Spain are one match away from their second FIFA World Cup title as they take on defending champions Argentina at the New Jersey Stadium on July 20. La Roja have looked composed, calm and shown great maturity when it came to handling pressure throughout the campaign. Deservedly, they have sealed their place in the final.
They are currently enjoying a 37-match unbeaten run, with their last defeat coming in March 2024. In the process, they have equalled Italy's men's international record, set between 2018 and 2021. One more win in the final will give Spain the longest unbeaten streak in men's international football history.
Spain's Wall at the Back
Behind this remarkable run, their solid defensive line has been the key factor. From Marc Cucurella (left-back), Aymeric Laporte (centre-back), Pau Cubarsi (centre-back) and Pedro Porro (right-back), every defender has stepped up. In this World Cup, they have shown composure in possession while providing immense stability at the back. Spain have conceded just one goal in seven matches so far. The fewest goals conceded by a World Cup-winning team is two, jointly held by France (1998), Italy (2006) and Spain (2010). Heading into the final, another clean sheet would rewrite the record books.
Among this defensive unit, one player has already been scripting a fairytale — the 32-year-old Aymeric Laporte. A few years ago, recurring injuries threatened to derail his career. Then came a move to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, followed by a return to Europe. Now, he is preparing for a FIFA World Cup final with Spain. It has been a journey worth remembering.
Injuries That Nearly Derailed a Promising Career
Laporte began his career at Athletic Bilbao, then Athletic Club before joining Manchester City in 2018. He made an immediate impact under Pep Guardiola, bringing defensive stability and composure to City's backline. He became an integral part of the club's historic 2017/18 "Centurions" season, with his left-footed passing range fitting seamlessly into Guardiola's possession-based system.
He continued to thrive, but recurring injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential. First came a major cartilage and lateral meniscus injury in 2019, which required surgery and kept him out for nearly five months. In 2020, a hamstring injury sidelined him again for a significant period. Recurring knee issues then troubled him in 2022, forcing him to miss more matches. The repeated setbacks also left Guardiola constantly reshuffling his defensive line.
However, Laporte's chapter at City came to an end in 2023. He was struggling for regular game time as Nathan Aké, Manuel Akanji and Rúben Dias were preferred, alongside new signing Josko Gvardiol. The club made it clear that they could not promise him the amount of game time he was looking for.
According to the Manchester Evening News, City's Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, said: "Aymeric has been an excellent player for Manchester City during a great time for the club. He fit into the team seamlessly upon arrival in 2018 and played a key role in many of our successes over the years that have followed. The form of the other defenders in the squad made it hard for him to find sufficient game time in 2022/23 and we respect his decision to seek a move elsewhere."
Laporte spent five-and-a-half years at the Etihad Stadium, winning 13 major trophies, including five Premier League titles. He also scored 12 goals in 180 appearances for the club. His decision to leave was logical, as he was searching for regular game time to stay fit, sharp and strengthen his place in Spain's national team.
The Saudi Gamble and a Return to Europe
In search of regular game time, Laporte joined Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The move, however, raised a few eyebrows among football fans. The Saudi Pro League is often viewed as a destination for players who have passed their prime and are looking to prolong their careers. As a result, there is a perception that players who move there may struggle to compete at Europe's highest level again because of the clear difference in standards.
Back Where He Belongs
However, Laporte returned to Europe in 2025, rejoining his former club, Athletic Club. The decision was influenced by Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente, who advised the defender to play in a top European league like La Liga to remain sharp and stay in contention for Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
The belief was there from the very beginning, and de la Fuente's advice proved to be spot on. Laporte rebuilt his fitness, rediscovered his rhythm and earned his place in Spain's World Cup squad. Alongside the 19-year-old Pau Cubarsi, he has been one of Spain's standout performers throughout the tournament.
According to FIFA statistics, Rodri leads the list for the most successful passes at this World Cup with 648 completed passes, while Cubarsi (547) and Laporte (533) occupy the second and third spots, respectively.
Their ability to break opposition lines has been equally impressive. Rather than sitting deep, both defenders have consistently stepped forward to intercept passes, disrupt attacks and regain possession. Laporte has attempted the most line breaks for Spain (198), while Cubarsi has completed the most with 173.
One Last Step Towards Glory
Now, stopping Lionel Messi and company once again will require Laporte's experience. That is exactly what de la Fuente has relied on throughout this competition. As a collective, Spain's defence will have to find a way to contain an in-form Messi. But for Laporte, this is arguably the biggest night of his career.
Interestingly, Laporte represented France at various youth levels but struggled to break into the senior team before switching his international allegiance to Spain. The decision has paid off. He lifted the UEFA Nations League in 2023 before helping Spain win UEFA Euro 2024.
Now comes the biggest test of them all.
A career once threatened by injuries, uncertainty and reduced opportunities has brought Aymeric Laporte to football's biggest stage. Now, just 90 minutes separate him from completing one of the game's finest comeback stories—with a FIFA World Cup winner's medal around his neck.
