The 2025/26 season finds Deportivo Alavés firmly established as La Liga’s great survivors, a club from Vitoria-Gasteiz that has defied modest resources and frequent pre-season predictions of relegation to secure its place among Spain’s elite. The Mendizorrotza Stadium, with its intimate capacity of just under 20,000 and stands so close to the pitch that visiting players can feel the Basque passion emanating from every corner, has become a genuine fortress. Luis García Plaza, now in his fourth season across two spells at the club, has cultivated a squad defined by defensive organisation, tactical discipline, and devastating counter-attacking pace. The Babazorros (Bean Growers), as they are affectionately known, have embraced their identity as underdogs, frustrating more illustrious opponents with a low block before striking with clinical precision on the break. This season’s roster reflects Alavés’s signature model: undervalued veterans, loanees from bigger clubs, homegrown Basque products, and South American imports with technical quality. There is no glamour in Vitoria, only hard work, resilience, and the thunderous support of La Blanca y Azul. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Alavés’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Antonio Sivera
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Valencia Mestalla, Alavés
Transfer Fee: £2 million (2017)
Antonio Sivera has become Alavés’s longest-serving current first-team player and undisputed number one, entering his ninth season at Mendizorrotza and providing Spanish shot-stopping reliability, leadership, and Basque commitment. The 29-year-old’s reflexes (74% save percentage in 2024/25, 73% in 2025/26 to date) and command of the penalty area (86% cross-claiming success) have been instrumental in Alavés’s successive survival campaigns. Sivera’s distribution (87% pass completion) remains functional rather than expansive, but his shot-stopping fundamentals have proven remarkably consistent across nearly a decade. Having started 34 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 12 clean sheets, he remains remarkably durable despite the physical demands placed upon him by Alavés’s defensive system. Sivera’s relationship with the club—over 250 appearances—provides emotional connection for the fans, who have watched him develop from a promising Valencia youth into a genuine La Liga goalkeeper. Sivera’s contract runs through 2028, with Alavés viewing him as long-term number one. Sivera’s performance against Barcelona in November 2025—making 11 saves, including a penalty stop from Robert Lewandowski—demonstrated his enduring quality.
2. Adrián Rodríguez
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Valladolid B, Alavés B
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Adrián Rodríguez has accepted a rotational role behind Sivera, providing Spanish backup depth and cup competition cover following his arrival from Real Valladolid’s reserve team. The 27-year-old’s shot-stopping (71% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (85% pass completion) provide functional cover. Rodríguez started 8 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Sivera’s rest), keeping 3 clean sheets. Rodríguez’s contract runs through 2028.
3. Jesús Owono
Nationality: Equatorial Guinean
Former Clubs: Alavés B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Jesús Owono has graduated to emergency third-choice option following development with Alavés B. The 25-year-old’s relationship with the club—academy since his youth—provides continuity. Owono’s contract runs through 2028.
Defenders
1. Abdel Abqar
Nationality: Moroccan
Former Clubs: Alavés B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Abdel Abqar has emerged as Alavés’s defensive leader and most valuable asset, the Moroccan centre-back graduating from the club’s reserve team to become a first-team regular and La Liga’s most improved defender in 2025/26. The 26-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.6 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing full-backs—provides defensive security. His aerial duel success (84%) leads Alavés’s defence, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. Abqar’s tackling (2.9 per 90) and blocks (1.4 per 90) demonstrate old-school defending. His passing (86% completion) remains basic; his role involves clearing danger and recycling possession to midfielders. Abqar’s partnership with Nikola Maras has conceded only 1.12 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Abqar’s contract, extended in 2025 through 2031 with a €40 million release clause, protects Alavés’s most valuable asset. Abqar’s performance against Real Madrid in December 2025—winning 11 duels, keeping Kylian Mbappé quiet—demonstrated his elite potential.
2. Nikola Maras
Nationality: Serbian
Former Clubs: FK Partizan, Alavés
Transfer Fee: £2.5 million (2024)
Nikola Maras has developed into Abqar’s long-term partner, providing Serbian physicality, aerial dominance, and tactical discipline following his arrival from Partizan Belgrade. The 29-year-old’s aerial duel success (82%) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide defensive security. Maras’s passing (85% completion) remains basic; his role involves clearing danger and physical duels. His partnership with Abqar has developed understanding; their complementary styles (Abqar’s athleticism, Maras’s physicality) create defensive synergy. Maras’s contract runs through 2029, with Alavés viewing him as long-term defensive cornerstone.
3. Javi López
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Alavés B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Javi López has become Alavés’s first-choice right-back, providing Spanish work rate, crossing, and defensive diligence following his graduation from the club’s academy. The 27-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.5 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 3 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide balance. López’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection. López’s contract runs through 2029, with Alavés viewing him as long-term right-back solution.
4. Rubén Duarte
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Barcelona B, Espanyol B, Alavés
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2017)
Rubén Duarte has become Alavés’s longest-serving defender, entering his ninth season at the club and providing Basque left-back experience, defensive diligence, and leadership. The 30-year-old’s defensive positioning (2.1 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide security. His attacking output (2 assists in 2025/26) remains limited, but his overlapping runs (3.2 per 90) create space for wingers. Duarte’s relationship with the club—over 250 appearances—provides emotional connection. Duarte’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Nahuel Tenaglia
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Talleres, Alavés
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2023)
Nahuel Tenaglia has provided right-back depth following his arrival from Talleres, offering Argentine physicality, tackling, and defensive cover. The 29-year-old’s tackling (2.5 per 90) and work rate provide functional depth. Tenaglia’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Eneko Gómez
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Alavés B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Eneko Gómez has provided centre-back depth following his graduation from Alavés B, offering Spanish youth and physical presence. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
7. Adrián Sánchez
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Alavés B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Adrián Sánchez has served as left-back emergency depth following development with Alavés B. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Midfielders
1. Jon Guridi (Captain)
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Real Sociedad B, Real Sociedad, Mirandés (loan), Alavés
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Jon Guridi has become Alavés’s midfield captain and creative heartbeat, the Basque playmaker providing passing quality, set-piece delivery, and leadership after crossing from fierce provincial rivals Real Sociedad. The 30-year-old’s passing (4.9 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion) and composure under pressure enable Alavés to build play through midfield. His set-piece delivery (4 assists from corners and free kicks in 2025/26) adds significant value. Guridi’s finishing (5 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (6 assists) provide balanced output from central midfield. His partnership with Antonio Blanco provides midfield balance (Guridi’s creativity, Blanco’s destruction). Guridi’s leadership, formalised as club captain in 2024, manages Alavés’s dressing room through Basque professionalism and tactical intelligence. Guridi’s contract runs through 2028, with Alavés viewing him as long-term midfield leader. Guridi’s performance against Real Sociedad in the Basque derby—assisting the winning goal, controlling tempo—demonstrated his influence.
2. Antonio Blanco
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla, Real Madrid, Cádiz (loan), Deportivo Alavés
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2024)
Antonio Blanco has become Alavés’s midfield destroyer and defensive anchor, the Real Madrid academy graduate finally finding his feet as a permanent fixture in La Liga following his permanent signing. The 25-year-old’s tackling (3.4 per 90) and interceptions (2.7 per 90) lead Alavés’s midfield. His work rate (11.8 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.5 pressures per 90) set Alavés’s standards. Blanco’s passing (88% completion) remains secure; his role involves disruption, tactical fouling, and protecting the backline. Blanco’s partnership with Guridi provides midfield balance (Blanco’s destruction, Guridi’s creativity). Blanco’s contract runs through 2029, with Alavés viewing him as long-term midfield anchor. Blanco’s performance against Barcelona in 2025—making 10 tackles, disrupting Pedri’s rhythm—demonstrated his elite defensive ceiling.
3. Carlos Benavídez
Nationality: Uruguayan
Former Clubs: Defensor Sporting, Independiente (loan), Alavés
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2023)
Carlos Benavídez has provided midfield depth following his arrival from Defensor Sporting, offering Uruguayan physicality, tackling, and tactical discipline. The 27-year-old’s tackling (2.7 per 90) and work rate (11.2 kilometres per match) provide functional depth. Benavídez’s contract runs through 2028.
4. Ander Guevara
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Real Sociedad B, Real Sociedad, Alavés
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Ander Guevara’s summer 2024 arrival from Real Sociedad (following Guridi’s path) added Basque passing quality, experience, and midfield cover to Alavés’s squad. The 28-year-old’s passing (4.6 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion) and composure under pressure provide functional depth. Guevara’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Tomás Conechny
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: San Lorenzo, Portland Timbers (loan), Alavés
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Tomás Conechny’s summer 2025 arrival from Portland Timbers added Argentine creativity, dribbling, and attacking midfield depth to Alavés’s squad. The 27-year-old’s dribbling (3.2 successful take-ons per 90 in limited minutes) and finishing (2 goals) provide flashes of quality. Conechny’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Álex Calatrava
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Alavés B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Álex Calatrava has graduated from Alavés B to emergency midfield depth following promising development. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
7. Unai Ropero
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Alavés B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Unai Ropero has provided emergency midfield cover following development with Alavés B. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Forwards
1. Kike García
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Osasuna B, Eibar, Middlesbrough, Real Valladolid (loan), Alavés
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Kike García has become Alavés’s veteran striking leader, providing Spanish physicality, hold-up play, and penalty-box finishing following his free transfer from Osasuna. The 36-year-old’s finishing (11 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (24%) provide consistent scoring threat. His hold-up play (72% success receiving back to goal) and aerial duel success (78%) occupy defenders, creating space for wingers. Kike’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.6 pressures per 90) sets Alavés’s defensive tone from the front. Kike’s contract runs through 2027, with retirement likely thereafter. Kike’s performance against Valencia in 2025—scoring a brace, both poacher’s finishes—demonstrated enduring clinical quality.
2. Carlos Vicente
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Racing Ferrol, Alavés
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2024)
Carlos Vicente has emerged as Alavés’s primary wide attacking threat, providing Spanish pace, dribbling, and end product from the right flank following his arrival from Racing Ferrol. The 26-year-old’s dribbling (3.6 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (7 goals in 2025/26) provide consistent threat. His creativity (5 assists) and crossing (37% accuracy) add value. Vicente’s defensive work rate—tracking full-backs (1.8 tackles per 90)—suits Luis García Plaza’s demands. Vicente’s contract runs through 2029, with Alavés rejecting January 2026 approaches.
3. Jon Karrikaburu
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Real Sociedad B, Real Sociedad, Leganés (loan), Alavés
Transfer Fee: £2 million (2025)
Jon Karrikaburu’s summer 2025 arrival from Real Sociedad added Basque striking pedigree, finishing, and youth to Alavés’s attack following his loan spells at Leganés. The 23-year-old’s finishing (7 goals in 2025/26, primarily as substitute) and movement off the shoulder (2.8 shots per 90 in limited minutes) suggest potential. Karrikaburu’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.5 pressures per 90) suits Alavés’s system. Karrikaburu’s contract runs through 2029, with Alavés viewing him as long-term Kike successor.
4. Stoichkov
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Eibar, Alavés
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2024)
Stoichkov (born Juan Diego Molina Martínez) has provided wide depth following his arrival from Eibar, offering Spanish dribbling, creativity, and set-piece delivery from the left flank. The 31-year-old’s dribbling (3.3 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (5 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. Stoichkov’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Asier Villalibre
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao B, Athletic Bilbao, Alavés (loan)
Transfer Fee: Loan from Athletic Bilbao (2025)
Asier Villalibre’s season-long loan from Athletic Bilbao added Basque physicality, aerial presence, and striking depth to Alavés’s forward options. The 27-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) and hold-up play (71% success) provide functional depth. Villalibre’s loan expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
6. Xeber Alkain
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Former Clubs: Real Sociedad B, Alavés B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Xeber Alkain has graduated from Alavés B to emergency forward depth following promising development. The 24-year-old’s finishing (2 goals in limited minutes) and work rate suggest potential. Alkain’s contract runs through 2029.
7. Joaquín Panichelli
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Alavés B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Joaquín Panichelli has provided emergency striker depth following development with Alavés B. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Conclusion
Alavés’s 2025/26 squad represents the most resilient and tactically coherent group assembled during Luis García Plaza’s tenure, a testament to the club’s recruitment intelligence, the academy’s continued production (Abqar, López, Guridi as signing), and the players’ willingness to fight for survival against financially superior opponents. The defence, anchored by Abdel Abqar’s Moroccan athleticism and Nikola Maras’s Serbian physicality, provides platform for Alavés’s low-block, counter-attacking system. The midfield, dominated by Antonio Blanco’s destruction and Jon Guridi’s Basque creativity, controls matches through disruption and occasional transition. The attack, headlined by Kike García’s veteran finishing and Carlos Vicente’s wide threat, carries sufficient goal threat to secure survival. Crucially, Alavés has balanced immediate competitiveness with financial sustainability; Abqar, Blanco, and Vicente represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining La Liga status despite the club’s budget being among the division’s smallest and the constant threat of losing key players to richer clubs. Yet Mendizorrotza’s intimate, hostile atmosphere—amplified by supporters who remember the club’s years in Segunda B—provides emotional fuel. Alavés does not hope merely to survive; they fight with everything they have, taking pride in frustrating giants and securing improbable results. This squad appears equipped to deliver another season of top-flight football, continuing the club’s remarkable transformation from provincial underdog into established La Liga battler. Goazen Babazorros.
