Beyond the Game: Alex Baena’s Very Humble Background

When you think of a fast-rising footballer from Spain with the most humble beginnings, look no further than Alejandro “Álex” Baena, the famous son of Sara Rodríguez. While his mum ran a small clothing and accessories business, pushing her cart through the streets each day to find sales, Alex’s dad worked as a security guard at a local casino. The Rodríguez family earned a modest income, barely enough to meet the needs of their family of seven. For young Alex, a professional football career was a quick getaway from his family’s financial struggles, as they lived far below the average income threshold.

Despite these hardships, a deep familial bond countered the backdrop of financial hardship in his household. A shared love for football remained a source of joy and escape for young Alex and his four brothers. His siblings, especially his brother Miquel, were his earliest teammates, and they both honed their football skills on the makeshift pitch in their backyard. This article explores the humble beginnings of an explosive attacking midfielder whose resilience and determination helped his family rise out of poverty.

From Humble Beginnings to Football Stardom: The Inspiring Journey of Alejandro Baena

From Humble Beginnings to Football Stardom: The Inspiring Journey of Alejandro Baena

Explore the captivating narrative of Alex Baena’s childhood and early life, uncovering the nuances of his family background and upbringing. From his parents, Sarah and Mr. Rodriguez, to his siblings and daughter, Maltina, this biography offers a glimpse into the familial bonds that shaped his journey.

Delve into Alex’s ethnicity, nationality, and educational pursuits, gaining insights into his diverse background. Beyond the football pitch, we’ll provide details of Alex’s lifestyle, personality, and a comprehensive breakdown of his salary and net worth, offering a holistic perspective of the attacking midfielder at Villareal FC.

Simply put, this article breaks down the Full History of Alex Baena. We’ll tell the story of a Spaniard who was homesick at the beginning of his career. It affected him so much that he wanted to put an end to his football dreams and go back to his family. This article goes further to tell you how Alex rose beyond all odds to achieve success in the beautiful game.

Preamble:

Our version of Alex Baena’s Bio begins by unveiling notable events of his boyhood years. Next, we’ll explain his Spanish heritage and early career highlights. Finally, we’ll tell how the Almeria native rose to become one of Spain’s best versatile wingers.

We hope to whet your autobiography appetite as you read this history of Alex Baena’s Biography. To begin doing that, let’s show you this gallery that tells the story of his boyhood years and his fame in the Spanish Football League. Indeed, Baena has come a long way in his incredible football journey.

Behold Alex Baena's Biography- from his early years to the Europa Champion in Vilareal FC. Images: Instagram/lavosdelmaria, campusalexbaeana, Instagram/miquelbaena

Behold Alex Baena’s Biography- from his early years to the Europa Champion in Vilareal FC. Images: Instagram/lavosdelmaria, campusalexbaeana, Instagram/miquelbaena

Yes, everyone knows Alex for his pivotal role in securing the UEFA Europa League trophy for Vilareal in the 2020/21 season. In addition, the football world sees him as one of the fastest-rising attacking midfielders to have come out of Spain since Santi Cazorla and David Silva.

In the course of writing the life histories of Spanish footballers, we noticed a knowledge gap. Surprisingly, only a few fans have read Alex Baena’s biography, which is quite interesting. Therefore, we have compiled this memoir for you. Let’s begin.

Alex Baena Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, his full name is Alejandro “Álex” Baena Rodríguez. Baena was born on the 20th day of July 2001 to his mother, Sara Rodríguez and his father, Mr Rodriguez, in Spain.

The left winger came into the world as one of the four children in his mother and father’s marriage. Alex Baena’s parents were the supporting pillar for the footballer. While we wish to display a photo of both his parents, only a picture of his mother is available.

Meet Alex Baena's Mother- Sarah Rodriguez, holding the images of her son. Photo Credit: lavanguardia.

Meet Alex Baena’s mother, Sarah Rodriguez, who is holding images of her son. Photo Credit: lavanguardia.

Growing-Up Years:

Alex Baena’s childhood in Almería, Spain, was a reflection of family and football. In a bustling household with four siblings, the footballer’s days were filled with laughter, playful squabbles, and endless games. See how he looked as a child.

A Rare Childhood Photo of the Baena Brothers together. Picture: Instagram/ miquelbaena107

A Rare Childhood Photo of the Baena Brothers together. Picture: Instagram/ miquelbaena107

Alex Baena’s brother, Miquel and his two sisters (names not public) were more than siblings. They were teammates in life and on the makeshift football pitch in their backyard. The four children learned the value of teamwork early, sharing both victories and scraped knees.

Meet Alex Baena's siblings- his brother, Miquel and his two sisters. Photo: Instagram/miquelbaena.

Meet Alex Baena’s siblings- his brother, Miquel and his two sisters. Photo: Instagram/miquelbaena.

Family dinners in this lively Spanish home were loud and filled with stories and plans for the next day’s adventures. Alex Baena’s parents instilled in them a strong sense of family, hard work, and a love for the game that would shape his future.

Alex Baena’s childhood was filled with close family ties, football aspirations, and the joy of brotherhood. It was all a child would think of at his age- being with his parents and enjoying the love of siblings.

Alex Baena Family Background:

The Baena household, bustling with six members, faced the challenges of making ends meet. Alex Baena’s childhood in Almería, Spain, was marked by financial struggles.

Alex Baena’s father, the head of the family, worked as one of the security guards at a local casino. Despite being an honest job, it provided a modest income that was barely enough to meet the needs of their family of seven. They constantly struggled to stretch every euro to cover their necessities.

While Alex Baena’s mother, a woman of entrepreneurial spirit, ran a small clothing and accessories business. Each day, she pushed her cart through the streets, selling her wares. Only to pack them up again at the end of the day, bringing them back to their modest home. Despite her hard work, her earnings were just a drop in the ocean compared to the family’s financial needs.

In an interview, Alex Baena painted a vivid picture of their living conditions. Their home, sparse and unadorned, boasted an old TV that could only receive three free channels. The young lad recalled that he was ashamed to let his friends visit him in his house.

The reality was stark: Alex Baena’s family lived in poverty. With four children, hunger was a frequent visitor in their home. Many times, his parents sacrificed their meals to ensure that whatever little food they had could be stretched to feed all the children.

However, a deep familial bond countered this backdrop of financial hardship. And a shared love for football remained a source of joy and escape for young Alex and his four brothers.

Alex Baena Family Origin:

It’s important to note that the Villareal left-winger was born in Spain in Roquetas de Mar, Almería, Andalusia. However, Alex Baena’s parents could also be natives of the same country. This establishes his Spanish nationality, as the map shows.

The Birthplace of the Attacking Midfielder in Roquestas De Mar. Source: Vetromani.

The Birthplace of the Attacking Midfielder in Roquestas De Mar. Source: Vetromani.

Alex Baena’s family origin shows that Roquetas de Mar is an autonomous community in Spain. Moreover, it has the second-highest population besides its capital, Almeria.

Ethnicity:

Alex Baena’s Spanish ethnicity embodies a rich cultural heritage deeply intertwined with history. As a native of Spain, he represents not just his local community but also the broader Spanish identity that is celebrated in the world of football.

Alex Baena Education:

The Spanish attacking midfielder attended one of the municipal schools in his Roquetas de Mar hometown. Research has it that there is no mention of the institution where he got his formal education. We do know that he didn’t attend a fancy school.

Due to financial constraints, Alex Baena’s parents decided to enrol him in the Roquetas de Mar soccer school, believing it offered him a better chance at future success in football. Was this decision the right one? Keep reading to find out!

Football Story:

The young football talent started his journey at just six years old. Alex Baena’s parents, facing financial struggles, took him to Roquetas de Mar soccer school in Andalusia, Spain. It was a three-hour drive from his hometown in Almeria to the training ground, so his mom or dad always had to drop him off and pick him up.

Behold the Spanish player at his young age, showcasing his talents on the pitch. Picture: Lavozdealmeria.

Behold the Spanish player at his young age, showcasing his talents on the pitch. Picture: Lavozdealmeria.

After four years of playing as a left winger, Alex caught the attention of scouts from Villarreal FC. He was both excited and upset when they approached him. The club was far from home, and he felt homesick at just 11 years old. The young baller didn’t want to leave his family behind.

See the last Photo the left winger had with his mother in a hotel before going to Villareal Fc. Source: lavanguardia

See the last Photo the left winger had with his mother in a hotel before going to Villareal Fc. Source: lavanguardia

In an interview, Alex Baena’s mom shared how her son was sometimes sad and even tearful. He missed home so much that he once said he didn’t want to go back to the club. But the coaches at Villarreal FC were understanding. They helped him through his tough times by inviting him to spend weekends with their families.

Slowly, Alex overcame his homesickness and thrived in his position. At 15, Baena joined CD Roda’s under-19 squad. A year later, he received a call-up from Spain’s national team. This was the moment that confirmed the Spaniard’s rising status in the world of football.

The young footballer receives his first call-up to Spain and sees him smiling in the Villareal youth squad as he gets an honour. Image: campus.alex-baena.

The young footballer receives his first call-up to Spain and sees him smiling in the Villareal youth squad as he gets an honour. Image: campus.alex-baena.

Alex Baena Bio – Road to Fame Story:

Once a promising left winger at CD Roda, Alex Baena spent a year there before his parent team, Villarreal, called him back for the 2018/19 season. He made his debut with the senior squad but started in the C division. Quickly, after just one game, he was moved up to the reserve team in Segunda División B.

At 17, Alex was an impressive attacking midfielder. The club didn’t even consider loaning him out because his performance was outstanding. No one else could match what he was doing on the field.

Alex remained with the reserve team until the 2020/21 season. Then, on the 1st of August 2020, he got a big break. Thanks to his superb play, he was picked to join Villarreal’s main squad with a contract worth $200,000. He stepped in to fill the shoes left by Akram Afif, joining alongside players like Pervis Estupinan and Yeremy Pino.

But Alex didn’t just stop there. The Spaniard was among those who helped Villarreal win the  2020/2021 Europa League. The club valued him highly and held onto him for a few more years. Finally, in the 2023 season, after making 52 appearances and scoring seven goals, it was time for Baena to take his talents to another club.

Gaze upon the Europa League champion in the 20/21 season as he holds his trophy. Source: campus.alex-baena

Gaze upon the Europa League champion in the 20/21 season as he holds his trophy. Source: campus.alex-baena

Alex Baena Biography – Rise to Fame Story:

In the 2021/22 football season, the skilled midfielder moved on loan to Girona FC. His official start was on the 19th of August, 2021. During his time at Girona, Alex shone. He played in 42 games and scored seven goals for his temporary team. After a year, when his loan ended, he returned to Villarreal FC, proving how valuable he was to the first academy that believed in his talent.

But Alex’s commitment isn’t just to his club. He’s also been a loyal player for Spain’s national team. Born in Almeria, he’s represented his country at every level of his football career, shining in Spain’s senior team since his first call in August 2023. From the under-16 team all the way to the senior squad, his consistency means they always count on him during crucial matches and seasons.

When Alex Baena’s biography was being written, he was recognized as one of Spain’s most promising left-wingers. Fans widely anticipate that Alex will eventually achieve a level of fame comparable to players like Marcus Rashford and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. As the saying goes, the rest is history.

Baena’s Love Life:

From the age of 11, when the left winger became a footballer, Alejandro “Álex” Baena Rodríguez has given his all to his career. The numerous pieces of training and the sometimes sick periods were the thorns to his success. Does it then mean that the Villareal teammate had no time for love?

From several research, there is no mention of Alex Baena’s girlfriend or wife. In fact, taking a trip down to his Instagram, there are no photos of the athlete with any woman. So he doesn’t want to make that knowledge public as it is his private life.

But here’s something interesting – even though we don’t know about Alex Baena’s wife, there are hints that he might have a child. Photos from his post show a little girl named Matina among them.

These could be Alex Baena's children in the photo. Source: Instagram alexbaena.

These could be Alex Baena’s children in the photo. Source: Instagram alexbaena.

Personality Facts:

Alejandro “Álex” Baena Rodríguez has always been mindful of his roots and often gives back to the community that supported his growth. On this particular day, he skipped his plans to visit the Under-8s at the Academy. He returned to where he first started playing football and surprised the young players. They were super excited to see him!

The Alumni is giving back to the academy that gave him his first training in Spain. Photos: diariodealmeria, diariodealmeria

The Alumni is giving back to the academy that gave him his first training in Spain. Photos: diariodealmeria, diariodealmeria

Alex has described himself as a goofy and fun-loving person off the pitch. And he loves spending time alone chilling on a yacht or in the swimming pool. It’s more like the water has an excellent, calming effect on the left-winger. Alex exhibits the cancer zodiac sign like fellow footballers Lamine Yamal and Rodrigo Bentancur.

The Cancer zodiac sign player loves to spend time alone in the waters. Image: Instagram alexbaena.

The Cancer zodiac sign player loves to spend time alone in the waters. Image: Instagram alexbaena.

So far, in Alex Baena’s Biography, we know he didn’t come from an affluent family. He came from a place of struggle where he had to see his mother and father struggle each day to make ends meet. This humble background stayed on the left winger as he became an adult and lived a simple lifestyle.

Alex Baena Family Life:

The journey from his early childhood to his fame in football has not been without thorns. The several times he has had to be away from his home highlight the sacrifices his family had to make. All the glory at the end would have been impossible if his parents and siblings hadn’t helped. So let’s get to know more about them.

About Alex Baena’s Father:

Mr Rodriguez, working as a security guard at a casino, made several sacrifices for his family. With four children at home, he often worked long hours to earn enough money for their needs. This meant less time spent with the family and missing out on important moments.

Despite the challenges, he remained dedicated to providing for his children. While ensuring they had the essentials and supporting their dreams, including his sons’ football aspirations. Alex Baena’s father’s hard work and commitment were crucial in keeping the family afloat.

About Alex Baena’s Mother:

As a saleswoman, Sarah Rodriguez pushed clothing carts on the streets to sell her wares. She made significant sacrifices for her children, tirelessly working every day to contribute to the family’s income. This hard work meant long hours away from home, often in challenging weather conditions, to ensure her children had what they needed.

Sarah Rodriguez standing beside her son after his accomplishments is a real victory. Image: lavozdealmeria

Sarah Rodriguez standing beside her son after his accomplishments is a real victory. Image: lavozdealmeria

Alex Baena’s mother’s support of his football career was vital. Despite the financial constraints, she helped provide the necessary equipment and transportation for Alex’s training and matches. So much so that she cried her eyes out and questioned her parenting skills when she went to drop him off in his Villarreal.

It was heartbreaking sending her child alone at the age of 11 to stay in a different place away from her eyesight. In one interview, Alex recalled Sarah always in tears after every conversation on the phone. However, Alex Baena’s mother knew it was for the best in years to come.

About Alex Baena’s Siblings:

So, imagine living in a house with four siblings, like Alex Baena does. It’s pretty wild and non-stop action. They always do something together, whether playing football, joking, or hanging out.

Although there is no information about Alex Baena’s sisters, we are sure they both made his childhood memorable. As the image shows, they are grown up with their career set before them. In addition, the girls are their brother’s biggest cheerleaders.

See how grown Alex Baena's siblings are with his little Daughter. Picture: lavozdealmeria.

See how grown Alex Baena’s siblings are with his little Daughter. Picture: lavozdealmeria.

It’s like having your best friends with you all the time. Sure, they might argue or compete against each other, but at the end of the day, they’ve got each other’s backs. It’s a busy, loud, fun life with never a dull moment. The house is full of energy and laughter, thanks to Alex Baena’s siblings.

As they became adults, Alex Baena’s brother- Miquel Rodriguez, became a physiotherapist. And it was for the sole purpose of helping his younger brother after a rigorous time on the field. See the trajectory of how they both grew up together.

Miquel, the Older brother of the Europa League Champion, has always been by his side in his career. Image: Instagram miguelbaena.

Miquel, the Older brother of the Europa League Champion, has always been by his side in his career. Image: Instagram miguelbaena.

Overall, Alex Beana’s siblings are his life comfort. They all have struggled together in poverty and are now enjoying the rewards of hard work. In addition, although they might not be in the spotlight, they are the silent motivation of their brother.

Untold Facts:

In the final section of Alex Baena’s Biography, we’ll unveil truths you might not know about him. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Alex Baena’s Religion:

There is no record of the exact church he attends. However, we can tell him he is a Christian. And that conclusion came from his birthplace in Spain, a Christian country.

Alex Baena’s Salary:

The La Liga attacking midfielder has gone from being the crybaby in the first steps in Virallela to one of the best players. With his incredible success, the rewards for his performance also grew.

So in the 2023/24 season, the Spanish footballer is paid over thirty thousand Euros, the exact figure as Juan Foyth (defender). In contrast, Gerard Moreno (striker) and Alexander Sorloth (centre- Forward) are on the top board of the highest earners.

Alex Baena’s Fifa Profile:

Apart from winning a trophy for his club, the Vilareal FC champ has been recognised for his Fifa portfolio. The attacking midfielders’ dribbling, free kick, long pass and ball control skills are on the high radar—no wonder he is placed above eighty on the potential scale. Judging from the stats below, Alex, who appears to be a complete football with more than 50 ratings, draws comparisons with players like Lucas Paqueta and Fabian Ruiz.

Here is the Spanish baller's FIFA profile. Image: SOFIFA.

Here is the Spanish baller’s FIFA profile. Image: SOFIFA.

How Rich is Alex Baena?

Statistics from the Wage Indicator reveal that the yearly minimum wage of a salary earner in Spain is about 15120 euros. In contrast, Alex Baena makes thirty-eight thousand euros each week. You can see there is a huge difference in the salary bracket.

Alex Baena’s Tattoos:

The trophy winner shares his journey with his followers through the Instagram photos. And Alex Baena has some drawings on the sleeves of his arms. The sketches and scribbles may mean a lot for him to attach them to his skin.

The Left winger has several drawings on his arms. Image: Instagram alexbaena.

The Left winger has several drawings on his arms. Image: Instagram alexbaena.

End Note:

Alejandro “Álex” Baena Rodríguez was born on the 20th of July 2001, in Roquetas de Mar, Spain. The baller has three siblings-his brother Miquel and two sisters. His parents, Sara Rodríguez and Mr Rodriguez were the pillars of support for the young footballer.

Alex Baena’s father worked as a security guard, and his mother ran a small business, which brought about financial struggles. The family of six lived modestly, often sacrificing their own needs to provide for the children. Despite their hardships, the family’s deep bond and love for football brought joy and unity to their lives.

Due to financial constraints, Baena joined the Roquetas de Mar soccer school. After catching the attention of scouts from Villarreal FC, he faced the bittersweet reality of leaving home at a young age to pursue his football career.

Baena’s journey in football saw him rise through the ranks at Villarreal FC. His exceptional performance led to a contract with the main squad and helping Villarreal win the Europa League championship.

In addition to his club commitments, Baena has been a loyal player for Spain’s national team, representing his country at various levels. His consistency and talent have made him a key club and national team player.

At the time of writing, Baena stands as one of the top attacking midfielders in La Liga’s history, with a promising future ahead of him. His journey, marked by overcoming challenges and making a name for himself, is a testament to his dedication and talent in football. In addition to Alex Baena’s engaging story, European football offers many more intriguing narratives. The life stories of players like Norwegian Oscar Bobb, Spanish Bryan Zaragoza and Paraguayan Julio Enciso are particularly enthralling and worth exploring.

Appreciation:

Thank you for exploring our biography of Alex Baena. As a footballer, he strongly resonates with the saying, “Some lies hurt more than blows,” a belief that became significant following an altercation with Federico Valverde (Football-Espana reveals).

We strive to provide accurate and unbiased stories about attacking midfielders as we have done for names like Daniel Maldini and James McAtee. This piece on the attacking midfielder is part of our extensive collection covering European football.

If you notice any inaccuracies in Alex Baena’s Biography, the son of Sarah Rodriguez, please let us know. We welcome your thoughts on the career of this Spanish footballer, who was a key figure in Roquetas de Mar football school.

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