Real Betis Defenders 2024/25
Real Betis defenders lineup showcases a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents fortifying their backline. Here’s a quick overview of the club’s current defenders lineup in the 2024/25 season.
1. Youssouf Sabaly
Youssouf Sabaly, born on March 5, 1993, in Le Chesnay, France, represents Senegal at the international level. Primarily operating as a right-back, Sabaly’s football journey commenced in the youth ranks of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Despite being promoted to PSG’s senior team in 2013, he found first-team opportunities limited, leading to loan spells at Evian Thonon Gaillard FC and FC Nantes. In 2017, he secured a permanent move to FC Girondins de Bordeaux, where he became a mainstay in their defense over four seasons. In July 2021, Sabaly joined Real Betis defenders lineup on a free transfer, bringing with him a wealth of experience from both Ligue 1 and international competitions. His defensive acumen, combined with his ability to support offensive plays, has made him an invaluable asset to Betis’s right flank.
2. Juan Miranda
Juan Miranda González, born on January 19, 2000, in Olivares, Spain, is a product of FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. Occupying the left-back position, Miranda’s technical skills and tactical intelligence were evident from a young age. He progressed through Barcelona’s youth system, eventually making appearances for both their B team and senior squad. Seeking regular first-team action, Miranda embarked on loan stints with FC Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga and later with Real Betis defenders squad. His impressive performances during his loan at Betis prompted the club to secure his services permanently in July 2021. Since then, Miranda has been a consistent presence on Betis’s left side, known for his overlapping runs and precise crosses.
3. Germán Pezzella
Germán Alejo Pezzella, born on June 27, 1991, in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, is a commanding center-back known for his aerial prowess and leadership qualities. Pezzella began his professional career with Club Atlético River Plate in Argentina, where he was instrumental in their domestic and international successes. In 2015, he ventured to Europe, signing with Real Betis defenders setup. After two seasons in Spain, he transferred to ACF Fiorentina in Italy’s Serie A, initially on loan before making the move permanent. In August 2021, Pezzella returned to Real Betis, bringing with him a wealth of experience from top-tier European football. His defensive solidity and ability to read the game have been crucial for Betis’s backline.
4. Luiz Felipe
Luiz Felipe Ramos Marchi, born on March 22, 1997, in Colina, Brazil, is a central defender renowned for his composure and tactical awareness. Felipe’s professional journey began with Ituano FC in Brazil. His potential caught the attention of European scouts, leading to a move to Italy’s Lazio in 2016. During his tenure with Lazio, Felipe developed into a reliable defender, contributing to their domestic and European campaigns. In the summer of 2022, seeking new challenges, he joined Real Betis defenders lineup on a free transfer. Felipe’s blend of Brazilian flair and European discipline has bolstered Betis’s central defense.
5. Abner Vinícius
Abner Vinícius da Silva Santos, born on May 27, 2000, in Presidente Prudente, Brazil, is a dynamic left-back known for his speed and attacking contributions. He began his career with Ponte Preta in Brazil before moving to Athletico Paranaense, where he further honed his skills. In January 2023, Real Betis secured his services for a reported fee of €7 million. Since joining, Abner has provided depth and competition on the left side of defense, impressing with his dribbling and crossing abilities.
6. Chadi Riad
Chadi Riad, born on June 17, 2003, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, is a promising center-back with Moroccan heritage. Standing tall and possessing a keen sense of positioning, Riad developed through the youth systems of RCD Mallorca and later FC Barcelona. In the summer of 2024, Real Betis invested €15 million to bring the young defender into their ranks. Despite his youth, Riad has shown maturity beyond his years, making significant contributions to Betis’s defense in domestic and European fixtures.
7. Héctor Bellerín
Héctor Bellerín Moruno, born on March 19, 1995, in Barcelona, Spain, is a right-back celebrated for his blistering pace and offensive support. A product of FC Barcelona’s youth academy, Bellerín moved to Arsenal FC in England at a young age. Over several seasons with the Gunners, he established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout full-backs. In the 2021/22 season, he returned to Spain on loan with Real Betis, where he quickly became a fan favorite. Following subsequent stints with FC Barcelona and Sporting CP, Bellerín rejoined Real Betis defenders roster in the summer of 2024 on a free transfer. His experience and attacking impetus have added a new dimension to Betis’s right flank.
8. Marc Bartra
Marc Bartra Aregall, born on January 15, 1991, in Sant Jaume dels Domenys, Spain, is a seasoned center-back known for his ball-playing abilities. Bartra’s football education was rooted in FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy, where he progressed to the senior team, contributing to multiple domestic and European triumphs. In 2021, Bartra moved to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, where he spent several successful seasons. His stints in Germany helped develop his tactical understanding and improve his defensive capabilities in a more physically demanding league. After his time in Germany, he joined Real Betis defenders squad in 2018, bringing a wealth of experience from top European competitions. Bartra has been a vital figure in Betis’s defense, providing leadership, composure on the ball, and a strong presence in aerial duels. His ability to step out from the back and distribute the ball has made him an integral part of Betis’s defensive setup. As a senior member of the squad, his role as a mentor to the younger defenders has also been essential. Bartra’s wealth of experience, which includes international appearances for Spain, has been crucial in Betis’s recent successes.
9. Edgar González
Edgar González, born on January 15, 1998, in Barcelona, Spain, is a central defender who has steadily grown into an essential figure for Real Betis. Starting his career in the youth ranks of FC Barcelona, González’s potential quickly caught the attention of scouts, and he made his way to Real Betis in 2018. Although initially playing for the B team, his performances were soon noted by first-team managers. In the 2020/21 season, Edgar was promoted to the senior squad, and he has since become an integral part of Betis’s defensive structure. Known for his strong tackling and excellent positioning, Edgar has shown great maturity despite his relatively young age. His development at Betis has allowed him to cement his place as one of the club’s most reliable central defenders, and his physicality, combined with his calmness on the ball, has been vital in defensive situations.
10. Luiz Henrique
Luiz Henrique, born on May 10, 2002, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a highly promising full-back who represents Real Betis in the 2024/25 season. Henrique is known for his explosive pace, attacking runs, and versatility in defense. He started his career at Flamengo, where his performances as a right-back earned him a move to Europe. Henrique joined Real Betis players squad in the summer of 2024 for a reported fee of €10 million. His adaptability has made him a key player in Betis’s defensive setup, as he can also play as a winger when required. His tireless work ethic and ability to track back have made him a valuable asset on the right side of the defense, and his attacking instincts help balance the team’s offensive and defensive duties. Luiz Henrique’s arrival has injected a sense of urgency and creativity to the Betis defense, and he is widely regarded as one of the club’s future stars.
The 2024/25 season sees Real Betis possessing a dynamic and experienced defensive lineup, blending youth and maturity. From experienced international players like Marc Bartra and Germán Pezzella to the emerging talents of Chadi Riad and Luiz Henrique, Betis has assembled a well-rounded defense capable of competing at the highest level. Each defender brings a unique set of attributes to the team, and together, they form a solid unit underpinned by strong tactical discipline. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how these players continue to develop and contribute to Real Betis’s pursuit of success in both La Liga and European competitions. With a strong defense, the team looks well-positioned to challenge for honors in the years to come.
