Yeray Álvarez is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Athletic Bilbao.
Yeray joined Athletic Bilbao's youth setup at Lezama in 2008, starting his journey in professional football.
He made his professional debut with CD Baskonia in the Tercera División during the 2013-2014 season.
Biography
Early Life
Yeray Álvarez López, known simply as Yeray, was born in Barakaldo, Biscay, in the Basque Country. He joined the youth setup of Athletic Bilbao at the age of 13 in 2008, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for football.
Career Progression
Yeray began his professional career with CD Baskonia in the 2013-2014 season, before moving to Athletic Bilbao B from 2014 to 2016. His breakthrough came when he was promoted to the first team of Athletic Club in 2016. He made his competitive debut on September 15, 2016, in a UEFA Europa League match against US Sassuolo Calcio, and shortly after, he played his first La Liga match. Over the years, Yeray established himself as a regular starter, showcasing his talent as a centre-back.
Yeray's international career began with the Spain under-21 team, where he debuted in March 2017. He was later called up to the senior national team for a friendly match against Switzerland in June 2018. Additionally, he has represented the Basque Country regional team since 2020.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Yeray has contributed to Athletic Bilbao's success, including winning the Copa del Rey in the 2023-24 season and being a runner-up in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. He also helped the team secure the Supercopa de España in 2021. His journey from youth leagues to professional football exemplifies his dedication and skill in the sport.
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Career & Clubs
Born in Barakaldo, Biscay, Basque Country, Yeray joined Athletic Bilbao's youth setup at Lezama in 2008, aged 13. He played in the 2012–13 NextGen Series with the Juvenil A side, and made his debut as a senior with CD Basconia (the farm team) in the following season, in the Tercera División. On 26 May 2014, Yeray was promoted to the reserves who competed in the Segunda División B. He contributed with 36 appearances and one goal during the campaign – play-offs included – as they returned to Segunda División after a 19-year absence. Yeray played his first professional game on 24 August 2015, coming on as a second-half substitute for Jurgi Oteo in a 1–0 home loss against Girona FC. He was a regular starter during that season, but the side were immediately relegated back as dead last. In the 2016 pre-season, Yeray was promoted to the main squad, and he made his competitive debut on 15 September of that year when he played the full 90 minutes in a 3–0 away defeat to US Sassuolo Calcio in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. His maiden La Liga appearance took place three days later, replacing Eneko Bóveda in a 2–1 home win over Valencia CF. Yeray subsequently became a regular starter for the Lions, appearing in 17 out of a possible 20 matches in all competitions. Due to the nature of his progression through the youth departments, he held the unusual distinction of having played in a different league every season from 2008 to 2016 without interruption: five youth year levels…
On 23 March 2017, Yeray made his debut for the Spain under-21 team in a friendly match against Denmark. He was selected in the squad for that year's UEFA European Championships, before withdrawing due to illness prior to the start of the tournament. Even though he was not part of the squad of 23 for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals, Yeray was picked by full side manager Julen Lopetegui for a friendly with Switzerland to be held on 3 June. He remained an unused substitute in the 1–1 draw. Yeray also played for the unofficial Basque Country team, making his debut against Costa Rica in November 2020.
- Club
- CD Baskonia (2013–2014)
- Club
- Athletic Bilbao B (2014–2016)
- Club
- Athletic Club (2016–)
- Club
- Basque Country regional football team (2020–)
- Club
- Spain national under-21 association football team (2017–2017)
- Club
- Barakaldo CF (2005–2007)
- Club
- Danok Bat CF (2007–2008)
- Club
- Athletic Club (2008–2013)
- National team
- Spain
Legacy
Athletic Bilbao
Copa del Rey: 2023–24; runner-up: 2019–20, 2020–21 Supercopa de España: 2021; runner-up: 2022
Clubs
- Athletic Club2016current
- Basque Country regional football team2020current
- Barakaldo CF2005–2007
- Danok Bat CF2007–2008
- Athletic Club2008–2013
- CD Baskonia2013–2014
- Athletic Bilbao B2014–2016
- Spain national under-21 association football team2017–2017
Played together with
Aarón MartínSpain national under-21 association football team
Aarón ÑíguezSpain national under-21 association football team · 2008–2009- Abel BuadesBarakaldo CF · 2010–2011
Abelardo FernándezSpain national under-21 association football team · 1990–1991
Adama BoiroAthletic Bilbao B · 2024–2024- Adama BoiroAthletic Club · 2024
Adama TraoréSpain national under-21 association football team · 2018–2018
Adelardo RodríguezSpain national under-21 association football team · 1960–1960
Adolfo AldanaSpain national under-21 association football team · 1988–1988- Adrien GoñiAthletic Bilbao B · 2007–2011
- Adrien GoñiAthletic Club · 2003–2006
- Adrien GoñiAthletic Club · 2009–2011
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Yeray Álvarez López, known simply as Yeray, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for La Liga club Athletic Bilbao.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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