| Season: | 1996–97 |
| Stadium: | San Mamés |
| Manager: | Luis Fernández |
| Mgrtitle: | Head coach |
| Chrtitle: | President |
| Chairman: | José María Arrate |
| League: | La Liga |
| League Result: | 6th |
| Cup1: | Copa del Rey |
| Cup1 Result: | 4th Round |
| League Topscorer: | Cuco Ziganda, 17[1] |
| Season Topscorer: | Ismael Urzaiz, 18 |
| Prevseason: | 1995–96 |
| Nextseason: | 1997–98 |
The 1996–97 season was the 96th season in Athletic Bilbao's history and their 66th consecutive season in La Liga, the top division of Spanish football.
Athletic had been without a permanent head coach since replacing Dragoslav Stepanović with caretaker manager José María Amorrortu in March 1996. They filled the vacancy ahead of the new season by appointing Spanish-born Frenchman Luis Fernández,[2] previously manager of Paris Saint-Germain in his adopted homeland.
Fernández's appointment led to an immediate improvement in league form, and Bilbao finished the La Liga season in 6th place.[3] This was their best league finish since 1993 - 94, and also meant a return to the UEFA Cup in 1997 - 98.
Their performance in the Copa del Rey, however, left room for improvement. They were eliminated at the last sixteen stage by Racing Santander, following an ill-tempered second leg at San Mamés which saw three players red carded.[4]
1. Mendiguren was transferred to Las Palmas during the season.[6]
2. Bolo was loaned to Osasuna during the season.[6]
See main article: 1996–97 La Liga.