Aymeric Laporte's international revival keeps Spain's historic defensive record intact

Aymeric Laporte’s international revival is credited with maintaining Spain’s historic defensive record as the team reached the World Cup quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over Portugal. After Cristiano Ronaldo left the field in tears following Portugal’s Round of 16 exit on Monday night, Laporte was described as smiling after securing Spain’s progression. The article says Laporte spent two years with Ronaldo at Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr between 2023 and 2025 before returning to Athletic Club. It also reports that his Saudi move had international consequences: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente dropped him from the national team, questioning whether Saudi league competition prepared him adequately. His return to Athletic last summer followed lengthy negotiations, only completed after FIFA intervened due to an administrative error by Al Nassr. Now 31, Laporte has started every match and formed a defensive partnership with teenage centre-back Pau Cubarsí. Spain remained the only team yet to concede, extending goalkeeper Unai Simón’s minutes without conceding to 609, while Laporte contributed around 90% pass completion overall and 85% in the opposition half.