Ivan Fresneda earns first Spain call-up as Pedro Porro replacement

Ivan Fresneda has received his first senior Spain call-up after manager Luis de la Fuente selected the Sporting Lisbon defender to replace Pedro Porro for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.

The 21-year-old was named in the squad only hours after playing in Sporting Lisbon’s 2-2 draw against Arouca. Fresneda helped create his side’s second goal, setting up Luis Suarez, although Sporting’s task became more difficult after Belgian defender Zeno Debast was sent off.

The selection marks a significant step in the career of Fresneda, who was born in Madrid on 28 September 2004. He began playing at the Quijorna academy before moving through several youth teams, including EFM Boadilla, Real Madrid, Leganes and Real Valladolid.

Sporting Lisbon identified Fresneda during his time at Real Valladolid and signed him in the summer of 2023 for 9 million euros. Barcelona had also shown an interest in bringing the defender to the club.

Fresneda had previously been part of Spain’s Under-21 plans. He was selected by manager David Gordo for matches against Finland, San Marino and Romania in the qualifying campaign for the European Under-21 Championship.

He has now moved into the senior squad as cover for Porro, giving him the opportunity to make his Spain debut during the current international break.

The call-up is the most significant recognition of Fresneda’s career so far and places him in contention to make his first appearance for “La Roja” in the forthcoming Nations League fixtures.