Laporte's 50 Roars

Some stories seem written by destiny. Aymeric Laporte’s journey with the Spanish National Team added another symbolic chapter this Monday.

Born in Agen, in southwestern France, Laporte joined Athletic Club’s famed Lezama academy at the age of 15. After progressing through France’s youth national teams, he obtained Spanish citizenship in 2021. Since then, his path and that of Spain have been inseparable.

The centre-back made his senior debut for Spain on 4 June 2021 in a friendly against Portugal ahead of UEFA EURO 2020—held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Portugal marked the beginning of his international career five years ago, and now, against the very same opponent in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, he reached the landmark of 50 appearances for Spain.

Only ten centre-backs have reached 50 caps for Spain: Sergio Ramos, Gerard Piqué, Carles Puyol, Fernando Hierro, Carlos Marchena, Miguel Ángel Nadal, Raúl Albiol, Abelardo Fernández, Rafael Alkorta and Aymeric Laporte.

Since his debut in Spain’s colours, Laporte has established himself as one of the cornerstones of the national team's defence. Over the years, he has become a permanent fixture at the heart of the back line. His composure, ability to build play from deep, defensive authority and leadership have made him one of the most trusted players in successive Spain squads.

During the past five years, Laporte has played a key role in one of the most successful periods in Spanish football. He has represented Spain at two FIFA World Cups, two UEFA European Championships and two UEFA Nations League Finals. Under Luis de la Fuente, he helped lift the 2023 UEFA Nations League and UEFA EURO 2024 trophies, playing a decisive role in both triumphs. Today, he remains an undisputed starter under De la Fuente and one of the leaders of the defence of the only team yet to concede a goal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Now destiny has come full circle. Five years after his debut, Portugal once again stood in his way, this time in a high-stakes knockout match with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. Laporte delivered another outstanding performance as Spain recorded yet another clean sheet. The "Lion of Agen" roared once more in Dallas, leading Spain into the quarter-finals.