Alex Baena has risen from the youth ranks of Villarreal to become one of Spain’s most exciting attacking talents. The Atlético Madrid winger is also making waves at the FIFA World Cup.
Here is everything you need to know about his net worth, salary, contract, and career earnings.
Alex Baena’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alejandro Baena Rodríguez |
| Date of Birth | July 20, 2001 |
| Age | 24 years old |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Height | 1.74 m |
| Weight | 69 kg |
| Position | Left Winger / Attacking Midfielder |
| Current Club | Atlético Madrid (La Liga) |
| Jersey Number | 10 |
| Turned Professional | 2018 (Villarreal C) |
| Net Worth | ~€8 million (estimated) |
| Annual Salary | ~€8.33 million gross (Atlético Madrid) |
| Contract Expires | June 30, 2030 |
| Relationship Status | N/A |
Early Life and Career
Alejandro Baena Rodríguez was born on July 20, 2001, in the coastal town of Roquetas de Mar in the Almería province of Andalusia, Spain.
He grew up in a close-knit household with his parents and three siblings — a brother and two sisters.
His father worked as a security guard at a local casino, while his mother ran a small clothing stand. Both parents played a central role in nurturing Baena’s passion for football from a young age.
Baena took his first steps in organized football at CD Roquetas in 2007, when he was just six years old. He spent four years there before his potential attracted the attention of Villarreal CF scouts.
In 2011, at the age of ten, he made the move to Villarreal’s prestigious youth academy, beginning an eight-year journey through their development system.
His upbringing in a football-rich region of Andalusia, combined with Villarreal’s structured academy environment, gave him the technical foundation that would define his professional style.
Baena represented Spain at youth international level from the under-16 age group upward, appearing in the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.
His performances throughout the youth system demonstrated a natural ability to create chances, combine in tight spaces, and deliver under pressure — qualities that set him apart long before he reached senior football.
Professional Career
Baena made his senior debut with Villarreal C in December 2018, before stepping up to the Villarreal B reserve side in the 2019–20 season.
His first-team La Liga debut followed on July 13, 2020, coming on as a substitute in a defeat against Real Sociedad. He scored his first professional goal just months later, netting in a 4–0 UEFA Europa League victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv in November 2020.
That same season, he was part of the Villarreal squad that went on to win the 2020–21 UEFA Europa League.
In August 2021, Baena went on a season-long loan to Girona in the Segunda División, where he made 38 appearances, scored five goals, and contributed six assists — helping Girona earn promotion.
He returned to Villarreal and was formally promoted to their first team alongside Nicolas Jackson in August 2022.
The 2023–24 season was a breakout year: according to Opta Analyst, Baena finished as La Liga’s top assist provider with 14 assists across the season, cementing his reputation as one of Spain’s most creative players.
On July 2, 2025, Baena completed a high-profile move to Atlético Madrid. Transfermarkt confirmed the transfer fee at approximately €42 million, with Baena signing a five-year contract running through June 2030.
On the international stage, he won UEFA Euro 2024 and the 2024 Olympic gold medal with Spain’s U23 team.
In 2026, he scored the only goal and was named Man of the Match in Spain’s 1–0 World Cup group stage win over Uruguay, helping his country advance to the knockout rounds.
Alex Baena’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Alex Baena’s estimated net worth stands at approximately €8 million.
He built this wealth through a professional football career that accelerated rapidly, with his earnings increasing significantly after his move to Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2025. His primary income comes from club salary, with additional income from his Nike boot sponsorship and other commercial activities. Given that he is only 24 and contracted through 2030, his financial trajectory points firmly upward.
Contract
Baena signed a five-year contract with Atlético Madrid after completing his €42 million transfer from Villarreal in July 2025. His Transfermarkt profile confirms the contract runs until June 30, 2030.
The deal covers his prime years and positions him as a long-term pillar of Diego Simeone’s squad.
No buyout clause figure has been officially confirmed by the club, though his current estimated transfer value of €40–55 million indicates the market’s view of his worth.
Salary
According to Capology’s football salary database, Baena earns an estimated gross salary of approximately €8.33 million per year at Atlético Madrid, which works out to roughly €160,000 per week.
This is significantly higher than what he earned at Villarreal, where he was reportedly paid around €38,462 per week — approximately €2 million per year — in his final seasons with the club.
His salary at Atlético Madrid makes him one of the higher earners in their squad and reflects his standing as one of La Liga’s top creative players.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Club | Estimated Annual Salary (Gross) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Villarreal CF | ~€500,000 |
| 2021–22 | Girona FC (loan) | ~€750,000 |
| 2022–23 | Villarreal CF | ~€1,200,000 |
| 2023–24 | Villarreal CF | ~€2,000,000 |
| 2024–25 | Villarreal CF | ~€2,000,000 |
| 2025–26 | Atlético Madrid | ~€8,330,000 |
Endorsements
Baena wears Nike Mercurial Vapor boots, making him part of Nike’s extended football family.
Boot sponsorship deals at his level typically contribute between €100,000 and €300,000 per year depending on the contract tier, though the exact terms of Baena’s agreement with Nike are not publicly disclosed.
Beyond his boot deal, Baena has not publicly confirmed additional major brand endorsements or commercial partnerships.
His rising profile at Atlético Madrid, his prominent role in Spain’s Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup squads, and his growing social media following across Instagram suggest that new commercial opportunities are likely to emerge as his international reputation grows.
His visibility as a regular in La Liga and European competition via ESPN continues to expand his commercial reach.
Career Statistics
| Season | Club | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Girona FC (loan) | Segunda División | 38 | 5 | 6 |
| 2022–23 | Villarreal CF | La Liga | 34 | 3 | 9 |
| 2023–24 | Villarreal CF | La Liga | 32 | 5 | 14 |
| 2024–25 | Villarreal CF | La Liga | 32 | 7 | 9 |
| 2025–26 | Atlético Madrid | La Liga | 27 | 2 | 3 |
| 2025–26 | Atlético Madrid | UEFA Champions League | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| La Liga Career Total | La Liga | 135 | 17 | 28 | |
FAQs
What is Alex Baena’s net worth?
Alex Baena’s estimated net worth is approximately €8 million. He built this through his professional contracts at Villarreal and Atlético Madrid, along with his Nike boot deal.
How much does Alex Baena earn at Atlético Madrid?
Baena earns an estimated gross salary of around €8.33 million per year at Atlético Madrid, according to Capology’s publicly available football salary data. This works out to approximately €160,000 per week.
What transfer fee did Atlético Madrid pay for Alex Baena?
Atlético Madrid paid approximately €42 million to sign Baena from Villarreal in July 2025. He signed a five-year deal running until June 30, 2030.
What trophies has Alex Baena won in his career?
Baena has won three major titles: the UEFA Europa League with Villarreal in 2020–21, UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain, and the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal with Spain’s U23 side.
Is Alex Baena playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Yes, Baena was named in Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad and scored the winner in their 1–0 group stage victory over Uruguay in June 2026, earning Man of the Match recognition.
