Alex Baena has emerged as one of Spain’s standout performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, transforming a challenging club campaign into an impressive international breakthrough. After enduring an inconsistent first season with Atletico Madrid, the versatile midfielder has become an important figure in Luis de la Fuente’s starting lineup, delivering influential performances on the biggest stage in world football.
His resurgence has not only strengthened Spain’s attacking options but has also reminded fans why he was regarded as one of La Liga’s most creative midfielders before his move to Madrid.
With Spain preparing for a crucial knockout clash against Portugal, Baena enters the match full of confidence after an encouraging run of performances throughout the tournament.
A Strong Tournament
Alex Baena has quickly become one of Spain’s most reliable attacking players during the World Cup.
The 24-year-old has started three of Spain’s first four matches, earning the trust of head coach Luis de la Fuente through his creativity, movement, and ability to influence games from the left side of midfield.
His contribution has gone beyond simply maintaining possession. Baena has consistently looked to create opportunities while offering balance between attack and defensive responsibilities.
His performances have highlighted the maturity that has developed throughout the past few seasons.
Making an Impact
Baena has already produced important attacking moments during the tournament.
He scored against Uruguay and provided an assist during Spain’s convincing victory over Austria, directly contributing to the team’s successful progress into the knockout rounds.
Beyond goals and assists, his overall creativity has stood out.
Statistics from the tournament show that Baena created seven scoring opportunities across his first three appearances, placing him among Spain’s most productive chance creators.
His ability to find teammates in dangerous areas has become a valuable asset for the national team.
A Difficult Club Season
Baena’s impressive World Cup performances come after a season that proved far more complicated than many expected.
Following his move from Villarreal to Atletico Madrid, adapting to Diego Simeone’s demanding tactical system required patience.
Injuries interrupted his rhythm throughout the campaign, while an appendicitis diagnosis further limited his availability.
Those setbacks restricted his playing time to just over 2,300 minutes across all competitions.
Although he finished the season with only two goals and three assists, those numbers did not fully reflect his overall contribution.
Numbers Tell a Different Story
While traditional statistics appeared modest, advanced performance data painted a much stronger picture.
During his debut campaign with Atletico Madrid, Baena produced 56 key passes and averaged approximately 1.5 potential scoring opportunities created per match.
Those figures demonstrated that he continued generating attacking situations even when teammates were unable to convert the chances.
Creativity has always been one of Baena’s greatest strengths.
Before joining Atletico, he led La Liga with 14 assists during the 2023-24 campaign, confirming his reputation as one of Spain’s finest playmakers.
His World Cup form suggests those qualities remain very much intact.
Confidence From Atletico
Despite the difficult season, Atletico Madrid never appeared to lose faith in Baena’s long-term potential.
Director of Professional Football Mateu Alemany publicly expressed confidence in the midfielder and described him as someone capable of eventually filling a role similar to Antoine Griezmann’s creative influence.
That endorsement reflected the club’s belief that Baena’s first season represented only the beginning of his development within Simeone’s system.
Patience often proves essential when players adjust to demanding tactical environments, particularly under experienced managers known for emphasizing defensive discipline.
Mental Strength
One of the most important reasons behind Baena’s recent improvement has been his commitment to mental preparation.
The midfielder has openly discussed working with a sports psychologist for the past six years.
According to Baena, that support has helped him manage pressure, improve concentration, and remain emotionally balanced during difficult moments.
Professional football increasingly recognizes mental health as an essential component of elite performance, and Baena’s willingness to speak openly about psychological support has earned praise throughout Spanish football.
His experience demonstrates that success depends on mental resilience as much as physical ability.
Learning From Challenges
Baena has also faced significant public scrutiny during his career.
One of the most widely discussed moments came in 2023 following a highly publicized altercation involving Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde.
Rather than allowing that episode to define him, Baena has continued focusing on his football while steadily developing both personally and professionally.
His performances during the World Cup suggest he has successfully moved beyond those distractions.
The maturity displayed on the pitch reflects lessons learned from both success and adversity.
Portugal Awaits
Spain’s next challenge comes against Portugal in the World Cup knockout stage.
The matchup carries additional significance because Portugal previously defeated Spain in the UEFA Nations League final, giving Luis de la Fuente’s squad added motivation.
Baena is expected to play another important role as Spain looks to unlock one of Europe’s strongest defensive units.
His creativity, accurate passing, and intelligent movement between the lines could prove decisive against a Portuguese side filled with experienced international players.
Supporters will once again look to him for moments capable of changing the course of the match.
A Bright Future
Alex Baena’s World Cup campaign has highlighted the qualities that made him one of Spain’s most exciting young midfielders before his move to Atletico Madrid. After overcoming injuries, adapting to a demanding club environment, and strengthening his mental approach, he has emerged as a confident and influential figure for the national team.
Regardless of how far Spain progresses in the tournament, Baena has already demonstrated his ability to perform under the highest level of pressure. His creativity, resilience, and determination suggest this World Cup may represent not just a return to form, but the beginning of an even more successful chapter in his career for both club and country.