Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Álvarez has been suspended for ten months by UEFA after testing positive for a banned substance during a routine anti-doping check. The test was carried out in May 2025, following Bilbao’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Manchester United.
UEFA’s disciplinary panel confirmed on Monday that Álvarez had returned a positive result for Canrenone, a diuretic listed as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Though the chemical is often linked to masking agents, UEFA ruled that the violation was non-intentional.
In its decision, the governing body cited Álvarez’s explanation that he had accidentally ingested a hair-loss medication belonging to his partner. The 30-year-old defender said he was unaware the treatment contained Canrenone. UEFA accepted that there was no deliberate attempt to gain a sporting advantage, but nevertheless applied a significant sanction under the principle of strict liability.
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The suspension is retroactive to 2 June 2025, when Álvarez voluntarily accepted a provisional ban after being informed of the failed test. As a result, he will not be eligible to return to competitive play until 2 April 2026. However, UEFA regulations permit him to resume training with Bilbao two months earlier, on 2 February 2026.
The ruling represents a heavy setback for both the player and Athletic Club. Álvarez, who has been with Bilbao his entire professional career, is also one of the club’s captains and a central figure in the team’s defence. His absence will be felt as the Basque side looks to maintain momentum in both La Liga and European competition.
Álvarez’s career has been marked by resilience. In 2017, he overcame a battle with testicular cancer to return to professional football, becoming a symbol of determination for fans and teammates. This latest challenge, however, underscores UEFA’s uncompromising stance on anti-doping, where even inadvertent ingestion carries strict consequences.
For Athletic Bilbao, the task now is to reorganize defensively while waiting for their leader’s return.
