarity with the Palestinian people under difficult circumstances.

Athletic Bilbao, the host club, has a long history of supporting the Palestinian cause, with fans previously displaying banners reading “Stop the Genocide.”

Although the match is friendly and not officially recognized by FIFA for the Basque team, it carries significant sporting and political meaning. For Palestinians, it serves as preparation for upcoming competitions, while also sending a powerful humanitarian message to audiences worldwide.