Irene Paredes is a talented footballer who plays as a center-back for Liga F club Barcelona and the Spanish national team. She also serves as captain of both teams. She started her professional career with Real Sociedad in 2008, then played for Athletic Bilbao from 2011-2016.
After associating with several clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, she joined Barcelona in 2021 and has helped the club win multiple titles. Under her captaincy, the Spanish women’s national team won the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Apart from her talent on the field, she often gets compliments for her good looks and fair complexion. So, if you are keen to know more about this beautiful yet talented athlete, this detailed Irene Paredes biography will uncover everything about her personal and professional life.
Irene Paredes Wiki & Bio
| Full/Birth Name | Irene Paredes Hernández |
| Height | 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Date of Birth | 4 July 1991 |
| Hometown | Legazpi |
| Birth Country | Spain |
| Age | 32 |
| Wife | Lucia Ybarra |
| Education | Unknown |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Jersey Number | 2 |
| Current Team | Barcelona |
| Net Worth (approx.) | $5 Million |
Irene Paredes Early Life and Education
Irene Paredes Hernández was born on July 04, 1991, in Legazpi, Gipuzkoa, in the Basque Country. She spent her childhood in Legazpi. She attended a high school in the locality.
While studying in high school, Paredes developed a passion for football and joined Zarautz in 2007. In 2008, she moved to Real Sociedad. In the same year, she debuted to the senior team of Málaga in a league game.
Irene Paredes Career Growth and Stats
Let’s take a look at the awe-inspiring career journey of Irene Paredes and how she has achieved such a huge success:
Club Career
Athletic Bilbao
Following a three-year stint with Real Sociedad, Paredes switched to Athletic Bilbao in 2011. During her five-year tenure with the team, she won a Primera División championship in the 2015–16 season.
Paris Saint-Germain
Paredes was signed by Paris Saint-Germain in 2016. Her inaugural UEFA Women’s Champions League season with PSG culminated in a nail-biting penalty shootout in the final, where they narrowly lost to Lyon 6–7. In May 2019, she reaffirmed her commitment to PSG, renewing her contract until 30 June 2021.
Barcelona
Paredes signed a two-year contract with Barcelona on 8 July 2021, after her tenure with PSG. She hit the ground running, making a striking debut with a 5–0 victory over Granadilla Tenerife on 4 September.
She clinched her first Barcelona title on 23 January 2022 with a resounding win over Atlético Madrid. Ahead of the new season, on 18 August, she was named the fifth captain of the team, marking a new leadership role.
International Career
Irene Paredes debuted for the Spanish national team in a match against Romania in November 2011. By June 2013, she had impressed national coach Ignacio Quereda enough to secure a spot in the 23-player squad for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2013 held in Sweden.
Her first national goal came on 27 October 2013, contributing to a resounding 6–0 victory over Estonia during a qualifier for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Her skills on the field earned her a place in Spain’s teams for both the 2015 World Cup in Canada and the 2019 edition in France.
After stepping away from the national team and her role as captain in October 2022, Paredes returned on 6 April 2023, helping Spain win a 4–2 friendly over Norway. Under his captaincy, Spain clinched the FIFA Women’s World Cup with a narrow 1–0 win against England. Despite an injury setback, Paredes celebrated her 100th national team appearance on 1 December, although it was marred by a 2–3 loss to Italy in the UEFA Women’s Nations League group stage.
Irene Paredes Partner and Kids
Irene Paredes is currently in a relationship with Lucía Ybarra. Her partner is a former Spanish hockey player. The couple has been dating for a long time. The couple even lived together in Saint-Germain-en-Laye during Paredes’ association with PSG.
In April 2021, the couple announced they were expecting their first child. On September 13, the same year, they welcomed a baby boy named Mateo.
Irene Paredes and Lucía Ybarra are often seen together at many public events. The couple has been a role model for LGBTQ+ athletes.
Irene Paredes Age, Height, and Physical Appearance
Irene Paredes is 32 years old and 5 feet 10 inches (177 cm) tall. She weighs around 62 Kg (137 lbs) and is often praised for her good looks, perfect body, blonde hair, and blue eyes.
Overall, Irene’s physical fitness is the secret behind her performance. She is a role model for many young female footballers in Spain and around the world.
Irene Paredes’s Net Worth in 2024
Being one of the most successful female footballers around the world, Irene Paredes has an estimated net worth of around $5 million. The major part of this net worth comes from her salary from FC Barcelona Femení, which is approximately $200,000 per year.
In addition to her salary, she earns from various endorsement and branding deals. She has been associated with big brands like Nike, Gatorade, and Red Bull. Paredes is also a brand ambassador for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Irene Paredes Social Media Accounts
Irene Paredes is one of the few active athletes on social networking sites. She often posts photos with her family and friends. Her Instagram account has an official blue tick and over 241k followers. She is also active on Twitter, with over 44k followers.
So, here are direct links to Irene Paredes’ official social media accounts:
| @ireneparedes4 | |
| @Irene_Paredes4 |
Surprising Facts About Irene Paredes
- Irene Paredes started her football journey in her hometown, progressing through local clubs before making her mark at Real Sociedad.
- She made her Spanish national team debut in 2011 against Romania and was quickly recognized as a key player.
- Paredes switched from Real Sociedad to Athletic Bilbao, where she won the Primera División in her final season.
- At Paris Saint-Germain, she not only reached the UEFA Women’s Champions League final but also captained the team to their first-ever league title.
- Joining Barcelona in 2021, she was named the fifth captain before the start of a new season.
- Paredes was part of the historic Spanish national team that won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
- Known for her authoritative presence, Paredes is a technically gifted defender with a strong aerial game.
- She holds the eighth-best ranking in the world, showcasing her skill and impact on the field.
- After resigning from the national team in 2022, she made a notable return, helping Spain to victory in an international friendly against Norway.
- Overcoming injury, Paredes played her 100th match for the national team, showcasing her resilience and dedication to the sport.
FAQs
Is Irene Paredes Married?
Yes, Irene Paredes isn’t married but is in a relationship with Lucia Ybarra, a former field hockey player who represented Spain in international competitions.
Does Irene Paredes have a Child?
Irene Paredes and her partner Lucia Ybarra have a son named Mateo, born on September 12, 2021.
Is Irene Paredes Good?
Absolutely, Irene Paredes is recognized as one of the finest center-backs in the world, and she is known for her leadership, technical skills, and aerial prowess.
Is Paredes a Defender?
Yes, Irene Paredes plays center-back and is known for her commanding presence and ball-playing abilities on the field.
Did Paredes Win the World Cup?
Irene Paredes won the FIFA Women’s World Cup with Spain in 2023, marking a historic achievement for her country.
