Career Timeline of Jordi Alba: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jordi Alba made an impact.

Jordi Alba is a Spanish professional footballer renowned as one of the best left-backs of his generation. He currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Alba is known for his speed, technique, and attacking prowess, making him a key player for both club and country. He previously played for Barcelona for many years, winning numerous titles, including multiple La Liga and Champions League crowns. His contributions have solidified his place as a significant figure in modern football.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2005: Released by Barcelona

In 2005, Jordi Alba was released by Barcelona for being too small.

2007: Loan to Gimnàstic Tarragona

In 2007, after helping the reserves earn promotion, Alba played on loan at Segunda División club Gimnàstic Tarragona.

2008: UEFA European Under-19 Championship

In 2008, Alba represented Spain at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

September 2009: La Liga Debut

In September 2009, Alba made his La Liga debut in a 4–2 win at Real Valladolid.

2009: 2009 Mediterranenan Games and FIFA U-20 World Cup

In 2009, Alba appeared in all four games as Spain won the gold medal at the Mediterranenan Games and was part of the squad at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.

April 2010: First Goal for Valencia

On April 11, 2010, Jordi Alba scored his first goal for Valencia in a 2–3 away loss to Mallorca.

2010: Defender Role

In 2010, Alba was used almost always as a defender, battling for first-choice status with Jérémy Mathieu.

September 2011: First Call-Up to National Team

On September 30, 2011, Alba received his first call-up to the full Spanish national team for the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers.

2011: Continued Defender Role

In 2011, Alba made 27 league appearances as the team finished third, qualifying for the 2011–12 UEFA Champions League.

2011: Senior Debut for Spain

In 2011, Jordi Alba made his senior debut for Spain.

June 2012: Signed with Barcelona

On June 28, 2012, Alba signed a 5-year contract with Barcelona for a transfer fee of €14 million.

October 2012: First Goal for Barcelona

On October 20, 2012, Jordi Alba scored his first goal for Barcelona in a 5–4 win at Deportivo La Coruña.

2012: Under-23 squad for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London

Alba was also included in the under-23 squad for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

2012: Euro 2012 Champion

In 2012, Alba played in every match of the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine, as Spain won the tournament. He scored the second goal in the final against Italy, a 4-0 win.

2012: Return to Barcelona

In 2012, Jordi Alba returned to Barcelona and has won sixteen major honours, including five La Liga titles, five Copas del Rey and one UEFA Champions League.

March 2013: Goal against A.C. Milan

On March 12, 2013, Alba scored the last minute goal to complete Barcelona's 4–0 home win over A.C. Milan in the Champions League round of 16.

2013: FIFA Confederations Cup

In 2013, Alba was selected for the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil and played four complete matches during the tournament, scoring twice in the 3–0 group stage win over Nigeria.

2014: 2014 FIFA World Cup

In 2014, Alba made Del Bosque's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, making three appearances.

2014: FIFA World Cup 2014 Squad

In 2014, Jordi Alba was part of the Spain squad at the FIFA World Cup.

June 2015: New Contract with Barcelona

On June 2, 2015, Alba agreed to a new 5-year contract with Barcelona. Four days later, he started in the Champions League final, helping the club to its fifth win by beating Juventus 3–1 at Berlin's Olympiastadion.

May 2016: Copa del Rey Win

On May 22, 2016, Alba won the second Copa del Rey of his career, scoring in the 97th minute of the final against Sevilla.

2016: European Championship 2016 Squad

In 2016, Jordi Alba was part of the Spain squad at the European Championship.

2018: 2018 World Cup in Russia

In 2018, Alba was named in Julen Lopetegui's squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia

March 2019: New Contract

On March 11, 2019, Alba agreed to a new five-year contract with a new buyout clause of €500 million.

2020: Best performance in the 2020–21 season

Alba had his best performance in the 2020–21 season where he scored 5 goals and 13 assists in all competitions as he won the Copa del Rey with his club.

2020: UEFA Euro 2020

In 2020, Alba was named in Luis Enrique's 24-man squad for the UEFA Euro 2020.

2020: European Championship 2020 Squad

In 2020, Jordi Alba was part of the Spain squad at the European Championship.

August 2021: Named 4th Captain of Barcelona

On August 9, 2021, Jordi Alba was announced as the 4th captain of Barcelona after captain Lionel Messi left the club.

2022: 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Alba was picked for the Spain squad at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

2022: Departure from Barcelona Announced

On May 24, 2023, it was announced that Alba would leave Barcelona at the end of the 2022–23 season.

May 2023: Departure from Barcelona Announced

On May 24, 2023, it was announced that Alba would leave Barcelona at the end of the 2022–23 season.

June 2023: UEFA Nations League Champion

On June 18, 2023, Alba captained Spain to win the Nations League Finals for the first time after defeating Croatia 5–4 on penalties following a goalless draw.