The Tumultuous Road to Glory
Villarreal and Spain star Alex Baena has had a meteoric rise to the top of the football world, but his journey has been far from smooth. Just months before he lifted the Euro 2024 trophy and earned an Olympic Gold medal, he was contemplating walking away from the sport he loves. The 23-year-old has become a key player for Villarreal, contributing six goals and seven assists in 24 appearances this year, and his leadership in La Liga last season with the most assists showcases his talent. However, the path to this success was marred by a controversial incident involving Real Madrid star Fede Valverde, which deeply affected Baena’s mental health and nearly derailed his career.
A Dark Moment in Baena’s Career
In 2024, Baena found himself at the center of a storm when he was accused of insulting Valverde’s unborn child. The allegations were vehemently denied by Baena, but the incident snowballed into a larger confrontation three months later, where Baena accused Valverde of assaulting him after a match. The media scrutiny and public backlash were overwhelming, and Baena found himself struggling to cope with the pressure. “The media pressure that I had and continue to have as a result of that is very high,” he confided to Relevo. “But people don’t know me off the pitch and they focus on what happened, what they see on the pitch.” Baena described his on-field persona as a fierce competitor, often pushing the boundaries in his desire to win, but off the field, he is shy, timid, and reserved.
Seeking Help and Finding Inner Strength
Baena’s struggles were not limited to the public eye. He had already sought the help of a psychologist before the Valverde incident, as he found it challenging to adapt to the pressures of the first team after playing prominently in the youth ranks. “I already had a psychologist before what happened, since I arrived in the first team, because I came from playing everything in the youth teams and when I got to the first team and I didn’t play, I didn’t know how to manage it,” he revealed. The psychologist’s support was crucial, particularly during the darkest moments when Baena felt he could no longer continue. “There was a moment where my head exploded, I didn’t want to continue. I remember sending a text to my psychologist that I wanted to quit,” he said. Despite the intense emotional turmoil, Baena’s support system, including his psychologist, helped him navigate through these tough times.
The Turning Point
Coincidentally, Baena’s lowest point came just as he received his first call-up to the national team. This recognition, paradoxically, both raised his spirits and brought more attention to his plight. “The call-up for the national team raised my spirits. Also due to coincidences in life, the Bernabeu game was my turning point, as I was injured by a stamp, but that day was when my head clicked,” he reflected. The injury at the Bernabeu, though painful, became a catalyst for his mental reset. It allowed him to refocus and channel his energy into his game, leading to a resurgence in form that eventually translated into his international success.
Reconciliation and Moving Forward
Despite the lingering animosity, Baena has shown a willingness to reconcile with Valverde. “To grow, mature, and move forward, you must know how to forgive,” he stated. “I know that it is very difficult for that situation to arise, for both of us to agree on what happened, but I would sit down and talk. On my part, everything is fine, I know that it is a very delicate and difficult issue, but for my part, there will always be a predisposition to do so.” This mature approach underscores Baena’s growth as both a person and a player. He recognizes the importance of resolving conflicts and maintaining a positive mindset, even in the face of public scrutiny and personal challenges.
The Future Awaits
Today, Alex Baena stands at the cusp of a promising career, with clubs across Europe expected to covet his services this summer. He recently turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, explaining that it was “not the right time.” Baena’s resilience and dedication have not only helped him overcome personal struggles but have also propelled him to new heights in his professional life. As he continues to shine for Villarreal and Spain, Baena’s journey serves as an inspiring tale of how seeking help, showing forgiveness, and staying true to oneself can lead to remarkable success. His willingness to engage constructively with the issues that have affected him demonstrates a level of emotional intelligence and maturity that is rare in young athletes.
