An award-winning journalist, he has held press credentials for Champions League and La Liga fixtures – reporting live from the stadium, press box, and press conferences.
Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona reacts after the UEFA Champions League first round day 3 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Barcelona at the Parc de Princes stadium in Paris, France, on October 20, 2026.
Barça scoured the market for another left-back after Flick reportedly deemed Balde surplus to requirements.
Garcia and Koundé were already out when Barcelona played Real Madrid, and then Espart went down after a stamp from Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Is this Balde’s last chance to prove himself at Barca?
Luis Mazariegos has been a lead writer and editor for Barca Blaugranes since 2012, bringing tactical analysis, transfer reports, opinion columns, and investigative coverage to the SB Nation network. An award-winning journalist, he has held press credentials for Champions League and La Liga fixtures – reporting live from the stadium, press box, and press conferences. He frequently provides commentary as a guest on football podcasts and radio shows. In addition to his sports media work, Luis spent over a decade in broadcast television and currently serves as an editor for a major digital news network.
Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona reacts after the UEFA Champions League first round day 3 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Barcelona at the Parc de Princes stadium in Paris, France, on October 20, 2026. (Photo by Ibrahim Ezzat/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto via Getty Images
Alejandro Balde was supposed to be Jordi Alba’s heir, then he was supposed to be shipped out. Neither has happened, or at least, not yet.
Still just 23, Balde took the starting job from Alba, FC Barcelona’s legendary left-back, when the veteran was nearing retirement in 2022. It was widely assumed Balde would become the team’s starter for the long run. Instead, he lost his spot to a loan player, João Cancelo.
Barça scoured the market for another left-back after Flick reportedly deemed Balde surplus to requirements. With Xavi Espart, Eric Garcia, and Jules Koundé, in addition to Cancelo, Barcelona had four players in the full-back positions, and Balde was on the outside looking in.
It so happens that three of those players are now injured. Garcia and Koundé were already out when Barcelona played Real Madrid, and then Espart went down after a stamp from Aurélien Tchouaméni. Balde had to go in on an emergency basis.
Barcelona lost, but Balde held his own. It wasn’t the most brilliant performance, but it was acceptable given the circumstances. Now, Balde has a test that’s arguably more fair to take. He is looking likely to start against Deportivo Alavés in La Liga on October 31.
Balde at some point reportedly turned down Manchester United to fight for a place at his hometown club. This may be one of his last stands to prove his case.
Is this Balde’s last chance to prove himself at Barca? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
