Amid the worldwide passion for football, certain individuals are more influential than statistics and awards. Unquestionably, Aymeric Laporte is one such icon. Laporte is well known for honesty on and off the ball and his defensive prowess. His path from Agen to worldwide success is an interesting story.
PERSONAL DETAILS
| Full Name | AYMERIC LAPORTE |
| Date of Birth | MAY 27, 1994 |
| Nationality | FRENCH (Spanish representation) |
| Birth Place | AGNÉ, FRANCE |
| Height | 1.91 m (6ft 3in) |
| Current Team | Al-Nassr |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Debut | NOVEMBER 28, 2012 |
| Net Worth | $16 million |
EARLY DAYS
Aymeric grew up in the small Southern French town of Agen, where his love of football was evident from an early age. In this area, rugby was the most popular sport, but young Laporte could not resist football. His aspirations echoed in every ball kick, and his endless training hours were a testament to his commitment. Early on, Aymeric’s parents recognized their son’s unmistakable aptitude. They provided steadfast support, saw his talent and the breadth of his goals, and made sure he got the greatest instruction possible.
Also Read: Al-Nassr FC Players: The club’s goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, forwards and coaches
CLUB CAREER: England to the Basque Country
Sports Bilbao
Laporte’s skill was quickly recognized. Athletic Bilbao, a team renowned for its exclusive Basque-only player policy, recognized his brilliance right away. He made a big decision when he moved to Spain, which affected both his club career and international involvement. The young Frenchman’s time at Bilbao was transformational, as he rapidly developed into a defensive mainstay.
City of Manchester
It was more than simply a typical club transfer when Manchester City called. Two universes came together at that moment. Laporte was the ideal piece Pep Guardiola, a manager renowned for emphasizing possession and relentless pressing, saw fitfully into his puzzle. Their partnership paid off right away, with Laporte serving as the main sentinel and City’s defense becoming an unbreakable stronghold. His imposing presence immediately became known to the Etihad audience as he skillfully and gracefully stopped rival assaults on several occasions.
Al-Nassr
In August 2023, Laporte joined Al-Nassr, a Saudi Pro League club based in Riyadh. The transfer fee was €27.5 million, making him the most expensive signing in the history of Saudi Arabian football. He has made seven appearances and scored no goals for Al-Nassr so far
INTERNATIONAL CAREER
Laporte’s international journey began in French football, earning 51 caps across various youth levels from under-17 to under-21. He even captained the French under-21 squad. Despite his achievements, he couldn’t secure a senior cap for France, leading to frustration and a desire for a change. In 2021, he acquired Spanish citizenship, making him eligible to play for Spain.
His debut for the Spanish national team came in June 2021 in a friendly against Portugal. Laporte quickly became a regular starter, forming a strong defensive partnership with Pau Torres. He contributed to Spain’s Euro 2020 campaign, which saw them reach the semi-finals. His crucial role continued as Spain secured their place in the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a top position in the group stage and a victory over Scotland in the play-offs.
Records
- He is the second player born in France to play for Athletic Bilbao, after Bixente Lizarazu.
- He is the youngest foreign player to debut for Athletic Bilbao, aged 18 years and 120 days.
- After joining them for a reported fee of £57 million in January 2018, he is the most expensive defender in Manchester City’s history.
- He is the first player to win the domestic treble in England and the continental treble in Europe in consecutive seasons, with Manchester City in 2019 and 2023.
- He is the first player to represent two different national teams at the UEFA European Championship, having been called up by France in 2016 and Spain in 2020
AWARDS ACHIEVEMENTS
Athletic Bilbao
Supercopa de España: 2015
Manchester City
- Premier League: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23
FA Cup: 2018–19, 2022–23
EFL Cup: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21- FA Community Shield: 2018
UEFA Champions League: 2022–23- UEFA Super Cup: 2023
Spain
UEFA Nations League: 2022–23
Individual
- UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2013
- La Liga Team of the Year: 2013–14
- PFA Team of the Year: 2018–19 Premier League
PERSONAL LIFE
Born on French soil, Laporte, a football luminary, embarked on a significant journey of national allegiance in 2021 when he opted for Spanish nationality. Notably, his younger sibling, Léo Laporte, follows in his footsteps, navigating the realms of professional football with prowess.
Beyond the footballing arena, Laporte reveals another facet of his identity – a profound passion for automobiles. His collection boasts a BMW X6 and an Audi RS7, emblematic of his fervor for high-performance vehicles.
In a realm where the personal often intersects with the public, Laporte stands as an exception. He maintains a veil around his personal life, refraining from divulging intricate details concerning his family and educational background, thus safeguarding his privacy with a resolute demeanor.
NET WORTH
Aymeric Laporte boasts an estimated net worth of $16 million, with his market value soaring above $40 million in 2023. His transfer to Manchester City in 2018 made headlines, as the club set a record fee of £57 million to secure his services, a testament to his exceptional talent and the value he brings to the pitch.
FAMILY
Aymeric Laporte’s family consists of his parents, Lionel and Agnes Laporte, and his siblings, Leo and Alexia Laporte. His father was a rugby player, and his mother was a football player in France. His brother and sister are also professional football players who play for Deportivo Alaves and Athletic Bilbao, respectively
PARTNER
Laporte is not married but has been in a long-term relationship with Sara Botello, a ballet dancer.
COMMUNITY AND PHILANTHROPY WORK
In April 2020, Laporte exhibited his philanthropic spirit by purchasing the 2012 Olympic attire worn by the late boxer Alexis Vastine at a charity auction, with a generous winning bid of 5,000 euros (£4,350). Heartwarmingly, he returned this cherished memorabilia to Vastine’s grieving family. His compassionate gesture earned accolades from teammates, former players, and fans.
In January 2021, Laporte continued his altruistic endeavors, contributing 10,000 euros (£8,900) to the Spanish Red Cross. This contribution aimed to alleviate the aftermath of Storm Filomena, which wreaked havoc in Madrid and other regions of Spain due to heavy snowfall and disruption.
By June 2021, Laporte aligned himself with fellow footballers to support the Common Goal initiative, a noble endeavor utilizing football as a catalyst for positive social change. He pledged to donate 1% of his earnings to this cause, exemplifying his commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond the football pitch.