Player profile
Aymeric Laporte
Defender · Athletic Club
Aymeric Laporte, born in France but a Spanish citizen since 2021, started at centre-back for Spain in their 2026 World Cup final win over Argentina, capping the international career he built after switching nationalities.
Career
Laporte was born in Agen, France, and is of Basque descent through his great-grandparents, which allowed him to sign for Athletic Club in Spain's La Liga.
Never capped by France at senior level, he obtained Spanish citizenship in 2021 -- with FIFA approving the nationality switch -- after France had not selected him for Euro 2016, and went on to become a defensive leader for Spain.
How they play
A composed, left-footed centre-back, Laporte reads the game well and builds attacks from the back with his passing range, in addition to his defensive duties.
Where they are now
He was a starter for Spain in the 2026 World Cup final against Argentina, which La Roja won 1-0 to be crowned world champions.
His path to that final -- from being overlooked by France to becoming a first-choice Spain international -- was highlighted repeatedly in World Cup coverage of his career.
Bio
Club career
- Athletic ClubSince 2025Current
- Al-Nassr2023–2025
- Manchester City F.C.2018–2023
- Athletic Club2012–2018
- Athletic Bilbao B2012
- CD Baskonia2011–2012
- Athletic Club2010–2011
- Aviron Bayonnais FC2009–2010
- SU Agen Football2000–2009
International career
- Spain men's national football teamSince 6202Current
Youth caps: U21 (2013–2016) · U19 (2012–2013) · U18 (2011–2012) · U17 (2011)
Honours
No honours on record yet.
Defining moments
Starts at centre-back in Spain's World Cup final win2026
Laporte started for Spain in their 1-0 World Cup final victory over Argentina in 2026, completing his journey from being uncapped by France to a title-winning Spain international.
Latest season stats (ESPN)
In our archive
- Spain 1–0 ArgentinaWStarted · #14 · Center Left Defender · off 99'
Sources
- ESPN athlete profileJul 18, 2026
- WikidataJul 18, 2026
- Player photo — Bryan BerlinCC BY-SA 4.0
Read for this profile
- FIFA.com — Aymeric Laporte: From France youths to Spain cornerstoneAugust 3, 2026
- Yahoo Sports — Why Aymeric Laporte plays for Spain despite being born in FranceAugust 3, 2026
Profile written / last reviewed August 3, 2026.
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