Player profile
Alejandro Grimaldo
Defender · Bayer Leverkusen
Spain left-back Alejandro Grimaldo completed a return to his homeland in 2026, leaving Bayer Leverkusen for Atletico Madrid on a four-year deal after starring in Leverkusen's historic Bundesliga and German Cup double.
Career
Grimaldo came through Barcelona's La Masia academy before a 2016 move to Benfica, where he spent seven seasons and won three Primeira Liga titles.
A 2023 free transfer to Bayer Leverkusen turned into a career-defining spell: he was central to Xabi Alonso's unbeaten 2023-24 Bundesliga and German Cup double, contributing 30 goals and 45 assists across 145 appearances for the club.
In June 2026 he completed a move to Atletico Madrid on a contract running to 2030, reportedly worth up to €25m including add-ons.
How they play
An attack-minded left-back renowned for his set-piece delivery and long-range strikes, Grimaldo can also operate as a wing-back or central/attacking midfielder, giving Atletico tactical flexibility.
Where they are now
Grimaldo is expected to begin the 2026-27 season as Atletico Madrid's first-choice left-back, succeeding Matteo Ruggeri in Diego Simeone's XI.
Bio
Club career
- Atlético Madrid2026
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen2023–2026
- S.L. Benfica2016–2023
- FC Barcelona Atlètic2011–2015
- FC Barcelona Juvenil A2008–2012
- Valencia CF Mestalla2006–2008
International career
- Spain men's national football teamSince 2023Current
Youth caps: U21 (2013–2016) · U19 (2012–2014) · U17 (2011–2012) · U16 (2011)
Honours
No honours on record yet.
Defining moments
Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten domestic double2024
Grimaldo was a key creative outlet as Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen completed a historic unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup double in the 2023-24 season.
Return to Spain with Atletico Madrid2026
After three seasons in Germany, Grimaldo signed a four-year deal with Atletico Madrid in June 2026, aiming to cement his place at the elite level of Spanish football.
Latest season stats (ESPN)
In our archive
- Spain 1–0 ArgentinaWSubstitute · #3
Sources
- ESPN athlete profileJul 18, 2026
- WikidataJul 18, 2026
- Player photo — Bryan BerlinCC BY-SA 4.0
Read for this profile
- Spain international Grimaldo swaps Bayer Leverkusen for Atlético Madrid - Reuters via Yahoo SportsAugust 15, 2026
- Spain's Grimaldo returns home to join Atlético Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen - ESPNAugust 15, 2026
Profile written / last reviewed August 15, 2026.
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War of Soccer is not affiliated with FIFA, Bayer Leverkusen, any federation or Alejandro Grimaldo. This page compiles publicly available data (ESPN, Wikidata) descriptively, for identification and commentary only — not an endorsement by or of the player.