A full-back's fight for redemption

2026 has not been an easy year for Alejandro Balde. The Barcelona full-back dealt with more injuries and lost his starting spot to João Cancelo, who will return to the club on a permanent deal to begin the season as the starter at left-back.

The 22-year-old has struggled to live up to expectations since he burst onto the scene in the 2022-23 season under Xavi Hernández. Despite playing at a really high level for moments of his Barça career, he has not quite become the club's next great left-back.

A summer of relentless work

Determined to change his trajectory, Balde took on a major project this summer, working with a personal trainer almost non-stop over the last couple of months to improve his fitness and strengthen different areas of his body to better prevent injuries, according to Diario SPORT.

The former Spanish international believes this is a make-or-break season at a personal level. He knows he faces real competition in the form of Cancelo, but he is confident he has what it takes to regain his spot.

Barcelona still fully trust Balde and never contemplated a sale despite some interest from the Premier League. The club believes they will still see the best of Balde in a Blaugrana shirt.

An open question

Now the debate turns to the supporters: Will Alejandro Balde regain his starting left-back spot at Barcelona?