The first Japanese player to play in the Spanish league was Shoji Jo, for Valladolid.
Athletic Club has never won a European title.
In the 2013/2014 season, Saúl Ñíguez was loaned by Atlético de Madrid to the First Division club Rayo Vallecano.
Before signing for Betis, Sergio Leon played for Osasuna.
Juan Carlos Moreno, current right-hand man to Carcel at Girona, made his First Division debut with Barcelona.