Aymeric Laporte
ATH
Cleared to face Real Sociedad
Laporte is available for Athletic Club's upcoming La Liga clash against Real Sociedad after serving a one-match suspension during Sunday's encounter against Getafe.
Analysis: Laporte returns to contention after missing Sunday's match against Getafe following his straight red card during the 2-1 defeat to Levante. The defender was dismissed in the 73rd minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity with a last-man foul on Requena. Aitor Paredes and Dani Vivian provided options in central defense during his absence, but Laporte is now eligible to reclaim a starting role against Real Sociedad. His return gives Athletic Club an additional experienced option at the back after completing his suspension.
Sent off against Levante
Laporte was shown a straight red card in the 73rd minute of Wednesday's 2-1 loss at Levante for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Analysis: Laporte left Athletic short in the final stages at Levante after he was sent off for a last man foul on Requena, who was through on goal. The defender will sit out the Getafe game on Sunday, and while a one-match ban is the likeliest outcome, the Competition Committee has yet to confirm the length of the suspension. He could be back for the Real Sociedad clash if the punishment is not extended. Aitor Paredes should partner Yeray Alvarez in the heart of the defence while Laporte is out.
Option for play again
Laporte (illness) is fit once again and fully available for Saturday's match against Valencia, according to manager Edin Terzic, per Iker Torrescusa of Marca. "He hasn't trained with us for almost a month, but he played ten days ago and continues to have a rhythm. Today he has felt very good, he has trained well and is fully available for tomorrow."
Analysis: Laporte has not played since before the international break due to an injury, but is finally set for his return, with the defender cleared to face Valencia. This will give the club a regular starter back in the defense, as the World Cup winner has started in six of his seven appearances this campaign. He should then remain a starter if he can stay fit, earning three clean sheets in his six starts this season.
Resumes running and ball work
Laporte (illness) has resumed jogging and individual ball exercises at Athletic Club's Lezama training facilities as he works toward a return to action, according to Athletic Xtra.
Analysis: Laporte has yet to rejoin full team training after an illness forced him to withdraw from the squad against Rayo Vallecano, but his return to running and ball work represents an encouraging step in his recovery. The center-back has made seven La Liga appearances this season, including six starts, recording eight tackles, four interceptions and 20 clearances. His availability for Saturday's clash against Valencia remains uncertain, particularly with limited time remaining to regain full fitness. Aitor Paredes could continue partnering Yeray Alvarez in central defense if Laporte is unable to return.
Remains sidelined by illness
Laporte (illness) remained absent from group training Wednesday ahead of Saturday's La Liga clash against Valencia, according to Edu Velasco Jr.
Analysis: Laporte has yet to resume team training after an illness forced him to withdraw from the squad against Rayo Vallecano. The center-back has made seven La Liga appearances this season, including six starts, recording eight tackles, four interceptions and 20 clearances. His availability against Valencia remains uncertain, with Aitor Paredes potentially continuing alongside Yeray Alvarez in central defense if Laporte is unable to return.
Late withdrawal due to illness
Laporte (illness) has been ruled out of Saturday's La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano after withdrawing from the squad at the last minute due to feeling unwell, according to the club.
Analysis: Laporte has been forced to miss Saturday's match against Rayo Vallecano after falling ill shortly before the game. The center-back has made seven La Liga appearances this season, including six starts, recording eight tackles, four interceptions and 20 clearances. Aitor Paredes is expected to partner Yeray Alvarez in central defense during his absence. Laporte's availability for the upcoming fixtures will depend on his recovery, with no indication yet of how long he could remain sidelined.
Helps secure clean sheet
Laporte had four tackles (three won), three clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Deportivo Alaves.
Analysis: Laporte contributed to another solid defensive performance as Athletic prevented Alaves from creating much attacking danger throughout the contest. The center-back played the full 90 minutes and remained active defensively with four tackles, three clearances and two interceptions. Laporte has established himself as an undisputed starter in central defense, totaling eight tackles, four interceptions and 20 clearances across seven LaLiga appearances this season.
Ready for new season
Laporte is back at Athletic Club's training ground to prepare for the new season, according to the club.
Analysis: Laporte made 25 appearances in his return to Athletic Bilbao last season, contributing one assist and helping the team to one clean sheet in a leakier defensive campaign. He capped that with a standout World Cup for Spain, starting all eight matches in a title winning run that saw the team concede just one goal, leading the squad with averages of 1.9 interceptions and 3.6 clearances per game. His return to club training now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he looks to build on that momentum heading into the new 2026/27 La Liga season.
Posts three clearances in victory
Laporte registered one shot (one on goal), three clearances and two interceptions in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Argentina.
Analysis: Laporte put in a fine effort over 99 minutes of play, helping his national team to yet another clean sheet in an extra-time win over Argentina. He started in each of Spain's eight matches during an impressive World Cup run in which they allowed only one goal. Over that period, he also ranked first and second on the squad with averages of 1.9 interceptions and 3.6 clearances per game, respectively.
Records four clearances in win
Laporte registered four clearances and two interceptions in Tuesday's 2-0 win over France.
Analysis: Laporte did a good job in the middle of a back line that earned its sixth clean sheet in seven games, doing so in the most difficult of those contests so far. Despite some ups and downs in terms of clearance numbers, he has been a valuable contributor throughout the competition, making at least one interception in each of his seven starts and averaging 75.9 accurate passes per match.
Makes two clearances in win
Laporte had one tackle (one won), two clearances and one interception in Friday's 2-1 victory over Belgium. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 93rd minute.
Analysis: Laporte had another quiet outing, and he's tallied just three clearances, two interceptions and one tackle in his last two starts. Despite the subpar fantasy numbers, Laporte should keep his place in the XI to face France on Sunday. He's the most experienced piece of a defense that has allowed just one goal through six World Cup matches so far.
Quiet against Portugal
Laporte generated one clearance in Monday's 1-0 win against Portugal.
Analysis: Laporte was locked up much of the game despite usually having the ball at his feet to start the attack for Spain, as he was tightly marked most of the match, only completing 37 passes. However, he would still help his team earn a fifth straight clean sheet, notching one clearance during the win. The veteran should remain a significant part of the defense moving forward as they eye another clean sheet in the quarterfinals.
Keeps another clean sheet
Laporte generated two shots (zero on goal) in Thursday's 3-0 victory against Austria. He also recorded three tackles, four clearances and two interceptions.
Analysis: Laporte, as well as Pau Cubarsi, had to deal with the towering threat of Michael Gregoritsch and Marko Arnautovic, but the Athletic Club defender had another sound display at the back en route to Spain's fourth consecutive clean sheet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Through four starts, Laporte has racked up 19 clearances, nine interceptions and four tackles.
Notches eight clearances
Laporte had eight clearancesand three interceptions in Friday's 1-0 victory over Uruguay.
Analysis: Laporte was once again in the defense for Spain as he recorded a third straight start, having yet to leave the field for Spain at the 2026 World Cup. He would see a decent match as they earned a clean sheet, notching three interceptions and leading his team in clearances with eight. He also completed 94 passes, now with 281 passes completed at this World Cup.
Assist from defense
Laporte recorded one assist to go along with one tackle won, an interpcetion and four clearances in Sunday's 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Analysis: Laporte earned yet another start for Spain as he controls the center of the defense, notching a solid display in the defense that earned him and his team a clean sheet. However, that was not all, as he found Mikel Oyarzabal in the 21st minute for a goal and assist. He is a solid veteran presence for the team alongside the younger Pau Cubarsi, with two clean sheets in two games. Laporte would also remain involved with his 81 passes, the third most on the team.
Two shots versus Cape Verde
Laporte registered two shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Monday's 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.
Analysis: Laporte started the opening match of Spain's World Cup, occupying a center back slot alongside Pau Cubarsi. He did not have to do much to keep a clean sheet, recording two interceptions and three clearances in his limited time actually defending. He also provided an aerial threat on corners, finishing the match with two shots. He will face more threatening attacks moving forward in the tournament, starting with Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
Will anchor Spain back line
Laporte has been named in Spain's World Cup squad and is expected to start alongside Pau Cubarsi at the heart of Spain's defensive line throughout the competition.
Analysis: Laporte returned to Athletic Club in Sep. 2025 after two seasons in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, bringing his vast experience back to Spanish football and regaining his place in manager De la Fuente's plans. The center-back brings leadership, physical presence and the experience of winning multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League with Manchester City, and his partnership with the younger Pau Cubarsi gives Spain a compelling combination of experience and youth at the back. Laporte heads into the World Cup motivated to add to his international trophy collection after winning Euro 2024, with his know-how and composure making him an essential figure in Spain's defensive setup.
Starting against Espanyol
Laporte (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Espanyol.
Analysis: Laporte was a late call after some physical issues, but has made a return, not just fit but finding the starting XI. This gives the club one of their starting defender's back, gaining some veteran presence in the defense. However, he has only been a part of one clean sheet in 24 appearances this season.
Late call Wednesday
Laporte is a late call for Wednesday's match against Espanyol due to an injury, according to manager Ernesto Valverde, per Juanma Velasco of Marca. "We also have a problem with Yuri and Aymeric, we will have to see how they are in training."
Analysis: Laporte is in need of a late fitness test Wednesday and a further training session, as the quick turnaround has left him questionable for Wednesday. This will be something to monitor as they head into the match, as he has started in their past two games. If he were to miss out, Yeray Alvarez is a likely option to take his spot.
Finds bench role
Laporte (hamstring) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Laporte has been included in the squad after being spotted at the training ground on Friday following the injury that had forced him off during Tuesday's win over Osasuna, though the coaching staff opted for a cautious approach by keeping him among the substitutes despite the minor nature of the problem. The defender has started each of Athletic's last 10 matches, making his absence from the starting lineup a notable change for a side accustomed to having their defensive leader anchoring the back line. His return to the first eleven is expected to follow imminently once the coaching staff are satisfied the issue has fully settled.
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