26 Ander Astralaga

Ander Astralaga Aranguren, born on March 3, 2004, in Berango, Biscay, Basque Country, began his football journey with the local club Karabigane. His talent as a goalkeeper quickly gained attention, leading to his move to Athletic Bilbao’s youth academy in 2014. However, it was in 2018 that his career took a significant leap when he joined La Masia, FC Barcelona’s prestigious youth system.

At La Masia, Astralaga steadily progressed through the youth ranks, developing his skills and proving himself as a reliable shot-stopper. His hard work culminated in his debut for Barça Atlètic, Barcelona’s reserve team, on March 27, 2022, in a match against Betis Deportivo.

Breakthrough at Barcelona

Astralaga’s growing reputation earned him his first call-up to Barcelona’s senior matchday squad on January 28, 2023, for a La Liga fixture against Girona FC. Though he did not feature in the game, his inclusion signified the club’s trust in his abilities. In April 2023, Barcelona reinforced this faith by offering him a contract extension until June 2025.

His most significant milestone came on December 22, 2023, when he made his unofficial first-team debut for Barcelona in a friendly match against Club América in Dallas. The appearance marked an important step in his journey toward securing a place in the senior squad.

International Career

Astralaga has also made his mark at the international level, representing Spain in various youth categories. On October 10, 2021, he made his debut for Spain’s U18 team in a match against Romania U18. After six appearances at that level, he was promoted to the U19 team.

His debut for Spain U19 came on August 29, 2022, in a friendly against Israel U19, which ended in a goalless draw. He continued to impress in international competitions, playing against Norway U19 in the UEFA U19 European Championship on July 10, 2023, where he once again kept a clean sheet in another 0-0 draw.

Personal Life

Football talent runs in the Astralaga family. Ander’s younger sister, Eunate Astralaga, born in 2005, is also a goalkeeper. She has played for Athletic Club Femenino B and was a part of the Spain women’s U19 team in 2024, showcasing the family’s shared passion for goalkeeping.

As Ander Astralaga continues to develop within Barcelona’s system, his potential suggests he could become a key figure in the club’s future. With his solid performances at both club and international levels, he remains a young talent to watch in Spanish football.