The Emergence of Selton: A Rising Talent at Athletic Club

Selton, the young prodigy from Athletic Club, has made a notable impact since joining the first team at just 18 years old. His arrival has sparked excitement reminiscent of past talents, characterized by his audacity, skill, and flair on the ball—a true magician destined to become a lion of the pitch.

This past week has been nothing short of stellar for him. He made his debut in the UEFA Champions League against Newcastle, coming off the bench, and followed up with his first start at San Mamés against Oviedo. In that match, he showcased a range of impressive skills, including precise ball control, daring runs, a rabona pass shortly after entering the field, and a clever back-heel clearance that hinted at his genius.

Galarreta succinctly captures Selton’s essence, stating, “His fearless approach with the ball benefits everyone around him.” Valverde, the head coach, adds, “His quality stands out. He’s not just a flashy player; he seeks involvement, is unafraid of the ball, runs hard, and consistently pushes forward. At just 18, he plays a crucial role in controlling the game.”

Selton is not merely a stopgap player; he has emerged as a permanent fixture. Athletic’s coaching staff is currently working with him on a strength and conditioning program designed to prepare him for top-tier competition. Despite his seemingly slender frame, he shows resilience, pressing the opposition’s defense effectively, leading to a yellow card for Oviedo’s goalkeeper Escandell after a confrontation.

So, who exactly is Selton? Recently, social media speculated on his familial connection to Firmino, asserting that his mother is a cousin of the renowned footballer. However, this connection is unfounded. Selton’s path is distinctly his own; he is set to represent Spain, having already been called up for youth national teams and is currently preparing for a training camp in Marbella. He has been with Athletic since his youth, having started his career in F7 with Abaroa of the Unión Deportiva San Miguel de Basauri.

Amidst criticism on social media about his affiliation with Athletic, it is important to clarify that Selton is Basque by birth. He was born in Durango, and his family settled in Basauri, where he still resides. He is of Basque and Brazilian descent. The narrative that he would not belong to Athletic if he were of a different nationality misses the club’s philosophy, which embraces players born in or trained by Basque clubs.

Selton has been on the first team’s radar since before pre-season began, but caution was exercised due to a previous injury that kept him sidelined for over four months. He started the current season with Basconia, the club’s second team, and delivered commendable performances in the Youth League. On October 7, without having debuted for Bilbao Athletic, he began training with Valverde and quickly became an integral part of the squad. The injury to regular midfielder Sancet expedited Selton’s ascent, leading to his selection for the derby, minutes in the Champions League, and a starting position at San Mamés.

There is no doubt about Selton’s potential, and the club is considering various pathways for his development. For now, he will continue under Valverde’s guidance. Given his age and readiness, he may alternate with the Bilbao Athletic, with decisions to be made about his placement for the remainder of the season. Selton’s contract with the club extends until 2026, including common continuation clauses for academy players. However, it is evident that he is a talent who will transcend typical expectations and negotiate terms beyond the standard framework.