UEFA has officially confirmed that Athletic Bilbao Defender Álvarez will serve a 10-month suspension after testing positive for a banned substance. The 30-year-old failed the test following Athletic’s UEFA Europa League semifinal defeat to Manchester United in May 2025.
The case attracted significant attention because Álvarez explained that the positive test stemmed from medication he had been taking to prevent hair loss caused by cancer treatment. Despite UEFA acknowledging that the violation was non-intentional, the Spanish defender has been banned from all competitions until April 2, 2026.
This decision marks a huge setback for both Athletic Bilbao and Álvarez, who has been an influential figure at the San Mamés since breaking into the first team.
Why Was Athletic Bilbao Defender Álvarez Banned?
The banned substance found in Athletic Bilbao Defender Álvarez’s system was Canrenone, a diuretic that can also act as a masking agent. UEFA investigators confirmed that Álvarez had been using a hair-loss prevention medicine connected to his previous cancer treatment, which inadvertently contained the prohibited substance.
Álvarez himself admitted in July that the medicine triggered the positive result. In a statement, he expressed regret over the situation but emphasized that it was unintentional and connected to his ongoing fight against alopecia. His words underlined his belief that he had not attempted to gain an unfair sporting advantage.
UEFA’s disciplinary panel accepted that Álvarez did not intend to cheat. However, under strict anti-doping rules, responsibility for any substance in a player’s body falls directly on the individual.
Álvarez’s Battle With Cancer and Career Resilience
The story of Athletic Bilbao Defender Álvarez goes beyond football. In 2016, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and stepped away from the game to undergo treatment. His successful return to professional football was celebrated as a triumph of resilience and determination.
Since his comeback, Álvarez has made over 250 appearances for Athletic Bilbao, becoming a reliable presence in the backline. His fight against alopecia, a side effect linked to his earlier medical treatment, pushed him to use preventative hair-loss medicine—ironically the very reason for his current suspension.
His journey makes this case even more complex. Supporters and teammates continue to back him, acknowledging the human story behind the positive test.
Impact on Athletic Bilbao
The suspension of Athletic Bilbao Defender Álvarez comes at a critical moment for the Basque club. After finishing fourth in LaLiga last season, Athletic Bilbao are preparing to return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time in years. Losing such an experienced center-back for the bulk of the campaign is a major blow to their defensive stability.
Manager Ernesto Valverde will need to rely on alternative defensive partnerships while Álvarez serves his ban. His absence not only weakens the squad depth but also removes a player known for his leadership qualities on and off the pitch.
The club issued its support to Álvarez, recognizing that the violation was non-intentional, but stressed the importance of adhering to UEFA’s strict anti-doping framework.
When Can Álvarez Return?
According to UEFA’s ruling, Athletic Bilbao Defender Álvarez will remain banned from all competitive fixtures until April 2, 2026. However, he will be allowed to return to training with his teammates from February 2, 2026. This adjustment will give him two months to rebuild match fitness before potentially rejoining Athletic Bilbao’s campaign toward the end of the season.
Given his influence at San Mamés, many fans are hopeful that Álvarez will come back stronger and continue his service to the club once the suspension is lifted.
The 10-month ban handed to Athletic Bilbao Defender Álvarez highlights the strictness of UEFA’s anti-doping regulations. While the suspension stems from unintentional use of a banned substance in hair-loss treatment medication, the consequences remain severe for both the player and his club.
As Athletic Bilbao prepare for Champions League football without one of their most trusted defenders, the focus will be on finding temporary solutions while awaiting Álvarez’s return. His story is a reminder of the challenges athletes face not just on the pitch, but in their personal battles as well.
FAQs
Q1: Why was Athletic Bilbao defender Álvarez suspended?
Álvarez was suspended after testing positive for a banned substance linked to hair-loss treatment medication.
Q2: How long is Álvarez banned from football?
He has received a 10-month ban from competitive football.
Q3: Did Álvarez knowingly take a performance-enhancing drug?
Reports suggest the banned substance came from medication used to treat hair loss, not for performance enhancement.
Q4: What matches will Álvarez miss during his ban?
Álvarez will miss the majority of the current season, including La Liga fixtures and potential European matches.
