Aymeric Laporte Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 26, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few players embody the quiet revolution of modern defending quite like Aymeric Laporte.
Once seen as a promising but inconsistent center-back, Laporte has transformed into a pillar of defensive excellence, a captain for club and country, and a symbol of loyalty, leadership, and reinvention.
From his early days in the Basque Country to captaining Al-Nassr FC and anchoring the Spain national team, Laporte’s journey is a compelling tale of resilience, identity, and triumph.
Then: The French Prodigy with a Dream (2010–2018)
1. Early Career at Athletic Bilbao
Born on May 27, 1994, in Agen, France, Aymeric Laporte began his football journey in the youth ranks of Bayonne before joining Athletic Bilbao’s famed Lezama Academy in 2010. Despite being French, he was eligible to play for the Spanish club due to Athletic’s unique policy of signing players from the Basque region—including those of Basque descent or developed in their youth system.
Laporte quickly rose through the ranks, making his first-team debut in 2012 at just 18 years old. A towering presence (6’4”), technically gifted, and comfortable on the ball, he stood out for his composure, passing range, and aerial dominance.
By 2015, he was a regular starter, earning the nickname “El Francés Silencioso” (The Silent Frenchman) for his calm demeanor and leadership without words.
2. Recognition and Transfer to Manchester City
Despite interest from Europe’s elite, Laporte remained loyal to Bilbao—until January 2018, when Manchester City triggered his €65 million release clause, making him one of the most expensive defenders in history at the time.
The move marked a turning point. Under Pep Guardiola, Laporte was expected to bring technical refinement and defensive stability to a team already dominating English football.
Related: Ilkay Gündoğan Then and Now
The Rise: Becoming a Premier League Champion (2018–2023)
1. Overcoming Injury and Competition
Laporte’s early years at City were hampered by injuries and fierce competition from players like Rúben Dias, John Stones, and Nathan Aké. He struggled to secure a consistent starting spot, often rotating in and out of the lineup.
However, when called upon, he delivered—earning praise for his ball-playing ability, intelligent positioning, and left-footed elegance.
2. Key Role in Historic Success
By the 2020–21 season, Laporte had become a trusted figure in Guardiola’s rotation. He played a crucial role in:
- Premier League titles (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023)
- FA Cup (2019, 2023)
- EFL Cup (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
- UEFA Champions League victory (2023) – a historic treble-winning campaign
His performance in the 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan was particularly lauded—his composure under pressure and ability to break lines with passes were instrumental in City’s 1–0 win.
3. International Switch to Spain
In a landmark decision in 2021, after years of being overlooked by the French national team, Laporte accepted an offer to represent Spain, having lived in the country since 2010 and obtained Spanish citizenship.
He made his debut for La Roja in 2021 and quickly became a key figure in central defense, helping Spain reach:
- UEFA Nations League Final (2021, 2023)
- Round of 16 at UEFA Euro 2020
- Quarterfinals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
His partnership with Robin Le Normand became one of Europe’s most reliable defensive duos.
Related: Paulo Dybala Then and Now
Now: Captaincy, Legacy, and New Horizons (2024–2025)
1. Shock Transfer to Al-Nassr FC – A New Chapter
In a move that stunned the football world, Laporte made a surprise transfer to Al-Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia in August 2023, reuniting with former City teammate Riyad Mahrez and joining forces with global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané.
By 2025, he is not just a player—he is club captain, defensive leader, and mentor to younger defenders in the Saudi Pro League.
His impact has been immediate:
- Saudi Pro League Champion (2024)
- King’s Cup Winner (2024)
- AFC Champions League Finalist (2025)
Laporte brings European discipline, tactical intelligence, and professionalism to a rapidly growing league, helping elevate its global profile.
2. Leadership and Influence in Saudi Arabia
At Al-Nassr, Laporte is more than a defender—he’s a cultural bridge between European football excellence and the ambitions of Saudi sports development. He’s known for:
- Mentoring young Saudi defenders
- Advocating for high standards in training and recovery
- Promoting unity and professionalism in a diverse locker room
His calm leadership has been pivotal in Al-Nassr’s pursuit of continental glory.
3. Continued Role with Spain National Team
Despite playing outside Europe, Laporte remains a first-choice center-back for Spain under manager Luis de la Fuente. His experience, leadership, and technical ability are vital as Spain prepares for UEFA Euro 2024 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In Euro 2024, he played every minute as Spain reached the semifinals, earning praise for his performances against elite attackers like Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane.
4. Evolution as a Player
By 2025, Laporte has evolved into a complete modern defender:
- Elite reading of the game
- Pinpoint long-range passing (often initiating attacks)
- Strong one-on-one defending
- Set-piece threat (scoring crucial headers)
- Leadership and communication
Though no longer the fastest, his intelligence and positioning compensate, allowing him to thrive even at 30+.
Related: Sandro Tonali Then and Now
Personal Life and Character
Laporte is known for his reserved, humble, and deeply professional demeanor. He speaks French, Spanish, English, and Basque, reflecting his multicultural identity.
He is married to Marta San Sebastián, and they have two children. The family splits time between Riyadh and Bilbao, maintaining strong ties to both cultures.
He is also involved in charity work, supporting youth football programs in both France and Spain, and promoting integration through sport.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Aymeric Laporte’s career is a story of identity, perseverance, and reinvention:
- A Frenchman who became a symbol of Athletic Bilbao’s values
- A player overlooked by France who found redemption and glory with Spain
- A defender who left European elite football not for decline, but for new challenges and leadership
He has become a role model for players navigating national identity, proving that loyalty and ambition can coexist.
Moreover, his success in Saudi Arabia has helped legitimize the Saudi Pro League as a destination for world-class defenders—not just attackers.
Related: Nicolò Barella Then and Now
Conclusion: Aymeric Laporte – Then and Now (In 2025)
- Then: A quiet French teenager in Bilbao, fighting to prove himself in Spain, dreaming of international recognition.
- Now: Captain of Al-Nassr FC, key defender for Spain, and one of the most respected center-backs in world football.
Aymeric Laporte’s journey is not defined by flashy headlines or viral moments. It is defined by consistency, intelligence, and integrity. He didn’t seek the spotlight—but when it found him, he stood tall.
As he leads Al-Nassr into continental competition and prepares for one final Euro and World Cup with Spain, one thing is clear:
Aymeric Laporte isn’t just a defender.
He’s a leader. A legacy. And a quiet giant of the game.
🛡️ “Great defending isn’t about noise. It’s about being there—every time.” – Aymeric Laporte
Related: Joško Gvardiol Then and Now