Aymeric Laporte
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.
Uncertain status for Saturday
Laporte (hamstring) will be a game-time call for Saturday's game against Atletico Madrid, according to manager Ernesto Valverde. "We'll see, we'll make a decision after today's [Friday] training. [Aymeric] is recovering from the injury he had the other day. Hopefully, he'll be available."
Analysis: Laporte exited Tuesday's win over Osasuna with the injury, but it seems it was a minor problem since he was spotted in the training ground Friday. Having Laporte anchoring the defensive line will be huge for Athletic, as he's the undisputed leader of the back line. He has started in Athletic's last 10 games, averaging 4.8 clearances, 1.3 tackles and 0.5 chances created per game in that span.
Hamstring issue
Laporte (hamstring) did not train Thursday and is uncertain for Saturday's clash against Atletico Madrid, according to Edu Velasco Jr from ElChiringuitotv.
Analysis: Laporte's absence from training is a concern for Athletic Club heading into a high-stakes fixture against Atletico Madrid. The veteran center-back had been on a 10-game La Liga starting run before the injury emerged, averaging 4.7 clearances and 1.3 tackles per contest during that stretch. Dani Vivian figures to return to the starting lineup should Laporte be unable to go Saturday. No further details have been provided on the severity of the hamstring issue.
Subs off with injury in win
Laporte was forced to leave Tuesday's 1-0 win over Osasuna due to a physical discomfort.
Analysis: Laporte was unable to finish the game after helping his side to a clean sheet over 75 minutes of play. His status is now a concern, as the issue could put an end to his 10-game La Liga starting run, during which he's averaging 4.7 clearances and 1.3 tackles per contest. Dani Vivian should return to the starting XI if the veteran is dealing with a significant issue.
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