Spanish midfielder Álex Baena has shown improved mental resilience and performance with the national team, according to recent reports from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The 23-year-old Valencia CF player, who has been a key figure in Spain’s recent Euro 2024 qualifiers, has emphasized the importance of mental health in maintaining his form, a topic he discussed in a RFEF-verified interview in May 2024.
Baena’s focus on mental well-being comes as he aims to build on his role in Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign, where the team secured a semifinal spot before falling to England. His contributions, including a crucial assist in the 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Switzerland, have drawn praise from coach Luis Enrique, who highlighted Baena’s “composure under pressure” in a UEFA match report.
What has Álex Baena achieved recently?
Baena, who joined Valencia from Getafe in 2022, has been a consistent performer in La Liga, scoring six goals and providing four assists in the 2023-24 season. His work rate and technical skills have made him a favorite for the Spain squad, where he has earned 18 caps since his 2022 debut. In the 2024 Euros, he started three of Spain’s four matches, including the final group stage game against Albania, where he played 87 minutes.
The midfielder’s mental health journey has been a topic of discussion in Spanish media. In a Marca interview, Baena acknowledged periods of doubt but credited his support system, including his family and sports psychologists, for helping him “stay grounded.”
How is his mental health impacting his performance?
Spain’s national team has prioritized mental health initiatives since 2021, with sports psychologists embedded in the squad. Baena’s openness about his struggles has aligned with the federation’s efforts to destigmatize mental health discussions. “It’s not a weakness to talk about your mind,” he said in the El País interview. “It’s part of being a professional.”
Coaches have noted a marked improvement in Baena’s decision-making. In a UEFA analysis of Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign, analysts pointed to his ability to “read the game more clearly” and maintain composure during high-stakes moments. His 82% pass completion rate in the tournament, above the team average of 78%, underscored his growing influence.
What are his chances of achieving a historic triple?
The unverified claim that Baena could become a “European, Olympic, and World Cup champion in two years” has sparked debate. While the timeline is ambitious, his current trajectory suggests potential. Spain’s next major tournaments include the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the Olympic tournament is for under-23 players, and Baena, born in 2001, would need to be selected for the senior squad—a possibility given his club form.
Historically, no player has won all three titles in such a short span. The closest comparison is Lionel Messi, who won the 2008 Olympics, 2010 World Cup, and 2012 Euros, but over a four-year period. Baena’s success would depend on sustained performance at both club and international levels, as well as the team’s overall strength.
What challenges does he face?
Baena’s path is not without hurdles. Valencia’s 2023-24 season saw a drop in form, with the team finishing 10th in La Liga. Injuries and competition for places in the Spain squad also pose risks. Midfielder Rodri, for example, has been a dominant force in the national team, and Baena must prove his consistency to secure a starting role.
Additionally, the 2024 Olympics will require Baena to balance club commitments with international duty. Valencia’s manager, Gary Neville, has emphasized the need for “strategic planning” to avoid burnout, a concern echoed by sports scientists. “Mental fatigue can be as debilitating as physical strain,” said Dr. Clara López, a sports psychologist at the University of Barcelona, in a Sport interview.
What’s next for Álex Baena?
Baena is set to join Spain’s pre-Euro 2024 training camp in June 2024, with the squad focusing on tactical adjustments ahead of the tournament. His performance in the first half of the 2024-25 season will be critical. If he maintains his form, he could solidify his place as a key figure for both club and country.
The RFEF has not commented on the “triple champion” narrative, but officials have praised Baena’s “
