Alejandro Balde Martnez, born on October 18, 2003, in Barcelona, Catalonia, has been making waves in the football world with his impressive performances for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. This young left-back has quickly become a fan favorite and a crucial player in Xavi's squad. In this article, we delve into the journey of Alejandro Balde, exploring his early days, his rise to prominence, and the surprises he has received from his teammates on his birthday.
Balde's journey in football began at a young age. He joined Espanyol's youth academy at eight years old and later moved to FC Barcelona in 2011. His talent and dedication earned him a contract renewal with Barcelona until 2024 with a release clause of 500 million euros in July 2021.
During the 2021-2022 season, Balde impressed during pre-season and began the new campaign as Jordi Alba's primary back-up at the Camp Nou. He made his first official match for Barcelona's first team on September 14, 2021, replacing Alba in the 74th minute of a 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
The 2022-2023 season saw Balde given a more prominent role by coach Xavi. He started in more league matches than Jordi Alba and received more minutes in important matches. This increased responsibility was a testament to his growth and adaptability as a player. On September 20, 2023, it was announced that Balde would sign a new contract at the club until 2028 with a buy-out clause set at 1 billion.
However, Balde's season took a significant turn when he suffered a hamstring injury in his right foot on January 24, 2024. The injury forced him to undergo surgery and left him out of the rest of the season. Despite this setback, his contributions to the team were already evident, and he remains a key player for Barcelona's future plans.
Balde's international career has also been marked by significant milestones. He received a surprise call-up to the Spain national team two days before the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to an injury to Valencia left-back Jos Gay. On November 23, 2022, he made his first international appearance in a 7-0 win against Costa Rica, substituting for Jordi Alba in the 64th minute.
The bond between Balde and his teammates is evident in the way they celebrate his birthdays. In October 2024, on the occasion of his 21st birthday, the entire squad surprised him with a video showing them singing and celebrating. This gesture highlights the camaraderie and respect within the team.
Balde's rise to prominence has not gone unnoticed by fans and analysts alike. He has been included in the La Liga Team of the Season for 2022-2023 and has received recognition as part of the IFFHS Men's World Youth (U20) Team and IFFHS Men's Youth (U20) UEFA Team in 2023.
As Barcelona continues to shape its future, players like Alejandro Balde are crucial components. His dedication, talent, and adaptability make him an essential part of Xavi's strategy. The hope is that he will continue to grow and contribute significantly to both club and country.
In conclusion, Alejandro Balde's journey from a young player in Barcelona's youth academy to a key figure in the first team is a testament to hard work and determination. His impact on both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team is undeniable, and fans eagerly await his next move on the field.
