Javi Villar

Javier "Javi" Villar del Fraile (born 15 March 2003) is a Spanish footballer who plays as a midfielder for Albacete Balompié.

Club career
Born in Murcia, Villar began his career with hometown side AD Azarbe, and subsequently represented the youth sides of UCAM Murcia CF and Real Murcia CF before signing for FC Barcelona on 16 July 2019. He was unable to be registered by the latter as they did not have any available spots and, after being offered to be loaned out, he left in September to join Elche CF.

On 7 July 2021, Villar moved to Real Madrid's La Fábrica, being assigned to the Juvenil squad. He made his senior debut with the reserves on 15 May of the following year, coming on as a late substitute for goalscorer Carlos Dotor in a 5–1 Primera División RFEF home routing of UE Costa Brava.

Definitely promoted to Castilla for the 2022–23 season, Villar featured sparingly before being loaned out to fellow third division side Unionistas de Salamanca CF on 26 July 2023. A regular starter for the side, he scored his first senior goal on 28 January 2024, netting the opener in a 3–0 home win over UE Cornellà.

On 8 July 2024, Villar signed a three-year contract with Segunda División side Albacete Balompié.

International career
In August 2021, Villar was called up to the Spain national under-19 team for two friendlies against Mexico. He featured in both matches as Spain won 3–2 and 5–1.

Personal life
Villar's older brother Gonzalo is also a footballer and a midfielder. He too was groomed at Elche.