Athletic Bilbao, Spain.

This original striking retro-style poster celebrates a landmark centenary football match, blending dramatic flair with bold artistic vision. Printed to mark Athletic Club’s hundred years from 1898 to 1998, it heralds the meeting of Los Leones—the Lions of Bilbao—and the legendary Brazilian national team, billed as “the greatest show on Earth.” Set for 31 May at San Mamés Stadium, the event is framed as a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, promising the most dazzling plays and finest goals in the game. The text lauds the magic and brilliance of the Brazilian side, specifically highlighting the extraordinary speed, control, and artistry of young stars Ronaldo Nazario—the player depicted in the lower left, captured mid‑strike in Brazil’s iconic yellow jersey—and Roberto Carlos, whose talent is described as mesmerizing and unforgettable.
The design bears clear traces of constructivist influence, I uploaded in the last picture a Gustav Klutsis' painting as an example of this influence: it uses sharp geometric forms, radiating linear rays that draw the eye like a spotlight, and a strong, symmetrical circular layout that feels dynamic yet ordered. This early 20th‑century artistic movement, which prioritized clarity, bold composition, and the visual expression of energy and movement, gives the poster its punchy, forward‑driving feel, turning a sporting event into a bold, graphic statement. Emblazoned with the Nike swoosh and the emblem of El Correo Español, it captures the thrill of a unique occasion while echoing a powerful modernist design tradition.
Made in Spain
Printed in 1998
Size: 55x40 cm
Condition: as seen on the pictures with one horizontal folding mark in the middle of the poster