Jon Rahm Plays Key Role In Athletic Club's Special Anniversary Match

The LIV Golfer was in Bilbao, Spain to watch his soccer team play Atletico de Madrid in The Lions' final 125th-anniversary celebration

LIV Golfer Jon Rahm takes the ceremonial kick-off at Athletic Club's San Mames before their La Liga fixture against Atletico Madrid
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Jonny Leighfield
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Fresh off the back of agreeing a move to the LIV Golf League, Jon Rahm returned to his birthplace of Bilbao in Spain for some much-needed rest and recreation at the weekend.

While he was there, the current Masters champion decided to take in the rare opportunity of watching his soccer team, Athletic Club, play against Atletico Madrid at their home stadium of San Mames in La Liga.

With Saturday's fixture marking the end of a year's worth of celebrations for The Lions' 125th birthday - which arrived in July - the World No.3 swapped golf clubs for his right foot and took the ceremonial kick-off in front of almost 50,000 people. Rahm was captured kicking the ball to the sideline and taking in the warm reception from fans inside San Mames before heading off to his seat.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a perfect day, too, as his Athletic Club won 2-0 and moved up to fifth place in La Liga thanks to second-half goals from Gorka Guruzeta and Nico Williams. Late on in the match, Rahm was also seen jumping up and down with friends and signing Athletic Club songs.

In his days as a PGA Tour player, Rahm has often returned home for leisure or to take part in DP World Tour events such as the Spanish Open or the Andalucia Masters.

Rahm had previously mentioned how he would like to continue doing so despite switching to LIV, but the PGA Tour announced the World No. 3 was suspended with immediate effect and would be unable to fulfil half of his wish.

The golfing world will be unable to find out how Rahm feels about this decision, however, after the Spaniard implemented a self-imposed media blackout until the LIV Golf League begins its third season after Christmas.

If you're wondering what to buy for a loved one over the holidays, check out our 19 Top Christmas Gifts For Golfers.

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Jonny Leighfield
Jonny Leighfield
Staff Writer

Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.

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