Chema Andrés

José María Andrés Baixauli, known professionally as Chema Andrés, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder. Born in Valencia on April 25, 2005, he has rapidly ascended through the ranks of European football to become one of the most sought-after young talents in the world. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 3 inches, he combines physical dominance with the tactical maturity typically found in veterans.

As of 2026, Chema anchors the midfield for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League following his high-profile move from VfB Stuttgart. His career trajectory showcases a rare blend of early technical refinement and late-blooming physical stature, allowing him to dominate aerial duels while maintaining the ball control essential for modern playmaking. He represents the latest wave of Spanish midfielders to make an immediate impact in top-tier leagues. [edit]

Chema was born José María Andrés Baixauli in Valencia, a city with a deep-rooted tradition of producing technically gifted footballers. While he keeps his family life private, his upbringing in Valencia provided the foundation for his playing style. He attended local schools before dedicating himself entirely to football training at a young age. His development was marked by a significant growth spurt that coincided with his technical refinement, eventually making him an outlier in height for his position.

His journey into elite football began when he joined the prestigious Real Madrid youth academy, known as La Fábrica. During his time there, he progressed steadily from the Cadete levels up to the Juvenil A squad. This period was crucial for his education in possession-based tactics and high-pressure environments. He honed his skills against the best peers in the world, establishing himself as a standout defensive midfielder within the system before seeking first-team opportunities elsewhere. [edit]

In 2024, Chema made a strategic move to VfB Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga to accelerate his first-team development. At just 19 years old, he immediately became a regular starter, defying the usual timeline for such rapid integration. By the 2025–2026 season, he had made 39 appearances across all competitions, starting 25 league matches. His performances were instrumental in stabilizing Stuttgart's midfield, where he earned praise for breaking up opposition attacks and distributing the ball under pressure.

The defining moment of his early career arrived in September 2026 when Brighton & Hove Albion reached a deadline-day agreement to sign him. The deal, valued at approximately €20 million ($21.5 million USD), marked a substantial leap in his market value and confirmed his status as a premier young talent. This transfer followed intense interest from other clubs, but Brighton secured his signature after submitting a competitive offer. He now faces the challenge of adapting his game to the intensity of the English Premier League. [edit]

Media coverage portrays Chema as a modern, physically imposing midfielder with a calm demeanor. Journalists emphasize his 'old soul' mentality and tactical discipline, contrasting his youth with his maturity on the pitch. His aesthetic follows standard professional athlete norms, focusing on fitness and brand partnerships like Nike. He is viewed as a serious prospect rather than a flashy star, with his reputation built on consistent performance data and reliable play rather than social media antics. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Chema Andrés, so no global ranking is currently available. His fanbase consists primarily of Valencia locals, Real Madrid supporters interested in his development, and fans of Stuttgart and Brighton who have followed his transfer journey. There is no established, named fandom for him at this stage. Fan interactions are typical of a rising star: social media comments focus on his performance stats and hopes for his future success in the Premier League. [edit]

His full birth name, José María Andrés Baixauli, reflects traditional Spanish naming conventions, with 'Baixauli' being a distinct Valencian surname. One of his most notable physical traits is his height of 6 feet 3 inches, which is unusually tall for a defensive midfielder in the modern era and gives him a distinct advantage in aerial duels. Despite playing abroad in Germany and England, he retains strong ties to his hometown of Valencia, often highlighted in interviews about his roots. Scouts have frequently noted his 'tactical awareness far beyond his age,' a trait that sets him apart from many peers in his generation. [edit]

Chema maintains a very low profile regarding his personal life and family background. Specific details about his parents or siblings remain private, and he does not share family stories publicly. He lives in Valencia during the off-season but spends most of his year traveling for club duties. There are no reports of pets or extended family involvement in his public career narrative. His focus remains strictly on his professional development and football training. [edit]

Real Madrid Youth Academy, VfB Stuttgart, Brighton & Hove Albion, Nike Football[edit]

As of 2026, Chema Andrés remains single with no publicly confirmed romantic relationships or dating history. Given his age of 21 and the intense demands of his professional career, including his recent high-profile transfer to the Premier League, he maintains a low profile regarding his personal life. There are no reports of engagements, marriages, or children. His social media presence focuses exclusively on his football career, training sessions, and match highlights. Fans and media respect his privacy, noting that he keeps his personal life separate from his public image. [edit]

iFANN Editorial Team research estimates Chema Andrés's net worth at approximately $3 million as of 2026. This figure reflects his earnings from player salaries at Real Madrid's youth setup, his contract with VfB Stuttgart, and his new agreement with Brighton. The €20 million transfer fee paid by Brighton significantly boosted his agent's commission and future negotiation leverage, though the fee itself does not go directly to the player. His wealth sources are derived almost entirely from football wages and signing bonuses associated with his recent high-profile move. No major business ventures or real estate holdings have been publicly disclosed at this stage in his career. [edit]