Álex Baena: Stats, Career Profile, and Atlético Madrid Move

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Álex Baena: The Complete Player Profile, Stats, and Career Guide

If you follow European soccer, the name Álex Baena is hard to ignore. Over the last few seasons, the Spanish midfielder has grown into one of La Liga’s most exciting talents. He combines precise passing with a sharp eye for goal. Whether you want to track his early days at Villarreal or his massive 2025 transfer to Atlético Madrid, his journey is worth studying. This guide covers his complete biography, career stats, and playing style.

Alejandro “Álex” Baena Rodríguez is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder and left winger. He currently represents Atlético Madrid and the Spain national team. He is widely recognized for his high assist numbers, technical vision, and elite playmaking abilities in La Liga.

Key Takeaways

Youth Origins: Started at CD Roquetas before joining Villarreal’s famous academy in 2011.
Assist Leader: Led La Liga in assists during the 2023–2024 season.
Major Transfer: Moved to Atlético Madrid in July 2025 for a reported €42 million to €58 million fee.
National Trophies: Won UEFA Euro 2024 and an Olympic Gold medal with Spain in 2024.

Who is Álex Baena?

Alejandro Baena Rodríguez was born on July 20, 2001, in Roquetas de Mar, Spain. Growing up in a coastal town in Andalusia, he showed a natural talent for soccer very early. His family actively supported his passion. He soon joined his local team, CD Roquetas, at just six years old.

Early Life and Youth Career

Baena spent four formative years at his local club. In 2011, at 10 years old, he caught the attention of Villarreal CF. He moved to their academy and worked his way through the youth ranks. Playing in the domestic youth leagues, he quickly established himself as an elite prospect. His technical skills and deep understanding of the game set him apart from his peers.

Club Career Progression

Breaking Through at Villarreal

Álex Baena made his senior debut for Villarreal in December 2019 during a Copa del Rey match. He gained valuable first-team experience over the next two years. In the 2021–2022 season, Villarreal sent him on loan to Girona in the Segunda División. There, he scored five goals and became a highly reliable playmaker.

He returned to Villarreal for the 2022–2023 season and immediately made an impact. Across his extended time with the “Yellow Submarine,” Baena racked up over 120 appearances. During the 2023–2024 season, Baena led all of La Liga with 14 assists. This incredible performance earned him a well-deserved spot in the La Liga Team of the Season.

The Big Move to Atlético Madrid (2025)

In July 2025, Baena took the next big step in his career. He transferred to Atlético Madrid. Reports indicate the transfer fee was between €42 million and €58 million. Manager Diego Simeone brought him in to add creativity and a fresh attacking threat to the squad.

Wearing the number 10 shirt, Baena instantly began contributing. During the 2025–2026 season, he adapted quickly to a high-intensity system. He has already made over 40 appearances across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, helping Atlético transition smoothly from defense to attack.

International Success with Spain

Baena’s success is not limited to club football. He represented Spain at almost every youth level, from Under-16 to Under-23. In 2023, he earned his debut for the senior national team.

The year 2024 was massive for his international career. He helped the senior squad win the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. Just weeks later, he joined the Under-23 team at the 2024 Paris Olympics and took home the gold medal. He remains a core piece of Spain’s midfield rotation during their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

Playing Style and Tactics

Álex Baena plays primarily as a left winger or attacking midfielder. He relies on his favored right foot to cut inside and create scoring chances.

Playmaking: He has exceptional vision and timing. This allows him to split tight defenses with accurate through balls.
Ball Retention: Baena is extremely comfortable under pressure. He rarely loses possession in tight spaces.
Set Pieces: He is highly effective at taking free kicks and corner kicks, adding a dead-ball threat to his team.
Work Rate: Like many modern midfielders, he tracks back aggressively. He helps his team defend the moment they lose possession.

Álex Baena Stats and Career Achievements

Here is a quick look at some of his notable personal details and career milestones.

Category	Details
Full Name	Alejandro Baena Rodríguez
Date of Birth	July 20, 2001 (Age 24)
Current Club	Atlético Madrid (Joined July 2025)
Position	Attacking Midfielder / Left Winger
Height	1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)
Major Honors	UEFA Euro 2024 Winner, 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist
Individual Awards	La Liga Top Assist Provider (23/24), La Liga TOTS (24/25)

Conclusion (Final Verdict)

Álex Baena has grown from a promising youth academy player into a world-class midfielder. His passing ability, vision, and winning mentality make him a star. With his massive move to Atlético Madrid and his ongoing role in the Spanish national team, his overall influence on the game continues to rise. He is definitely a player to watch closely as he enters the prime years of his career.

Next Steps

Want to stay updated on his latest matches and market value?

Check out his official stats and live match ratings on reliable sports platforms. Use this Álex Baena stats on FotMob to track his current season performances.
Review his complete transfer history and market value updates via this Álex Baena Transfermarkt profile.
Follow Atlético Madrid’s official social media channels to watch his weekly match highlights and interviews.