FC Barcelona and Polish centre Aleksander 'Olek' Balcerowski have reached an agreement on a contract that will keep him at the club until 30 June 2028. Palau Blaugrana fans will be able to enjoy the 25-year-old, 2.16-metre centre for at least the next two seasons. He joins from Unicaja Málaga to add strength and presence in the paint at both ends of the court. Having been released by the Andalusian club, the Pole arrives on a free transfer.

Despite still being only 25, Balcerowski has already enjoyed a short but highly successful career, winning the EuroCup (2023), the EuroLeague (2024), the Greek League (2024), two FIBA Intercontinental Cups (2024 and 2025), the Spanish Super Cup (2024), the Basketball Champions League (2025) and the Copa del Rey (2025) during spells with Gran Canaria, Panathinaikos and Unicaja.

Born in Świdnica, in south-west Poland, on 19 November 2000, Balcerowski joins Barça as a homegrown player under ACB regulations thanks to his years at Gran Canaria. He is a mobile centre, more technical than physical, with excellent screening ability, the athleticism to run the floor, and the height to finish effectively around the basket, whether through dunks or a soft touch from close range. Yet despite his height, he is also capable of shooting accurately from three-point range.

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Developed at Gran Canaria

Balcerowski first picked up a basketball at Górnik Wałbrzych, close to his hometown. At just 13, he moved to Gran Canaria to continue his development. Between 2014 and 2017 he progressed through the club's youth ranks before making his first-team debut at the age of 17 years and 14 days, combining appearances for both the senior side and the reserves. In the 2018/19 season, he made his EuroLeague debut for Gran Canaria aged 18, playing six games and averaging 3.0 points and 1.7 rebounds in 12 minutes per game.

EuroCup champion in 2023

During the 2020/21 season, Balcerowski established himself as a regular in Gran Canaria's Liga Endesa rotation and was named the EuroCup Rising Star, an award he won again in 2022/23 after returning to the island following a loan spell with Serbian side Mega Basket in 2021/22 and going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft. His second Rising Star award came alongside the EuroCup title, as Gran Canaria defeated Türk Telekom in the final, with Balcerowski contributing 5 points and 5 rebounds. Across four EuroCup seasons, he played 46 games, averaging 7.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and a performance rating of 8.8.

EuroLeague champion in 2024

His impressive displays at Gran Canaria earned him a move to Panathinaikos for the 2023/24 season. He played 24 EuroLeague games for the Greek club, averaging 2.8 points, 1.3 rebounds and a performance rating of 3.1, before lifting the trophy after victory over Real Madrid in the final. During his time in Athens, he also won the Greek League, as Panathinaikos came from 0-2 down to defeat Olympiacos 3-2 in the play-off finals.

More silverware with Unicaja

Before arriving in Barcelona, Balcerowski spent a season with Unicaja Málaga, making 68 Liga Endesa appearances. His domestic honours included the Spanish Super Cup in 2024 and the Copa del Rey in 2025. His success continued on the international stage as Unicaja defeated Galatasaray to win the 2025 Basketball Champions League. He also collected two FIBA Intercontinental Cups (2024 and 2025), although he did not feature in the first triumph as he had only just joined the Málaga club.

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