Jordi Alba

Jordi Alba Ramos (Catalan: [ˈʒɔrði ˈaɫβə i ˈramos], Spanish: [ˈʝorði ˈalβa i ˈramos]); born 21 March 1989) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for FC Barcelona and the Spain national team. Mainly a left back and a player of great speed, he can also operate as a left midfielder.

He started his career at Hospitalet, but finished his development at Valencia (after a seven-year youth spell with Barcelona), rising to prominence in La Liga with the club. In 2012 he returned to Barcelona.

Alba represented Spain at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2012, having first appeared for the team in 2011. He won the latter tournament.

Club career

Early years

Born in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Alba started his career in the youth ranks of FC Barcelona, but was released by the club in 2005. He then joined neighbouring UE Cornellà and, after almost two years, departed in a €6,000 deal to Valencia CF where he finished his football education.

After helping the reserves earn promotion from Tercera División in 2007–08, he made his professional debut the following season, playing on loan at Segunda División club Gimnàstic de Tarragona, where he performed consistently (24 starts).