A 34-year-old former FC Barcelona standout closes his international chapter with La Roja.
The Spanish national team announced on Friday that Jordi Alba, then with Inter Miami, would no longer represent Spain at the international level.
During a press conference, the head coach noted that Alba raced ahead at key moments like the Nations League. He emphasized that Alba maintains a strong bond with the squad and chose to concentrate on club responsibilities. The team welcomed his decision with respect.
Over twelve years in the Spain setup, the longtime left back who left Valencia CF and Barcelona after the 2022–23 season appeared in 92 matches and scored nine goals. He represented the Red in three World Cups, three European Championships, the London Olympics, and a Confederations Cup, contributing to several of the national team’s most memorable moments.
With Alba stepping aside, the left back position is expected to be filled by the rising Alejandro Balde, who has earned a prominent role for Barcelona under Xavi Hernandez and for the national team under Luis de la Fuente.
Official statement from the national team
“The journey ends with a perfect arc for him in the Spain shirt. When champions call, champions listen. His final moment defending the shield of Spain, at Feijenoord Stadium, becomes part of the history of our football.”
Wearing the captain’s armband, Alba helped Spain clinch the Nations League title, marking the second triumph of his career with any team and serving as a fitting capstone to a storied national team career.
His first appearance for Spain came on October 11, 2011, in Alicante. A 22-year-old, he established himself within a squad that would win both a European Championship and a global title in quick succession. He played a pivotal role in Euro 2012, where his contributions helped secure victory over Italy in the final, earning Spain its first European crown.
In twelve years with the national side, Alba earned 92 caps and nine goals. He represented Spain in three World Cups, three European Championships, the London Olympics, and a Confederations Cup, leaving a lasting imprint on a golden era of Spanish football.
Jordi Alba closes this illustrious international journey at age 34, with the Royal Spanish Football Federation expressing deep gratitude for the remarkable run. Thank you, Jordi, for everything you gave to the national team.
Note: This summary reflects commemorations reported by the football press and federation statements as of the end of the cited season.