Iván Balliu

Barcelona

Born in Caldes de Malavella, Girona, Catalonia to an Albanian father and a Spanish mother, Balliu began playing football at the age of 4 with Unió Esportiva Caldes, joining Girona five years later and completing his development at Barcelona's La Masia. He made his senior debut in the 2010–11 season, playing two Segunda División games with the latter's reserves and starting against Girona in a 2–0 away win. In that year, he was also captain of the treble-winning Juvenil A team.

Arouca

On 30 May 2013, Balliu's contract expired and he was told by Barcelona that he would be released. One month later, he signed with Arouca in Portugal for two seasons, making his Primeira Liga debut on 1 September in a 1–0 home victory over Rio Ave (90 minutes played).

Metz

Balliu joined French club Metz on 17 July 2015, on a two-year deal. He scored his first goal as a professional on 16 October, helping the hosts come from behind in the 2–2 home draw with Clermont. After contributing 24 appearances in his first season to help his team to return to Ligue 1 after a one-year absence, Balliu's first match in the competition occurred on 13 August 2016, in a 3–2 home win over Lille.

Almería

On 12 August 2019, Balliu agreed to a two-year contract with Almería of the Spanish second division. He scored his first goal in his country of birth on 7 March 2020, helping the hosts defeat Deportivo de La Coruña 4–0.

Rayo Vallecano

Balliu moved to newly…

Of Albanian descent on his father's side, Balliu was eligible to represent Albania, speaking of his interest in an interview on 24 October 2016. On 22 August 2017, he received Albanian citizenship, thus becoming eligible to play for the national team. He was called up for the first time shortly after when newly appointed coach Christian Panucci picked him for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Macedonia on 2 and 5 September, and earned his first cap also during that stage, playing the first half of the 3–0 loss to Spain in Alicante on 6 October. Balliu soon faced strong competition for a place in the squad, mostly from established right-back Elseid Hysaj. Later on, he had to fight for position with emerging defensive options such as Mario Mitaj. Following his transfer to Almería, Balliu began being regularly overlooked by new manager Edoardo Reja despite having two solid seasons in the second tier. On 10 June 2022, in a 2022–23 UEFA Nations League B fixture against Israel, he won a penalty after being fouled late in the first half which Armando Broja converted for the opening goal, but the hosts were eventually beaten 2–1 at the Arena Kombëtare. Balliu was selected by coach Sylvinho for the UEFA Euro 2024 finals. In a group-stage exit, his only appearance of the tournament was a 1–0 defeat against his native Spain in Düsseldorf.

Club

As of match played 5 September 2026

International

As of match played 31 March 2026

Balliu's father, Salvador, served as mayor of Caldes de Malavella between 2011 and 2025. The former married Marta Soler on 17 June 2017.