Hibs Women legend Joelle Murray has described her unbelievable experience in Bilbao as she received the prestigious One Club Award from Athletic Club.
And hearing ‘Sunshine on Leith’ being cheered on by the Athletic Club’s fans made it all the more special.
The One Club Award began in 2015, though the Women’s Award was introduced shortly thereafter in 2019.
Murray who played 507 times for Hibs during her career, winning 14 trophies has become the first Scottish woman to earn the honour.
Past recipients of the award include Paolo Maldini, Billy McNeil and Jennifer Zietz.
Murray picked up the 2025 Award along with Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher on the pitch during the Athletic Club’s game against Girona.
Speaking afterwards to Hibernian Media, Murray said: “It was unbelievable. I knew it was a truly special award, especially after seeing all the names of the previous recipients.
“It was extremely overwhelming. I’m very honoured and privileged to have received it. It was an unbelievable experience going out to Bilbao.
“It was a full day of activities. We met the squad, met the coaching staff and chatted there for a bit, and the team was really, really welcoming. It wasn’t just an obligatory tick box, they were really genuine.
“We then went to the San Mames for lunch with a lot of the club directors, which was unbelievable. It was actually nice to sit down as a collective and just chat and get an insight into what everyone does.
“We then went to the President’s box to meet the President, got some pictures, had some conversations there, and he was lovely, he was talking about how his friend is a big Hibs fan. Of course, when we gifted him the anniversary kit, he said his friend would be very, very jealous!
“Pre-kick-off, we went down the tunnel and the nerves were incredible at that point.
“The tunnel is very big, very long. At that point I could see a little bit of the pitch, the stadium, the stand, and again, the nerves just enhanced dramatically.
“I started walking out with one of their ex-players, who again had played a whole period at the club, and one of their youngest players in their academy. “
“And then at that point, Sunshine on Leith starts, I didn’t realise that was going to happen, and that was extremely emotional. It was such an emotional moment.
“Then the crowd gave a genuine kind of appreciation, a huge round of applause.
“Everything about that moment, and it’s a moment that will live long with me, was so surreal. If I could do it again, I’d do it again, because I feel like it was just a little bit overwhelming.
“Jamie, was so down to earth, such a lovely guy. No airs and graces.
“His wife, Nicola, was the same, and I think them being the way they were really enhanced the experience. It made me feel super comfortable.
“It was an insightful trip. It was a special club, and it’s a club now that I always look for, for the scores and see how they’re doing. Athletic Club is a club that I’ll be following now forever.”
