The Captain of the Subsidiary Extends His Relationship Until 2028

Álvaro Cortés signs his continuity at Barcelona: the captain of the subsidiary extends his contract until 2028

The center back from Zaragoza, in full bloom, renews with the Barça club on the day of his majority birthday and consolidates himself as a pillar of Barça Atlètic

FC Barcelona has closed the renewal of Álvaro Cortés, current captain of Barça Atlètic, in a move that consolidates the immediate future of the Blaugrana subsidiary. The young central defender from Zaragoza, who turns 21 precisely on March 17, will see his relationship with the Catalan entity extended until June 30, 2028, with the possibility of extending the agreement for another season. The signing materialized in an event held at the Joan Gamper Sports City, where the player was accompanied by key figures from the club's youth football team: José Ramón Alexanco, director of the area; Andrés Manzano, coordinator of Training Football; and Sergi Milà, head of Football 11 and director of the Methodology Department.

The timing of the renovation could not have been more symbolic. While the team prepares for the decisive clash against Newcastle in the Champions League, Cortés has been training with the first team in recent weeks and has been included in the squad for the latest league and European matches. His teammates did not want to miss the opportunity to celebrate his birthday in their characteristic way: with the traditional 'collejas' in the locker room, a nod to Barcelona folklore that demonstrates the total integration of the Zaragoza native into the group.

**Career of a leader in training**

Born precisely on March 17, 2005 in Zaragoza, Cortés came to the Barça discipline as a youth from the youth ranks of Real Zaragoza, his training club. The left-footed center back began his career in Juvenil B and, after a season of adaptation, he was loaned during the 2022/23 season to CF Damm to gain minutes in the Honor Division, a loan that allowed him to polish his technique and gain competitive experience.

His return to Barcelona occurred with the Barça Atlétic preseason, and his official debut came on August 27, 2023 against SD Logroñés. Under the direction of Barça legend Rafa Márquez, Cortés established himself as the undisputed starter during the 2024/25 season, playing a total of 30 games, 22 of them as a starter, and demonstrating the qualities that have made him one of the most promising centre-backs in Spanish football.

The definitive leap came this campaign. Cortés holds the captain's armband of the subsidiary, a leadership he exercises both on and off the field of play. Under the orders of Juliano Belletti, he has played 22 league games to date, all as a starter, and has scored two goals. His performance has earned him a call-up to the U-20 World Cup with the Spanish team, where he was able to demonstrate his talent on the international stage.

**Increasingly common presence in the first team**

Cortés' progression has not gone unnoticed at the Camp Nou. In recent weeks, the Aragonese center back has been in training dynamics with Hansi Flick's first team, entering the call-ups for important League and Champions League matches. This exposure is allowing him to adapt to the pace and demands of elite football, a fundamental step in his development as a professional.

The club, aware of its potential, has clearly opted for its continuity. The renewal until 2028 not only guarantees the stability of Barça Atlétic, but also opens the door to a possible permanent integration into the first team in the near future. The center-back represents the prototype of the player that Barcelona wants to foster: trained at La Masía, with leadership capacity and international projection.

**Relevant data from the career of Álvaro Cortés**

The renewal of Cortés represents a clear message from the sports management: Barcelona's talent factory continues to operate at full capacity, and the reserve team will continue to be a nursery for future Barça stars.

—

Frequently asked questions about the renewal of Álvaro Cortés

**Until when has Álvaro Cortés renewed with Barcelona?**

The center back has extended his contract until June 30, 2028, with the option to extend it for another season.

**Why does the renewal have special meaning?**

The signing took place on the same day as the player's birthday, who turns 21 on March 17.

**What has been Álvaro Cortés' career before Barcelona?**

The Zaragoza native trained in the youth ranks of Real Zaragoza and was loaned to CF Damm during the 2022/23 season before joining Barça Atlètic.

**How ​​many games have you played this season?**

To date, Cortés has played 22 League games, all as a starter, scoring two goals.

**What leadership do you have in the subsidiary?**

He is the first captain of Barça Atlètic, playing a leadership role on and off the pitch.

**Have you made your debut with the first team?**

He has not yet made his official debut, but he has been in call-ups and in training dynamics with the first team.

**What internationals have you played?**

He represented Spain in the U-20 World Cup during the start of the season.

**Who attended the renewal ceremony?**

José Ramón Alexanco, Andrés Manzano and Sergi Milà, the main people responsible for Barça youth football.

**What does this renewal represent for Barcelona?**

It consolidates the future of the reserve team and reinforces the club's commitment to the youth team, keeping one of its most valued young promises.

**What rival will Barcelona face after the renewal?**

The Barcelona team is preparing for the match against Newcastle in the Champions League.

—

Do you want to stay up to date with the latest sports news and in-depth analysis? Join our community on Telegram: https://t.me/casino_gurus