Álvaro Negredo, whose full name is Álvaro Negredo Sánchez, was born on August 20, 1985, in Vallecas, Madrid, Spain. He is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a centre-forward. He began his career at Rayo Vallecano before joining Real Madrid Castilla in 2005. He subsequently played for UD Almería, Sevilla FC, Manchester City, Valencia CF, Middlesbrough FC, and Beşiktaş JK. He joined Beşiktaş on August 4, 2017, and played for the Turkish club until September 2018. Negredo later represented Al-Nasr SC in the United Arab Emirates, Cádiz CF, and Real Valladolid. He made 21 appearances and scored 10 goals for the Spain national football team between 2009 and 2013 and was part of Spain's squad that won UEFA Euro 2012. After finishing his playing career, he moved into football coaching.

Early Life and Family

Álvaro Negredo was born on August 20, 1985, in Vallecas, a district of Madrid. His father, José, worked as a taxi driver, while his mother, Juana, was a homemaker.

His brothers, César Negredo and Rubén Negredo, also pursued football careers in Spain's lower divisions.

Negredo began playing football during childhood and joined the youth system of Rayo Vallecano, a club based in his home district.

He later became known by the nickname *El Tiburón de Vallecas*, meaning "The Shark of Vallecas." During his time in England, some media outlets also referred to him as "The Beast of Vallecas."

Early Football Career

Álvaro Negredo began his senior career with Rayo Vallecano B in 2003 and moved into the first team during the 2004–05 season.

In 2005, he transferred to Real Madrid Castilla, the reserve team of Real Madrid, where he played for two seasons.

Although he was associated with Real Madrid's senior squad, he did not establish himself in the first team.

In 2007, he joined UD Almería, initially under an agreement that allowed Real Madrid to buy him back. During two seasons in La Liga, he developed into a regular goalscorer.

Real Madrid exercised its option to reacquire him in 2009 for approximately €5 million but transferred him to Sevilla shortly afterward.

Sevilla FC and Manchester City

In August 2009, Álvaro Negredo joined Sevilla FC for a reported transfer fee of approximately €15 million.

He spent four seasons with Sevilla, winning the Copa del Rey in the 2009–10 season. He also became one of the club's principal goalscorers.

In the 2012–13 La Liga season, Negredo scored 25 league goals and won the Zarra Trophy as the highest-scoring Spanish player in the competition. He had previously received the same award in 2011.

In July 2013, he transferred to Manchester City for an initial fee reported at approximately €25 million.

During the 2013–14 season, he contributed to Manchester City's victories in the Premier League and Football League Cup. He scored 23 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions.

Valencia and Middlesbrough

In September 2014, Álvaro Negredo joined Valencia CF on loan from Manchester City, with an agreement for a permanent transfer.

Valencia completed the transfer in 2015 for a reported €28 million.

In July 2016, he returned to English football, joining Middlesbrough FC on loan for the 2016–17 season.

He made 36 Premier League appearances and scored nine goals, but Middlesbrough were relegated at the end of the season.

Following his loan spell, he returned to Valencia before transferring to Turkey.

Transfer to Beşiktaş in 2017

On August 4, 2017, Álvaro Negredo signed for Beşiktaş JK, the Istanbul club competing in the Turkish Süper Lig.

The transfer from Valencia was reported at approximately €2.5 million. His agreement covered two seasons with an option for a further year, while his reported annual salary was €4.35 million.

Negredo played as a centre-forward for Beşiktaş and participated in domestic league, cup, and European competitions.

During the 2017–18 season, he was part of the squad that reached the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League.

He made 49 Süper Lig appearances and scored 18 league goals across his time at the club.

In September 2018, Negredo left Beşiktaş to join Al-Nasr in the United Arab Emirates.

Later Career and Retirement

Between 2018 and 2020, Álvaro Negredo played for Al-Nasr SC in Dubai, where he won the 2019–20 UAE League Cup.

He returned to Spain in August 2020, joining Cádiz CF. He spent more than three seasons at the club, contributing to its La Liga campaigns.

In February 2024, he signed for Real Valladolid and helped the club secure promotion to La Liga at the end of the 2023–24 season.

Real Valladolid was his final club as a professional player. He subsequently retired and pursued coaching, including work in the youth and reserve-team structure of Sevilla FC.

Spain National Team Career

Álvaro Negredo made his senior international debut for the Spain national football team in 2009.

He was selected for Spain's squad at UEFA Euro 2012, held in Poland and Ukraine. Spain won the tournament after defeating Italy 4–0 in the final.

Negredo played 21 international matches and scored 10 goals during his national team career.

He was not selected for Spain's 2014 FIFA World Cup squad.

Personal Life

Álvaro Negredo is married to Clara, and the couple have two daughters.

His brothers César and Rubén have also been involved in Spanish football.

Professional Football Career

2003–2004 – Rayo Vallecano B
2004–2005 – Rayo Vallecano
2005–2007 – Real Madrid Castilla
2007–2009 – UD Almería
2009 – Real Madrid (Return through buyback agreement)
2009–2013 – Sevilla FC
2013–2015 – Manchester City
2014–2015 – Valencia CF (Loan)
2015–2017 – Valencia CF
2016–2017 – Middlesbrough FC (Loan)
2017–2018 – Beşiktaş JK
2018–2020 – Al-Nasr SC
2020–2024 – Cádiz CF
2024 – Real Valladolid

Titles and Individual Awards

2010 – Copa del Rey – Sevilla FC
2011 – Zarra Trophy – Sevilla FC
2012 – UEFA European Championship – Spain
2013 – Zarra Trophy – Sevilla FC
2014 – Premier League – Manchester City
2014 – Football League Cup – Manchester City
2020 – UAE League Cup – Al-Nasr SC
2024 – Promotion to La Liga – Real Valladolid

Source: Biyografiler.com