Former Barcelona star Jordi Alba has reportedly cut his Spanish mansion by nearly £5 million off the asking price in a bid to sell it faster. The 36-year-old left-back, who announced earlier this month that he and Inter Miami teammate Sergi Busquets would retire at the end of the MLS season, is said to have put the stunning seven-bed, eight-bathroom villa on the market for £21.7 million (€25 million) just over a year ago.
It is currently being advertised “exclusively” by property company Carolina Marti for £17.35 million (€20 million), although the property company does not list the price on its website. The former Spain international’s home, nicknamed the Houseboat because of its galleon-like shape, was built just before the coronavirus crisis. It features a soccer field, paddle tennis court, large indoor gym, home cinema and two swimming pools.
Alba, who left Barcelona in 2023 to start a new life in the United States, barely used the city before moving and is thought to own another property in Esplugues de Llobregat on the outskirts of the Catalan capital.
Former team-mates Gerard Pique and Marc-Andre Ter Stephen both own property in the same area. Relatives of the father-of-three are said to have kept an eye on the place while he was in the United States.
Carolina Marti says in the online description of the property: “With 2,934 square meters of land, 1,413 square meters of floor space, a paddle tennis court and a soccer field, this home represents the highest standards of luxury living.
“The house is the only one in all of Barcelona with these characteristics. Its south orientation on the highest point of Pedralbes means that every floor of the house offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city and the sea.”
“The house consists of a total of seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, living-dining room, kitchen with central island, outdoor kitchen with two barbecues, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, Jacuzzi, gym, additional living room, home cinema, games room, office and several outdoor recreation areas.”
“A state-of-the-art security system and home automation that monitors the entire property ensure maximum privacy and security,” it adds.
Alba, who is married to model Romaray Ventura, announced on social media earlier this month that he was retiring after playing 95 games for Beckham’s Inter Miami.
“It’s time to close a truly meaningful chapter of my life. I finish this with complete confidence, peace and happiness. I feel that I have walked this path with all the passion I had.”
“And now is the perfect moment to open a new chapter and close the previous one on a high. Thank you to all the fans for their kindness. They have taught me that a shirt is not just something you wear, it is something you feel.”
“Today, I close this chapter knowing that I have given my all. Soccer has been and will continue to be an integral part of my life. Thank you for everything it has to offer.”
He will end his career as one of the most decorated players of all time, winning six La Liga titles. They also won five Copa del Rey titles, the Champions League in 2014 and the Club World Cup in 2015.
Alba was part of the Spain team that won the Euros in 2012 and the Nations League title in 2023. He married his wife in a 17th-century country mansion near Seville in June 2022, with two of their three children already together. Guests included Lionel Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo.
