Yeray Álvarez, back to action after a long punishment: his reunion with Getafe

The Athletic Club center back returns to the field after almost a year of suspension for a positive test. This Sunday, at the Coliseum, will mark his return to elite football.

Football is full of stories of overcoming, but few as moving as that of Yeray Álvarez. The Athletic Club center back has been away from the playing fields since May 2025 due to a sanction imposed by UEFA following a positive doping control. At that time, his team's season continued, but the absence of a defensive pillar like him was noticeable. Now, almost a year after that fateful May 1, Yeray is ready to return to professional football, starting with the game against Getafe this Sunday.

It was on matchday 36 of the 2024-2025 League when Yeray played his last official match. That day, in Getafe, Athletic won 0-2 thanks to goals from Guruzeta and Vivian, sealing their qualification for the next edition of the Champions League. However, although his teammates celebrated this achievement on the field, Yeray was not able to enjoy the fruits of that classification, since fate had another test prepared for him: a positive test after the match against Manchester United in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals.

The failure in the control, which took place on May 1, 2025, triggered a ten-month sanction, which began to count on June 2. Thus, Yeray missed the final stretch of last season, including qualification for the Champions League. And, more importantly, he has not been able to participate in the current campaign. His absence was notable, since the defender is considered one of the best center backs in Spanish football. However, now his punishment has come to an end, and he is ready to return to the court.

This Sunday, April 2, 2026, Yeray Álvarez could step onto the grass of the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, the same venue where he played his last official match, to face Getafe in a new round of La Liga. Although his return will not be definitive in the sense that he will still have to continue working to regain his best physical shape, this is the first opportunity for many fans to see the center back in action again. Furthermore, his reappearance at San Mamés is scheduled for April 12, when Athletic will host Villarreal, in a duel that promises to be even more special for him and the Bilbao fans.

However, the coincidences between Yeray and Getafe do not end there. The defender has scored a total of five goals in the 257 official matches played with Athletic Club, and one of those goals was precisely against the azulones. On January 24, 2021, at La Catedral, Yeray scored his first goal as a professional in a match that ended with a 5-1 victory for the rojiblancos. Getafe quickly took the lead with a goal from Cucurella, but the Bilbao centre-back momentarily tied the score in the second half with a precise header after a cross from Muniain. That goal was not only special for him, but also for his team, which was following in the wake of the Super Cup won shortly before.

Yeray's return not only represents a personal victory, but also an opportunity for Athletic to strengthen its defense in the final stretch of the season. With only nine games left, Ernesto Valverde's team needs to score points to stay at the top of the standings and ensure its presence in European competitions next year. The center back's return is, therefore, great news for the lions, who will also be looking forward to his leadership and experience in this crucial stretch of the season.

As Yeray puts on his boots and socks again, he does so not only with the responsibility of representing his team, but also with the need to overcome the ghosts of a long period of inactivity. Athletic fans and football lovers in general hope that, as the games go by, Yeray will recover the level that allowed him to be called up for the Spanish team on several occasions and become one of the defensive pillars of the red and white team.

Furthermore, this return coincides with the right moment for Athletic, which has been experiencing an irregular season. After a first half of the campaign marked by ups and downs, the team needs a figure like Yeray to reinforce its defensive structure and help stabilize performance. The center back's reappearance comes as a ray of hope for the lions, who trust that, despite the sanction and the long wait, Yeray will once again be the decisive player that everyone knows.

For many, Yeray's story is one of improvement, effort and patience. It is not easy to be away from professional football for almost a year, but the Athletic center back has been able to overcome adversity, and his return to the playing field will be a moment that many are looking forward to. The story of his return to competition remains to be written, but in itself, his return is an example of fight and perseverance.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Yeray Álvarez and his return

When was Yeray Álvarez's last game?
Yeray played his last official match on May 15, 2025, against Getafe on matchday 36 of La Liga.
Why was Yeray away from football?
Yeray was sanctioned by UEFA due to a positive doping control carried out on May 1, 2025 after the match against Manchester United in the Europa League.
How long did Yeray Álvarez's sanction last?
Yeray's sanction was ten months, starting on June 2, 2025, and he was away from the playing fields for the entire 2025-2026 season.
When will Yeray play again?
Yeray will play again on April 2, 2026 against Getafe, and his return to San Mamés will be on April 12 against Villarreal.
How many goals has Yeray Álvarez scored for Athletic?
Yeray has scored a total of five goals in 257 official matches with Athletic Club.
What goals stood out in your career?
One of his most notable goals was the first of his career, scored against Getafe in January 2021 at La Catedral, after having won the Super Cup.
How does Yeray's return affect Athletic?
The return of Yeray reinforces the defense of Athletic Club, a team that needs to add points in the last nine rounds to ensure its qualification for European competitions.
What does Yeray's return mean for the Spanish team?
Although it is not clear if Yeray will be called up for the national team again, his return to professional football increases his chances of being considered by national coaches again.
What is expected of Yeray after his sanction?
Yeray is expected to quickly recover his competitive level and contribute his experience and leadership to Athletic's defense.
Can I follow Yeray's news in real time?
Yes, you can follow all the news and updates about Yeray Álvarez and Athletic Club on Telegram: https://t.me/casino_gurus.