Álex Baena is a Spanish footballer who plays as a midfielder for Atlético de Madrid and the Spanish national team. His ability to create chances, assist, strike from set pieces, and play in different positions has made him one of the most complete alternatives for Luis de la Fuente.
His full name is Alejandro Baena Rodríguez. He was born on July 20, 2001, in Roquetas de Mar, Almería, so he is 24 years old and will turn 25 one day after the final of the 2026 World Cup between Spain and Argentina. He is 1.74 meters tall. (Club Atlético de Madrid)
What team does Álex Baena play for
Álex Baena plays for Atlético de Madrid and wears the number 10 shirt. The red-and-white club signed him on July 2, 2025, from Villarreal and made him a five-season contract, until June 30, 2030. (Club Atlético de Madrid)
His signing responded to the search for a midfielder with creativity, final pass, and the ability to occupy both an interior position and the left wing. Atlético defines him as a versatile player, with dribbling, game vision, striking, and ease of assisting.
Where is Álex Baena from
Álex Baena was born in Roquetas de Mar, in the province of Almería. He started playing football in Andalusia before joining the Villarreal youth academy in 2011 when he was ten years old.
The midfielder completed his training at the Castellón club and reached the first team. His debut in the First Division occurred on July 13, 2020, against Real Sociedad.
What has been Álex Baena's career path
Baena was trained in the lower categories of Villarreal and began his professional career with the yellow team. After his first matches with the first team, he was loaned to Girona during the 2021-2022 season.
His time at the Catalan club allowed him to gain experience and have continuity. After returning to Villarreal, he established himself as one of the most productive midfielders in LaLiga due to his ability to generate chances and find the final pass.
Before signing for Atlético, he played 148 matches with Villarreal, in which he scored 26 goals and provided 40 assists.
His professional trajectory includes:
* Villarreal, between 2020 and 2021.
* Girona, during the 2021-2022 season.
* Villarreal, between 2022 and 2025.
* Atlético de Madrid, since 2025.
What position does Álex Baena play
Álex Baena is a midfielder, although he can perform various functions within the attack.
He can play as:
* Left interior.
* Attacking midfielder.
* Left winger.
* Offensive midfielder.
* Second striker in certain systems.
His position changes according to the team's approach. He can start from the wing to receive with space, appear inside to associate with the forwards or drop back to participate in the build-up of the play.
This versatility allows Spain to use him both to control the ball and to accelerate the attack during the second half.
How Álex Baena plays
Baena stands out for his game vision and his ability to find passes between the opposing defenders. He is a player who seeks to receive near the area and tries to turn every possession into a goal-scoring opportunity.
He also has a precise strike with his right foot. He can take direct free kicks, deliver crosses, and execute corner kicks, a quality especially useful when matches remain tight.
During his last two seasons with Villarreal, he provided 24 assists and scored seven goals in his last LaLiga season before joining Atlético.
What number does Álex Baena wear with Spain
Álex Baena wears the number 15 with Spain in the 2026 World Cup. With Atlético de Madrid, he uses number 10.
The number of the national team does not determine his position within the team. Luis de la Fuente has counted on him both as a starter and from the bench during the tournament.
Álex Baena's goal in the 2026 World Cup
Álex Baena scored the goal with which Spain defeated Uruguay 0-1 during the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
The goal came in the third match of the national team and allowed Luis de la Fuente's team to finish first in their group. A mistake by Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera facilitated the action that Baena converted into the only goal of the match.
The midfielder had been a starter in the previous two matches and finished that game as one of the protagonists of the Spanish qualification.
Álex Baena's tribute after scoring with Spain
After his goal against Uruguay, Baena dedicated the celebration to María, a friend who had passed away on April 16, 2026, at the age of 13.
The player pointed to the sky after scoring and was named man of the match. The Spanish Federation explained that the goal and the recognition had a particularly personal meaning for him.
Álex Baena in the Euro 2024
Álex Baena was part of the Spanish national team that won the Euro 2024 in Germany.
Luis de la Fuente included him in the call-up and the midfielder participated in the tournament that ended with Spain's victory over England in the final.
This title confirmed his entry into the usual group of the senior national team after having gone through all the national categories since the under-16.
Álex Baena and the Olympic gold of Paris
Baena also won the gold medal with Spain at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The midfielder was part of the team that defeated France in the final and closed that summer with two international titles: the Eurocup with the senior team and the Olympic gold.
UEFA highlights both championships among the main achievements of his career.
What titles has Álex Baena won
Álex Baena has won titles with Villarreal and with the Spanish national teams.
Among his main trophies are:
* Europa League 2021 with Villarreal.
* Eurocup 2024 with Spain.
* Gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The Europa League was the first major title of his professional career. He won it with Villarreal after defeating Manchester United in the final.
How many matches has Álex Baena played with Spain
Álex Baena began his international journey in the lower categories and has represented Spain since the under-16 team.
His debut with the senior team occurred in September 2023. Since then, he has participated in the Eurocup, the World Cup qualifying phase, and the 2026 World Cup itself.
The RFEF and UEFA place him among the international midfielders of Spain, although his total number of matches must be updated after each tournament match.
Can Álex Baena play the final against Argentina
Álex Baena is part of the Spanish national team that plays the final of the 2026 World Cup against Argentina this Sunday, July 19.
His set-piece striking, his ability to assist, and his ease of occupying different positions make him one of Luis de la Fuente's main alternatives during the match.
The official lineup will determine whether he starts as a starter or waits for his opportunity on the bench. UEFA includes the final between Spain and Argentina as his next international match.
NOTE OF FIDELITY: All content comes from consulted official sources. Álex Baena's starting position in the final is not presented as confirmed until the RFEF publishes the lineup.