Barcelona youngster names Bayern Munich speedster as a player he looks up to

Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde has revealed that the likes of Ansu Fati and Pablo Torre are his best friends in the team. The youngster also named Bayern Munich ace Alejandro Balde as a player he looks up to currently.

Balde, 19, is enjoying his breakout season with the team, having made 37 appearances across all competitions. As a result of his sudden burst, the young defender has replaced veteran full-back Jordi Alba in the first team, making the left-back spot his own.

While being live on The Residency, the 19-year-old spoke at length about several aspects of his career as well as about his personal life. Starting with his favourite sport, apart from football, the defender said,

“Apart from football, I really enjoy watching basketball. I’m a big fan of LeBron James, the GOAT.”

He went on to brand Fati and Torre as his bests friends in the team while mentioning that Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies is someone who he admires the most.

“My best friends in the team? Ansu Fati and Pablo Torre,” he said. 

“A player I look up to now? Alphonso Davies,” he added.

It has been six months since he received his first international call from the Spanish national team. The 19-year-old made his debut in a 7–0 win against Costa Rica in November 2022, coming on as a substitute for Jordi Alba in the 64th minute. While speaking about it, he said:

“It was a dream come true. Something I was working for when I was 7 years old when I joined the club.”

He also revealed the names of two legends he would like to play with. “Thierry Henry or Samuel Eto’o, they were my idols when I was a kid,” he responded.

When asked what field he would be in if he was not a footballer, Balde replied, “I would be an athlete for sure because I’m very fast.”

He also mentioned that he does not have any regrets in his career. “I don’t have any regrets, I wouldn’t change anything I did. In the end, all the mistakes or successes have made me the person I am today.”

While speaking about his personal life and preferences, he answered some quickfire questions.

“Language I am learning? I speak Spanish, Catalan, Creole, and Fula, which are my two languages from Guinea-Bissau. Now I am learning English, I am taking classes to improve.”

“My favourite food? African food… Chep, mafe, mankara. I love it.”

“A place I would like to visit? Jamaica.”

Balde’s current contract with Barcelona expires in 2024, and the club are working to renew his deal. Things are progressing well on that front, with the young left-back expected to sign a new contract that will run until 2027.