Jesús Vallejo Lázaro, born on January 5, 1997, in Zaragoza, Spain, is a professional footballer who has made significant strides as a central defender for Real Madrid in La Liga. Recognized for his strong defensive presence, leadership abilities, and tactical insight, Vallejo’s football career began at an early age and has seen many developments. His initial time at Zaragoza, where he advanced through the youth system, paved the way for a series of loan spells to clubs across Europe, including Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Granada.

Although he had limited chances to secure a regular starting position at Real Madrid, Vallejo's potential was always recognized. His loan periods at various clubs provided him with invaluable experience, allowing him to enhance his skills and showcase his ability to compete at the highest level. Having enjoyed a career that includes youth international accolades, such as winning the European Under-21 Championship in 2019 and earning a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with Spain's U23 team, Vallejo remains one of the most promising defenders in Spain.

Despite facing various challenges throughout his journey, Vallejo's dedication to enhancing and contributing to his teams remains steadfast. As he aims to establish himself at Real Madrid and thrive on the international level, Vallejo's narrative exemplifies the determination needed to achieve success in the realm of elite football.

Club Career

Zaragoza

Youth Development: Jesús Vallejo, who was born in Zaragoza, Aragon, began his journey in football at the youth academy of Real Zaragoza in 2008 when he was just 11 years old. After showcasing his talent in the Juvenil team, he signed a professional contract with the club on 26 July 2013, marking the beginning of his professional career.

Professional Debut and Captaincy: Vallejo made his professional debut on August 23, 2014, in a 0–0 draw against Recreativo de Huelva in the Segunda División, even though he had not previously played for the reserves. His performances were noteworthy, and on April 5, 2015, he scored his first professional goal in a 1–1 draw against Tenerife. He was appointed as team captain for that match and continued to serve in that capacity, demonstrating his leadership skills at such a young age.

Real Madrid

Joining the Royal Club: In July 2015, Vallejo made a significant transfer to Real Madrid for an estimated fee of €6 million. However, he was promptly loaned back to Zaragoza for the 2015-16 season to further his development.

Experience in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt: In the summer of 2016, Vallejo joined German club Eintracht Frankfurt on a one-year loan. He made his Bundesliga debut on 27 August 2016 in a 1–0 victory over Schalke 04, and later that season, he netted his first goal for the team in a 2–2 draw against RB Leipzig.

Return to Real Madrid and La Liga Debut: Vallejo officially rejoined Real Madrid in July 2017. He was assigned the illustrious number 3 jersey, previously worn by the iconic defender Pepe. His debut in La Liga took place on 5 November 2017 during a 3–0 victory against Las Palmas, where he partnered with club captain Sergio Ramos in the central defense. Vallejo also made his UEFA Champions League debut in April 2018 during the quarter-final matchup against Juventus.

Loans and Challenges

Wolverhampton Wanderers: During the 2019–2020 season, Vallejo was loaned to Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers. His stint in England was brief, with Vallejo making only a few appearances, including one Premier League game against Chelsea. Although he demonstrated glimpses of potential, his time at Wolves concluded without a notable impact, leading to his return to Spain in January 2020.

Granada Loan Spells: Vallejo returned to Spain to join Granada on loan for the 2020–2021 season, where he made a notable impact, especially in the team's Europa League campaign. His loan was extended for an additional year in August 2021; however, the limited playing time during his second term at the club raised concerns regarding his future with Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s 35th La Liga Title: Vallejo's contributions played a vital role in Real Madrid's triumph in the 2021-22 La Liga season. Amidst a wave of injuries and suspensions affecting the team, he took on the position of central defender alongside Casemiro during a pivotal 4–0 win against Espanyol on April 30, 2022, a match that was instrumental in securing the club’s 35th league title.

Return to Granada (2023): Vallejo returned to Granada on another season-long loan in 2023. However, his second term at the club was less influential, with Vallejo playing just over 100 minutes throughout the season as the team struggled and faced the prospect of relegation.

Throughout every loan period and challenge, Vallejo's determination has been evident, and even with his limited appearances for Real Madrid, his career is still progressing as he aims to establish his presence in Spain and beyond.

Global Career

Under-16 Debut: Jesús Vallejo began his international career at the youth level, making his debut for the Spain U-16 team on March 7, 2013, during a friendly match against Hungary. His remarkable performances with the younger teams facilitated his progression to higher age groups.

Under-21 Debut: Vallejo had his first appearance for the Spain U-21 team on 26 March 2015 when he was just 18 years old. In a 2–0 win against Norway in a friendly match, Vallejo started in defense, demonstrating the early talent that would pave the way for his future participation in elite football for both club and country.

Vallejo was chosen by manager Albert Celades to participate in the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. The team concluded the tournament as runners-up, with Vallejo being a crucial part of the defense throughout the competition. His outstanding performances garnered recognition and established him as one of Spain's most promising young talents.

2018 FIFA World Cup: Although Vallejo was not included in Spain’s 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, he continued to impress senior coach Julen Lopetegui. Vallejo received his first call-up to the senior team for a friendly match against Switzerland on 3 June 2018, although he did not play in the actual tournament.

Under-23 Call-Up: Vallejo's international career also led him to the 2020 Summer Olympics, which were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and took place in the summer of 2021. He was chosen as one of the 22 players for the Spanish U-23 team, proudly representing his nation in this esteemed Olympic competition. This event highlighted his ongoing development as a defender and underscored his significance to Spain's future teams.

Playing Style

Jesús Vallejo is a highly esteemed center-back, recognized for his strong defensive qualities and adaptability. His style of play is influenced by his calm demeanor and a deep comprehension of defensive positioning. Vallejo stands out in various crucial areas of defense, making him valuable both in aerial duels and on the ground.

Main Advantages

Opportunities for Growth

Comparison to Other Defenders
Vallejo is often likened to other premier Spanish centre-backs due to his effective performance within defensive frameworks. His tactical awareness and dependability during critical moments frequently lead to comparisons with players who shine under pressure for both their clubs and the national team.

To summarize, Jesús Vallejo is a composed and intelligent center-back with a solid grounding in defensive positioning and the ability to play the ball effectively. His versatility enables him to adjust to various defensive formations, making him a valuable addition to any team he plays for.

Memorable Performances

Although Jesús Vallejo has not always been in the limelight during every game, there have been numerous pivotal moments in his career that showcase his calmness and defensive skills. His displays, especially in significant tournaments and crucial matches, have underscored his potential and importance as a central defender.

1. 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship (Runners-up)
Vallejo delivered an outstanding performance during the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, playing a crucial role in Spain's remarkable journey to the final. Although the team ended as runners-up after their defeat to Germany, Vallejo's defensive leadership was essential. His composure and ability to organize the defense were evident throughout the tournament, reinforcing his status as a promising talent for the future.

2. 2018 UEFA Champions League Quarter-final (Real Madrid vs Juventus)
During the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, Real Madrid faced off against Juventus in a match that would be remembered for its intensity. Vallejo was called upon to fill in for injured key defenders like Sergio Ramos and Nacho. Even though Real Madrid suffered a 3-1 defeat in the second leg, Vallejo's performance in this pivotal game showcased his composure and strength under pressure. He played a significant role in helping Madrid advance to the semi-finals, ultimately leading them to victory in the tournament.

3. 2020-2021 La Liga Season (Real Madrid vs Espanyol)
In the 2020-2021 La Liga season, Vallejo was called upon as an essential defender for Real Madrid. During a pivotal match against Espanyol, Vallejo played a vital role in maintaining a strong defense, contributing to a commanding 4–0 victory. His performance was significant for the team in preserving their league standing, especially amidst numerous injuries to other defenders.

4. 2021 Summer Olympics (Spain's Under-23 Team)
Vallejo was chosen to represent Spain's Under-23 team at the postponed 2020 Summer Olympics, where Spain ultimately secured the silver medal. Despite facing tough competition and high expectations, Vallejo’s consistent defensive skills greatly contributed to Spain’s achievements. His ability to defend against stronger opponents and his leadership attributes were crucial in helping Spain achieve a runner-up position.

5. 2022 La Liga Season (Real Madrid vs Espanyol)
During a pivotal La Liga encounter in 2022, Vallejo delivered a standout defensive performance for Real Madrid. He collaborated effectively with Casemiro to maintain a clean sheet in a decisive 4–0 victory against Espanyol, which was essential for Real Madrid's pursuit of the league title. His skills in organization and calmness under pressure were showcased throughout the game.

These memorable performances, among others, have highlighted Vallejo's strong defensive skills, leadership qualities, and capability to rise to the occasion in critical moments. His career, which has included some challenges with injuries and loan periods, has consistently demonstrated his potential as a world-class defender capable of excelling in important matches.

Career Statistics

Club	Season	League	National Cup	League Cup	Continental	Other	Total
Zaragoza	2014–15	Segunda División	—	—	3[a]	0	32

Global Career

National Team	Year	Apps	Goals
Spain U16	2013	1	0
Spain U17	2013–14	6	0
Spain U19	2014–15	11	2
Spain U21	2015–19	22	0
Spain U23	2021	5	0
Total	—	45	2

Awards and Accomplishments

Jesús Vallejo has forged an impressive career, obtaining various esteemed titles with both his club, Real Madrid, and Spain’s youth teams. His path has been characterized by reliability and triumph, playing a key role in notable accomplishments in numerous competitions.

Real Madrid

Spain U19

Spain Under-21

Spain U23

Personal Achievements

Heritage

Jesús Vallejo’s football journey is one of resilience and adaptability. He began in the youth ranks at Zaragoza, where his skills quickly garnered attention, resulting in a transfer to Real Madrid in 2015. Although his tenure at Madrid has included numerous loan spells, such as time spent with Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Granada, Vallejo has demonstrated his abilities in various top European leagues. His defensive skills, leadership, and dedication to the sport have earned him respect from both teammates and rivals.

Vallejo's legacy is significantly defined by his contributions to Spain's youth teams. As a member of the Spain U21 team, he played a crucial role in their triumphant 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship campaign. He was also part of the Spain U23 squad, earning a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. These achievements highlight Vallejo's impact not only as a club player but also as a significant contributor to Spain's footballing achievements on the international stage.

Envisioning the Future

With his ongoing dedication and experience, Jesús Vallejo is in an excellent position for a bright future. His journey at Real Madrid is set to carry on, giving him the chance to be part of one of the most esteemed football clubs globally. As Madrid continues to compete for both domestic and European trophies, Vallejo’s defensive skills will be a vital asset to the team's achievements.

As he progresses, Vallejo’s career path may lead him to play a more significant role in the Real Madrid defense or possibly emerge as a leader among his teammates. His aspirations on the international stage may also reignite, with a potential opportunity to join Spain’s senior team given his experience and previous contributions to the national youth squads. Vallejo’s career is far from finished, and the upcoming chapter is likely to build on the strong foundation he has laid in both club and international football.