3 Alejandro Balde

Alejandro Balde was born on October 18, 2003, in Barcelona, Catalonia, to a Bissau-Guinean father and a Dominican mother. From an early age, football was an integral part of his life. He initially played in Espanyol’s youth academy before joining La Masia, Barcelona’s renowned youth system, in 2011 at the age of eight. His talent quickly became evident, and he progressed through the ranks, establishing himself as one of the club’s brightest prospects.

Breakthrough at Barcelona

In July 2021, Balde signed a professional contract with Barcelona, which included a staggering €500 million release clause—a clear indication of the club’s confidence in his potential. He impressed during pre-season and was named as Jordi Alba’s primary backup for the 2021–22 season. His senior debut came on September 14, 2021, when he replaced Alba in a UEFA Champions League match against Bayern Munich. Although Barcelona suffered a 3–0 defeat, Balde’s performance hinted at his capabilities at the highest level.

Becoming a Key Player

By the 2022–23 season, Balde had earned the trust of manager Xavi and became Barcelona’s first-choice left-back, often starting ahead of the experienced Alba. His influence grew throughout the campaign, and he played a crucial role in helping Barcelona reclaim the La Liga title. A major milestone in his career came on May 14, 2023, when he scored his first senior goal for the club in a 4–2 victory over Espanyol. His rapid progress earned him a new contract in September 2023, extending his stay at the club until 2028 with a record €1 billion buyout clause.

Injury Setback and Comeback

Despite his rise, Balde faced a significant setback in January 2024 when he suffered a serious hamstring injury in a Copa del Rey match against Athletic Bilbao. The injury forced him to undergo surgery, prematurely ending his season. However, he made a triumphant return in 2025, delivering a standout performance in the Supercopa de España final against Real Madrid. Scoring his first-ever El Clásico goal in first-half stoppage time, he played a key role in Barcelona’s commanding 5–2 victory.

International Career with Spain

Although eligible to represent Guinea-Bissau, Balde chose to play for Spain. His call-up to the national team came just two days before the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as an emergency replacement for the injured José Gayà. He made his debut in a dominant 7–0 win over Costa Rica, further establishing himself as a key figure for Spain’s future.

Playing Style and Strengths

Balde is widely regarded as one of the most promising left-backs in world football. His playing style is characterized by explosive pace, dribbling ability, and strong attacking contributions. His speed allows him to recover defensively, making him effective in transitions. While some critics point out occasional lapses in defensive positioning, his technical ability and composure on the ball continue to improve, making him a crucial asset for both Barcelona and Spain.

Future Prospects

At just 21 years old, Balde’s future remains incredibly bright. With Barcelona investing heavily in his development and Spain looking to integrate him as their long-term left-back, he has the potential to become one of the defining full-backs of his generation. Whether through his dynamic runs, game-changing performances, or resilience in overcoming setbacks, Alejandro Balde is a player destined for greatness.