Pedro Porro's replacement in the Spain squad: he played for Real Madrid and Barcelona sought to sign him

A big surprise for the player..

Iván Fresneda has earned a shock call-up to the senior Spain squad. The young Sporting Lisbon full-back gets his chance after coach Luis de la Fuente named him as cover for the absent Pedro Porro during the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.

The nod for the 21-year-old came just hours after he featured for Sporting against Arouca in a 2-2 draw. Fresneda set up Luis Suárez for his side's second goal, though the task grew tougher once Belgian defender Zeno Debast saw red.

De la Fuente's call marks a major milestone for Fresneda, born in Madrid on 28 September 2004. He began his journey at the Cojorna academy before moving between a number of clubs and youth teams, including EFM Boadilla, Real Madrid, Leganés and Valladolid.

Sporting Lisbon spotted the Spaniard during his time with Valladolid, and the Portuguese club secured his services in the summer of 2023 for 9 million euros. Barcelona had also been keen.

Coach David Gordo had already earmarked Fresneda for Spain's under-21 plans, calling him up for the fixtures against Finland, San Marino and Romania in the European Under-21 Championship qualifiers. Now he steps up to the senior side to cover for Pedro Porro.

This first senior call-up stands as the most prominent recognition of Fresneda's career so far. It also puts him in with a chance of appearing for "La Roja" during the current international break.