5. Aleixandri

Laia Aleixandri López (Santa Coloma de Gramenet, 25 August 2000) is a footballer who breathes Barça through and through. A club member since birth, she began playing for CE Arrabal-Calaf and Sant Gabriel before joining La Masia at the age of 11, where she took her first steps towards becoming a professional footballer.

Her time at La Masia ended in 2017 when she signed for Atlético Madrid, making the leap to the First Division. After a first season of adaptation, she finished as runner-up at the U20 World Cup with the Spanish national team, with whom she had played at every youth level. That outstanding performance earned her a place in Atlético’s starting eleven, where she went on to play five seasons, winning two league titles and one Super Cup.

In the three seasons before her return to Barça (2022–2025), she played for Manchester City, where she became an undisputed starter, often featuring as a defensive midfielder, adding to her versatility. Her excellent performances in English football earned her a place in the 2023/24 Premier League Team of the Season.

She also became a regular for the senior Spanish national team. Now one of the best in the world in her position, she made her return home to Barça in the summer of 2025.

TECHNICAL PROFILE

Laia Aleixandri is a natural centre-back, although early in her career she often played as a right-back, and over the years she has also accumulated experience as a pivot. In whichever position she plays, she shows great ball control, strength in duels, and the leadership and character to take command both on and off the pitch.

HONOURS

ATLÉTICO MADRID

2 Liga F (2017/18 - 2018/19)

1 Spanish Super Cup (2020/21)

BARÇA ATLÈTIC

2 Second Division -Group 3 (2015/16 - 2016/17) 

SPAIN

1 Nations League (2024)

1 European U17 Championship (2015)