Athletic selects Jean-Luc Ettori for its 2026 One-Club Man award

Athletic has selected Jean-Luc Ettori as the 2026 recipient of its One-Club Man award. The annual honour recognises internationally renowned footballers who spent their entire careers at one club. For the former France international goalkeeper, that club was Monaco, whose colours he defended for 19 consecutive years.

Ettori played 755 matches for AS Monaco between 1975 and 1994. He ended his career in 1994 after making the same number of appearances for the club. The award recognises a loyalty that puts him alongside several football figures who also completed their professional careers at a single club.

Matthew Le Tissier, associated with Southampton, was the first recipient. The list also includes Paolo Maldini, Sepp Maier, Carles Puyol, Billy McNeill, Ryan Giggs, Ricardo Bochini, João Pinto, Giuseppe Bergomi and Jamie Carragher, honoured for their respective careers at Milan, Bayern, Barça, Celtic, Manchester United, Independiente, Porto, Inter and Liverpool.

The trophy presentation is expected to take place at San Mamés before the match between Athletic and Real Madrid, scheduled for the week of December 6. Ettori is expected to receive his award and an ovation from the crowd. The date and kick-off time for the match have yet to be determined.

Born in Marsella on July 29, 1955, and of Corsican origin, Ettori joined Monaco in 1975 at the age of 20. During his career, he shared a dressing room with George Weah, Petit, Djorkaeff, Thuram, Klinsmann and Glenn Hoddle, among others. Now 71, he welcomed Athletic’s decision with pride: «I am very proud to receive this award, all the more so because it comes from a club with Athletic’s identity. It is an honour to receive it from a legend such as Iribar and to join a list of great names in world football.»