Alejandro Balde is a Spanish-Dominican professional footballer known for his role as a left-back.
He returned to FC Barcelona's first team in 2021 after a successful youth career at the club.
Balde signed a contract renewal with Barcelona in July 2021, which included a release clause of 500 million euros.
Biography
Early Life
Alejandro Balde Martínez was born in Barcelona, Catalonia, to a Dominican mother and a Bissau-Guinean father. His multicultural background has played a significant role in shaping his identity as a professional footballer. Balde began his football journey at a young age, joining the youth ranks of RCD Espanyol de Barcelona before making a pivotal move to FC Barcelona in 2011 at just eight years old.
Career
Balde's career at FC Barcelona has been marked by impressive milestones. After progressing through the youth system, he made his first official appearance for the first team on September 14, 2021, during a UEFA Champions League match against Bayern Munich. His talent shone brightly during the 2022–23 season, where he became a key player under coach Xavi, often starting ahead of veteran Jordi Alba. On May 14, 2023, he scored his first goal for Barcelona in a crucial match against Espanyol, contributing to the team's league title victory.
In September 2023, Balde signed a new contract with Barcelona, extending his stay until 2028 with a staggering buyout clause of €1 billion. His international career took off when he was called up to the Spain national team just before the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making his debut in a dominant 7–0 win against Costa Rica.
Playing Style
Known for his exceptional pace, dribbling skills, and attacking contributions, Balde has established himself as a formidable left-back. His ability to carry the ball through opposition lines has made him a valuable asset for both his club and national team, showcasing his potential to become one of the top defenders in football.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Born in Barcelona, Catalonia, to a Dominican mother and Bissau-Guinean father, Balde joined Barcelona in 2011 at the age of eight after coming up through ranks at Espanyol. In July 2021, he signed a contract renewal with Barcelona until 2024 with a release clause of 500 million euros. Balde impressed during pre-season in the summer 2021, and began the new campaign as Jordi Alba's primary back-up at the Camp Nou. He sat on the bench for the opening match against Real Sociedad and the next game against Athletic Bilbao. On 14 September, he played his first official match for Barcelona's first team replacing Alba in the 74th minute of a 3–0 loss to Bayern Munich in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. From the start of the 2022–23 season, Balde was given a more prominent role by coach Xavi, starting in more league matches than Jordi Alba and receiving more minutes in important matches. On 14 May, he scored his first goal for the club in a 4–2 away win over Espanyol, where his team secured the league title. On 20 September, it was announced that Balde would sign a new contract at the club until 2028, with the buyout clause set at €1 billion. On 24 January 2024, he suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg, having to undergo surgery after leaving the pitch in tears against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, which Barcelona lost 4–2, and ending up missing the rest of the season. On 12 January 2025, Balde scored his first El Clásico goal in the 2025…
Balde is of Dominican descent through his mother and was eligible to play for Dominican Republic or Spain, but pledged allegiance to La Roja. He received a surprise call-up to the Spain national team two days before the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as Valencia left-back José Gayà had injured his ankle in the training camp. On 23 November 2022, he made his first international appearance in a 7–0 win against Costa Rica, substituting for Jordi Alba in the 64th minute.
Balde is known for his pace, dribbling, and attacking contributions. His speed is also a great asset for him when he carries the ball through opposition lines.
Club
As of match played 23 May 2026
International
As of match played 12 October 2023
- Club
- FC Barcelona (2011–2021)
- Club
- RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (2010–2011)
- Club
- CE Sant Gabriel (2009–2010)
- Club
- FC Barcelona (2021–)
- Club
- FC Barcelona Atlètic (2020–2022)
- Club
- Spain men's national football team (2022–2023)
- National team
- Spain
Clubs
Played together with
Aarón MartínRCD Espanyol de Barcelona · 2016–2019
Abde EzzalzouliFC Barcelona · 2021–2023- Abde EzzalzouliFC Barcelona Atlètic · 2021–2022
Abel ResinoSpain men's national football team · 1991–1991
Abel RuizFC Barcelona
Abelardo FernándezFC Barcelona · 1994–2002- Abelardo FernándezRCD Espanyol de Barcelona
- Abelardo FernándezSpain men's national football team · 1991–2001
- Abraham González CasanovaFC Barcelona · 2008–2009
- Abraham González CasanovaFC Barcelona · 2009–2009
- Abraham González CasanovaFC Barcelona Atlètic · 2007–2009
- Abraham González CasanovaRCD Espanyol de Barcelona · 2013–2016
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Alejandro Balde Martínez is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a left-back for La Liga club Barcelona and the Spain national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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