Álex Baena Stats, Age, Salary & Net Worth
Álex Baena is a Spanish attacking midfielder and left-sided creator for Atlético Madrid. He gives the Spain World Cup 2026 squad a direct passing option between midfield and attack. His current role blends chance creation, wide combinations, and late runs into scoring areas.
Baena was born in Roquetas de Mar, Almería, on 20 July 2001. Atlético confirmed his 2025 transfer from Villarreal and a contract running until 30 June 2030. He wears number 10 for Atlético and remains part of Spain’s senior international group.
Álex Baena Quick Answer
Álex Baena is a 24-year-old Spain international who plays for Atlético Madrid. His main position is left winger, while he can also play as an attacking midfielder. Transfermarkt lists him at 20 senior caps and 3 goals for Spain.
Early Life and Background
Baena grew up in Roquetas de Mar before Villarreal brought him into its academy in 2011. That move shaped the technical base that later defined his senior game. Villarreal’s pathway gave him time to develop as a passer, carrier, and final-third decision maker.
His first-team route did not rely on one sudden breakout. He moved through Villarreal C, Villarreal B, a Girona loan, and then Villarreal’s senior side. That gradual climb helped him handle LaLiga tempo before the Atlético transfer.
Birthplace, Family, and Youth Football Journey
Baena’s verified birthplace is Roquetas de Mar in Almería, Spain. Public football databases do not provide a detailed family record. His football path is clearer, since Atlético and Transfermarkt both trace his development through Villarreal.
He joined Villarreal from CD Roquetas as a young player. By 2020, he had already made his Villarreal first-team league debut against Real Sociedad. That early senior exposure set up his loan to Girona and his later return as a regular LaLiga player.
Álex Baena Personal Info and Profile
| Profile Detail | Álex Baena Info |
|---|---|
| Full name | Alejandro Baena Rodríguez |
| Date of birth | 20 July 2001 |
| Age | 24 |
| Nationality | Spain |
| Height | 172 cm |
| Weight | 68 kg |
| Position | Left winger / attacking midfielder |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | Atlético Madrid |
| Jersey number | 10 |
| Weekly salary | Estimated around EUR 160,192 per week |
| Estimated net worth | Will be updated soon |
Transfer News and Market Value
Atlético announced Baena after reaching an agreement with Villarreal in July 2025. The club confirmed a five-year contract that runs until 30 June 2030. Spanish outlets placed the transfer package around EUR 45 million plus add-ons.
His market value remains high after the move to Madrid. Transfermarkt lists him at EUR 40 million, updated on 5 June 2026. FotMob’s value model places him near EUR 41 million, with a past high above EUR 63 million.
Álex Baena Salary and Net Worth
Baena’s Atlético contract salary has not been published by the club. Capology estimates his 2025/26 gross fixed salary at EUR 8.33 million per year. That works out to about EUR 160,192 per week before bonuses.
His net worth does not have reliable primary-source verification. FWCTimes will keep the net worth field as Will be updated soon until stronger documentation appears. His salary estimate and market value give readers the best verified financial range today.
Álex Baena Club Career
Baena made his name at Villarreal as a creative midfielder with strong delivery from wide zones. He helped Villarreal win the 2020/21 UEFA Europa League before becoming a larger league presence. His 2023/24 season brought the clearest proof of his final-ball quality.
He led LaLiga for assists in 2023/24 and stayed productive again in 2024/25. Atlético then signed him to add creativity, pressing, and flexible midfield positioning. His first Atlético season mixed injuries, adaptation, and valuable minutes across several roles.
Early Clubs and Development
Baena started at CD Roquetas before Villarreal recruited him in 2011. He moved from academy football into Villarreal C and Villarreal B before the senior breakthrough. A Girona loan in 2021/22 gave him weekly senior responsibility in Segunda División.
That Girona spell mattered because he learned to carry a team through tight league matches. He returned to Villarreal with sharper timing and more confidence in the final third. The next step was becoming a regular creator in LaLiga.
Current Club and Recent Form
Baena now plays for Atlético Madrid under a long-term contract. FotMob lists his 2025/26 LaLiga line at 27 matches, 2 goals, and 3 assists. AS also reported 46 total Atlético appearances, with 28 starts and 2,305 minutes.
His Spain form has lifted again during World Cup 2026, including useful minutes around fixtures such as Spain vs Austria lineups. He also scored against Uruguay and assisted against Austria in recent Spain matches. That international rhythm helps explain why he remains relevant in Spain’s attacking rotation.
Álex Baena Club Career Stats
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021/22 | Girona | 38 | 5 | yet to be confirmed |
| 2023/24 | Villarreal | 34 | 2 | 14 |
| 2024/25 | Villarreal | 32 | 7 | 9 |
| 2025/26 | Atlético Madrid | 27 | 2 | 3 |
International Career
Baena has represented Spain from youth level through the senior national team. He made his senior debut in 2023 and scored in that first Spain appearance. Transfermarkt currently lists his senior Spain record at 20 caps and 3 goals.
Spain’s attacking group is deep, so Baena’s role depends on the opponent and lineup balance. FWCTimes tracks those choices in match pages such as Portugal vs Spain lineups. Baena gives Spain a player who can link midfield control with direct attacking actions.
Caps, Goals, and Major Tournaments
Baena has already been part of major Spain success. He won Euro 2024 with the senior team and Olympic gold with Spain U23 in Paris. His World Cup 2026 minutes show that Luis de la Fuente still values his creativity.
| National Team | Caps | Goals | Tournament Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain senior team | 20 | 3 | Euro 2024 and World Cup 2026 |
| Spain U23 | 5 | 2 | Paris 2024 Olympic gold |
| Spain U21 | 12 | 2 | European Under-21 Championship runner-up |
Honours and Trophies
Baena’s honours list already has major European and international trophies. He was part of Villarreal’s Europa League-winning squad in 2020/21. Spain then gave him Euro 2024 and Olympic gold in the same summer.
His individual reputation also comes from chance creation. Baena led LaLiga for assists in 2023/24 and later made the LaLiga Team of the Season. Those awards underline why Atlético targeted him as a long-term creative piece.
| Honour | Team | Season |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA Europa League | Villarreal | 2020/21 |
| UEFA European Championship | Spain | 2024 |
| Olympic gold medal | Spain U23 | 2024 |
| LaLiga top assist provider | Villarreal | 2023/24 |
| LaLiga Team of the Season | Villarreal | 2024/25 |
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Baena plays with his head up and looks early for runners behind the defensive line. He can receive wide, move inside, and deliver passes from the half-space. That profile suits Spain’s possession game and Atlético’s need for sharper final-third service.
His best work comes when he finds space between the full-back and centre-back. He can cross, slip passes into the box, or combine before arriving late. His defensive output is lighter than his creative output, so team structure matters around him.
Position, Role, and Standout Qualities
Transfermarkt lists Baena’s main position as left winger. It also lists attacking midfield and right wing as secondary roles. That flexibility gives both club and country several ways to use him.
With Spain, Baena can support young attackers such as Lamine Yamal player profile by creating from deeper zones. He does not need to dominate every possession to change a match. One accurate pass or set-piece delivery can tilt a tight knockout game.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Álex Baena?
Álex Baena is 24 years old. He was born on 20 July 2001 in Roquetas de Mar, Spain.
Which club does Álex Baena play for?
Álex Baena plays for Atlético Madrid. Atlético signed him from Villarreal on a contract until 30 June 2030.
What position does Álex Baena play?
Baena mainly plays as a left winger. He can also work as an attacking midfielder or right winger.
Does Álex Baena play for Spain?
Yes. Transfermarkt lists him as a current Spain international with 20 senior caps and 3 goals.
What are Álex Baena's salary and net worth?
Capology estimates his Atlético salary near EUR 160,192 per week. His net worth remains Will be updated soon.
Conclusion
Álex Baena is one of Spain’s most useful creative midfielders before World Cup 2026 ends. His Atlético move raised expectations, and his Spain minutes have restored momentum. The strongest verified markers are clear: age 24, Atlético number 10, and senior Spain status.
His club season has not matched his best Villarreal output yet. Still, his passing range, set-piece quality, and tournament experience keep him important. Spain can use him as a starter, connector, or bench weapon depending on the match plan.
Read Also: Spain World Cup squad update
