Álex Baena, about his childhood: 11It was difficult for me to go at 11 to live alone and away from the family. I lost almost all my childhood and adolescence

Álex Baena, 25, has shared deeply personal reflections on his childhood, describing the emotional toll of leaving home at age 11 to live alone and away from his family. His comments come amid Spain’s preparations for its potential World Cup final against Argentina, with Baena playing a central role in the team's success so far. Born in Roquetas de Mar in 2001, Baena has become a key figure for the Spanish national team, contributing both goals and assists during their six consecutive victories in the tournament. His performance has made him a vital asset under coach Luis de la Fuente, who is likely to name him in the starting XI for the final. Baena’s journey began when he left his hometown at just 11 years old to join Villarreal’s youth academy. The move marked the start of a life filled with frequent travel and separation from loved ones. Speaking in detail to El Club del Deportista, he described the difficulty of being sent away from family at such a young age. “It was hard to go off alone at 11 and be separated from my family,” he said. “I lost almost all of my childhood and adolescence due to traveling so much. You see friends doing things you can't because the next day you have a game.” His mother, Sara Rodríguez, confirmed how painful the decision was for them both. She recalled the emotional farewell before Baena left, with him saying, “I don’t know what will happen to me without you.” Their communication was limited to WhatsApp, often with neither wanting to reveal how they were feeling. “We tried to make sure neither of us knew the other was suffering,” she explained. Despite having four other children, Sara admitted that others sometimes dismissed her pain, suggesting, “But you have more kids,” which did little to ease her sorrow. She emphasized that her love for all her children remained unchanged, even though the absence of her youngest son was especially difficult. Baena’s early experiences shaped his approach to football and personal struggles. He has spoken openly about the importance of mental health in his career, working with a trusted psychologist for several years. A particularly challenging moment came after an incident involving a confrontation with Real Madrid player Fede Valverde following a match. The attack, which occurred in a car park, led to public criticism and emotional distress for Baena, prompting him to consider quitting football. He later revealed to ABC that this period was one of the hardest in his life, leading to months of struggle before he found stability again. The athlete also comes from a large family, being the second of five siblings. His older brother, Miquel, works as a sports physiotherapist and plays a key role in managing the high-performance training facility known as Campus Álex Baena, established in 2023 at the IDM Las Marinas center in Roquetas de Mar. This state-of-the-art complex combines advanced technology with expert coaching to help athletes improve their skills. It represents a return to his roots, offering support and resources to future generations of local talent. As the World Cup nears its climax, Baena stands at a crossroads. If Spain wins the title, he would become the first player in history to win the World Cup, European Championship, and Olympic Games within two years, a remarkable achievement. For a man who has already faced considerable hardship, including early separation from family and mental health challenges, such a triumph would serve as a powerful validation of his resilience and dedication. The final against Argentina promises to be a defining moment in his career, and perhaps in his life.