Aymeric Laporte
Athletic Club · UEFA Nations League · Defender · #14 · Spain · 31 yrs
Aymeric Laporte news
2026 World Cup winner Aymeric Laporte is reportedly a target for Barcelona in a €15M move
Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Aymeric Laporte established as one of the tournament's best defenders, becoming an undisputed starter for Spain. As a result, Barcelona are reportedly considering a €15 million move for the 32-year-old defender. After leaving Al Nassr unexpectedly in 2025, Aymeric Laporte seemed almost destined to gradually decline in his level of play. However, he rediscovered his form at Athletic Club, allowing him to arrive at the 2026 World Cup as a starter. After establishing as one of the best defenders, the 32-year-old has attracted Barcelona’s attention, as they are reportedly open to a €15 million move. Head coach Luis de la Fuente made Aymeric Laporte his undisputed starter in defense. Despite coming off a fairly inconsistent season, he formed one of the best defensive partnerships alongside Pau Cubarsí. He played 729 minutes across eight matches, helping Spain finish as the team with the fewest goals conceded. After this outstanding level, Barcelona are reportedly pursuing his signing this summer. According to Carlos Monfort, via Diario Sport, Barcelona are determined to contact Aymeric Laporte’s camp in the coming days. As one of the best left-sided defenders, they consider the 32-year-old star to be a world-class player. Even though the relationship between Athletic Club and the Blaugrana is not the best, the defender has a €15 million release clause, making him quite affordable. Aymeric Laporte could be the ideal solution to Barcelona’s defensive inconsistencies. Having already developed a good understanding with Pau Cubarsí, this partnership could provide the team with the stability it had with Iñigo Martínez. As a 32-year-old veteran, he would not block Gerard Martín’s development; instead, he would be key to helping him improve his level. Gonzalo Montiel #4 of Argentina competes for the ball against Aymeric Laporte #14 of Spain. Aymeric Laporte potential deal could force Barcelona to offload stars Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Barcelona reportedly have three untouchable defenders: Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, and Gerard Martín. However, head coach Hansi Flick would be open to bringing in Aymeric Laporte, as he fulfills the role of a veteran, offers quality in building out from the back. If they secure his arrival, the Blaugrana could need to part ways with some stars in their defensive line. Both Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araújo could be transferred if Laporte’s arrival is completed. Although neither of them wants to leave, they could be relegated to having little or no playing time, making a departure a real possibility. With the departure of both defenders, Barcelona could reduce their defensive unit to just four players, looking to give all of them significant playing time during the season. Aymeric Laporte’s arrival would not be directly linked to the departures of Araújo and Christensen. Instead, the signing of the 32-year-old star could push both defenders to leave the club if they want regular playing time. However, Barcelona have not yet managed to complete the signing of the 2026 World Cup winner, so these are still only speculations.
Spain end their 16-year drought by winning the 2026 World Cup and breaking four major records
Although they weren't considered top contenders, Spain managed to defeat Argentina, ending a 16-year drought by winning the 2026 World Cup. With this victory, they broke four records in the tournament. Spain established as the best team of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Showing admirable consistency, Luis de la Fuente’s team defeated Argentina in a highly competitive match. Led by Ferran Torres, they ended a 16-year drought since their last World Cup title, edging their second-ever title in the competition. Not only did they return to being a brilliant side, but they also managed to break four major records along the way. According to Guinness World Records, via X, formerly Twitter, Spain have managed to break four World Cup records: Most clean sheets – 7, Fewest goals conceded – 1, Oldest Manager to win the World Cup – Luis de la Fuente, and Longest unbeaten run in competitive men’s matches – 38. With these records, they highlight their greatest strength: They do not rely on a single player, but rather on a solid collective. Head coach Luis de la Fuente built his team very differently from the others. While some prioritized building an attacking side, he decided to focus on defensive solidity. Led by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, they became the team with the fewest goals conceded. In addition, Marc Cucurella and Rodri also contributed greatly to the team’s stability. Alongside them, Unai Simón returned to shine as the best goalkeeper of the tournament. Spain’s undefeated streak puts them ahead of Italy After losing the UEFA Nations League final on penalties, Spain appeared to lose their status as favorites ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, head coach Luis de la Fuente managed to establish a winning dynamic, accumulating 38 consecutive matches without defeat in regulation time. Following this, they have surpassed Italy, the last national team to establish such a streak for several years. Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain lifts the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy From 2018 to 2021, Italy accumulated a run of 37 unbeaten matches. While Luis de la Fuente’s team had already matched that record after defeating France, they have now extended it, setting a new mark. Spain’s last defeat came on March 22, 2024, when they lost 1–0 against Colombia in a friendly match in London. Luis de la Fuente: The mastermind behind Spain’s youth rise After the dismissal of Luis Enrique, the supporters foresaw a somewhat bleak future for Spain. However, the Spanish Soccer Federation decided to turn to Luis de la Fuente. Without extensive experience in clubs or senior national teams, he took charge of the national team. Demonstrating his knowledge of the youth ranks, he rebuilt the roster, winning UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro and World Cup, a historic path. Luis de la Fuente based much of his sporting project on Spain’s youth categories. After coaching every level of the national setup, he got to know first-hand all of the young talents such as Pau Cubarsí, Pedri, Gavi, Mikel Merino, Álex Baena, and more current stars. Relying on a possession-based style built around the wings, he excelled, maintaining a solid defense that allowed them to shine. Despite not arriving at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with much recognition, Luis de la Fuente is already considered by many supporters to be the greatest coach in Spain’s history. Not only did they win every trophy, but he also gave the team a highly dominant style of play, something that will remain in history. While the players are hugely important, it was the head coach who shaped the history of the national team.
Ferran Torres leads Spain past Lionel Messi’s Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup
In a match they completely dominated, Spain defeated Argentina to be crowned the 2026 World Cup champions. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal, bringing the game—which they completely dominated—full circle. Spain face Argentina in what promises to be a historic 2026 World Cup final. Not only is it the meeting between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, but it also features the two teams playing the best soccer style in the tournament. While Luis de la Fuente’s team stands out in midfield and defense, Lionel Scaloni’s team excels in attack, having plenty of weapons to shine. With this in mind, the match is expected to be highly competitive. Amid their defensive problems, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has managed to build a very impressive team. To do so, the midfield has been essential, applying constant pressure throughout the game, suffocating their opponents and preventing dangerous counterattacks. Nevertheless, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi, as he has been the most influential player of the entire 2026 World Cup and could shine in the goalscoring department. Head coach Luis de la Fuente has built the most consistent team in the tournament. Unlike the others, Spain have been built from the back forward, basing their structure around Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte, and Pau Cubarsí. In addition, Marc Cucurella has emerged as an essential part of the team, excelling with his runs down the flank. However, Lamine Yamal is the one carrying the pressure on his shoulders, as expectations are on him to lead Spain to victory.
How old will Lamine Yamal and Spain’s 2026 World Cup players be in 2030, and could they return?
Spain reached the 2026 World Cup final with a very young squad, one where Lamine Yamal and other stars will surely be chasing another final by the 2030 edition. Regardless of how Sunday’s final against Argentina ends, Spain are building their next cycle around a core that is remarkably young for a team competing at the very top of the sport, meaning the 2030 World Cup window looks wide open for most of this squad. Unlike other contenders whose stars are racing against the clock, Spain’s headline name points in the opposite direction. Lamine Yamal will be just 22 years old when the next edition kicks off, meaning the Barcelona forward, already a World Cup finalist before turning 19, could realistically feature in three or four more tournaments beyond this one. The same applies to much of the spine of this team. Pedri, Gavi and Pau Cubarsi will all still be in their mid-twenties by 2030, while captain Rodri and Mikel Merino should remain firmly within their prime years, giving Luis de la Fuente — or whoever succeeds him — a squad capable of chasing back-to-back finals. Not everyone in the squad shares that outlook. Veterans such as Aymeric Laporte, Marcos Llorente, Alex Grimaldo and Borja Iglesias will all be past 34 by the next tournament, leaving their participation far less certain than that of their younger teammates. Aymeric Laporte of Spain. (Getty Images) Spain team’s age in 2030 PositionPlayerBirthdate / AgeAge for the 2030 edition (from June 8)GoalkeeperUnai Simon06/11/1997 (29)33GoalkeeperDavid Raya09/15/1995 (30)33GoalkeeperJoan Garcia05/04/2001 (25)29DefenderMarc Cucurella07/22/1998 (27)30DefenderAlex Grimaldo09/20/1995 (30)33DefenderPau Cubarsi01/22/2007 (19)23DefenderAymeric Laporte05/27/1994 (32)36DefenderMarc Pubill03/25/2003 (23)27DefenderEric Garcia01/09/2001 (25)29DefenderPedro Porro09/13/1999 (26)29DefenderMarcos Llorente01/30/1995 (31)35MidfielderPedri11/25/2002 (23)26MidfielderFabian Ruiz04/03/1996 (30)34MidfielderMartin Zubimendi02/02/1999 (27)31MidfielderGavi08/05/2004 (21)24MidfielderRodri06/22/1996 (30)33MidfielderAlex Baena07/16/2001 (25)28MidfielderMikel Merino06/22/1996 (30)33ForwardLamine Yamal07/13/2007 (19)22ForwardVictor Muñoz07/13/2003 (23)26ForwardDani Olmo05/07/1998 (28)32ForwardYeremy Pino01/20/2002 (24)28ForwardNico Williams07/12/2002 (24)27ForwardFerran Torres02/29/2000 (26)30ForwardBorja Iglesias01/17/1993 (33)37ForwardMikel Oyarzabal04/09/1997 (29)33
What is Spain’s current FIFA ranking ahead of the 2026 World Cup final vs Argentina?
Spain have managed to remain one of the best national teams in the world. Their defensive consistency and attacking strength have taken them to the 2026 World Cup final, where they will face Argentina. As a result, they arrive in a privileged position in the FIFA Men's World Ranking. After convincingly defeating France, Spain reached the 2026 World Cup final for the first time in 16 years. Head coach Luis de la Fuente has managed to build a team that is very solid defensively and dynamic in attack, making them extremely difficult to beat. However, they do not have an easy match ahead, as they will face reigning champions Argentina. Heading into this match, they arrive in a privileged position in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking. According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Spain are ranked 2nd, with 1,965.61 points. Although they remain unbeaten, they have dropped one place compared to previous weeks. However, they are still among the world’s best national teams and have a great opportunity today to reclaim the top spot. Arriving in excellent defensive form, they are expected to deliver another strong performance in the World Cup final. Unlike Luis de la Fuente’s team, Argentina emerge as the top-ranked national team in the current ranking. Sitting 1st with 1,970.37 points, they arrive as the favorites for today’s final. While they have occasionally shown defensive vulnerabilities, their attack remains the team’s biggest strength. Moreover, head coach Lionel Scaloni has built a well-balanced midfield that could disrupt Spain’s possession-based style of play. Led by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, Spain have become the best defensive team at the 2026 World Cup. Not only do they provide solidity at the back, but they are also key figures in the build-up play. In addition, Marc Cucurella and Rodri are essential in stopping opponents’ counterattacks, something that could hurt Lionel Messi’s team. Alongside their defense, the versatility of their attack could be key to creating space in Argentina’s defense. Pedro Porro #12 and Nico Williams #17 of Spain celebrate. Lamine Yamal aims to be Spain’s game-changer for World Cup final Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Spain have not relied on a single reference point in attack. Instead, they have opted for a more versatile offense, with Mikel Oyarzabal standing out. In addition, Pedri and Rodri are essential, as they are the ones who open up the play and find space on the wings. With this in mind, Lamine Yamal is expected to be essential for Luis de la Fuente’s team. Lamine Yamal faces the most difficult challenge of his career: Defeating Lionel Messi’s Argentina. The 19-year-old star has not made his best contribution in terms of goals and assists, but he has been key collectively. Nevertheless, he could arrive highly motivated, looking to take advantage of the huge spaces that Lionel Scaloni’s team leave behind their defensive line. With that, he will look to score in the final and lead the team to their second World Cup title.
Pau Cubarsi talks Aymeric Laporte, Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi: ‘Can imagine him playing alongside me’
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi is preparing for the biggest match of his young career, with the teenager set to become the second-youngest centre-back ever to start a FIFA World Cup final. Ahead of S...
Are there any 2010 World Cup winners in Spain’s 2026 final squad?
A new World Cup final was reached by Spain after they beat France as they try to repeat what they did in 2010. A team that has at least met expectations at the 2026 World Cup is Spain, who reached the final to face Argentina with the trophy on the line in just the second World Cup final appearance in the country’s history. The biggest achievement for Spain has been successfully renewing the squad after the golden generation that lifted the trophy in South Africa, led by greats such as Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Sergio Busquets, David Villa and Iker Casillas. That team won the title in 2010, which means there are no players left from that squad. The last player from that generation to represent Spain was Jesús Navas, who remained part of the team until not long ago as he won the Euro 2024. The 2026 team Goalkeepers: David Raya, Joan García, and Unai Simón. Defenders: Marc Pubill, Alejandro Grimaldo, Eric García, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, and Marc Cucurella. The team of the final (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) Midfielders: Marcos Llorente, Mikel Merino, Fabián Ruiz, Gavi, Álex Baena, Rodri, Martín Zubimendi, and Pedri. Forwards: Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Yéremy Pino, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Víctor Muñoz, and Borja Iglesias. The 2010 team Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Víctor Valdés, and Pepe Reina. Defenders: Raúl Albiol, Gerard Piqué, Carlos Marchena, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevila, Sergio Ramos, and Álvaro Arbeloa. Midfielders: Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, Cesc Fàbregas, Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Javi Martínez, and David Silva. Forwards: David Villa, Fernando Torres, Juan Mata, Pedro Rodríguez, Fernando Llorente, and Jesús Navas.