Alejandro Baena Rodríguez

Álex Baena, full name Alejandro Baena Rodríguez, is a Spanish left midfielder who operates from wide and advanced central areas. Born in Roquetas de Mar on 20 July 2001, he joined Villarreal’s youth setup in 2011 and progressed through the club’s academy. Baena made his senior debut for Villarreal C in December 2018 before appearing for the first team in La Liga against Real Sociedad in July 2020. He was part of Villarreal’s 2020–21 UEFA Europa League-winning squad and scored his first professional goal against Maccabi Tel Aviv during that campaign. A 2021–22 loan at Girona helped him contribute to the club’s promotion to La Liga. In 2024, Baena was involved in Spain’s European Championship and Olympic triumphs, scoring a free-kick in the Olympic final. He later joined Atlético Madrid, while continuing his Spain pathway after representing the country at youth level.