Jesús Barea

Jesús Rafael Barea Barroso (born 28 April 2002) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake.

Jesús Barea

Personal information
Full name	Jesús Rafael Barea Barroso
Date of birth	(2002-04-28) 28 April 2002 (age 23)
Place of birth	Cádiz, Spain
Height	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Position(s)	Forward
Team information
Current team	Real Salt Lake
Number	36
Youth career
2013–2019	Cádiz
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2020–2024	Missouri State Bears	88	(34)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2025–	Real Salt Lake	7	(0)
2025–	Real Monarchs	4	(1)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 6 June 2025

Youth and college

Barea was born in Cádiz in Spain, where he played with Cádiz CF's academy from 11 years old^[1] and helped the team in goals all three seasons while helping the team secure league championships in 2016 and 2018. In 2019, Barea moved to the United States in where he attended Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut.^[2][3][4]

In 2020, Barea attended Missouri State University, where he went on to score 34 goals and tallied 19 assists in 88 appearances across five seasons, including a truncated season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In his freshman year, Barea earned 2020-21 MVC All-Freshman Team honors. He became a three-time All-MVC first team player, a three-time United Soccer Coaches All-West Region player and was named to the 2023 MVC All-Tournament Team. In his five years with the team, Missouri State won four regular season conference titles and three consecutive MVC Tournament championships.^[2]

Across his collegiate career, Barea is tied for second in program history in goals, third in points, and tied for sixth in assists. He is the program's all-time leader in shots, including 81 shot attempts in 2024 which is the third-most by a Bear in a single season. He is also second in career starts and tied for fifth in game-winning goals.^[5][6][3]

In December 2024, Barea was made eligible for the 2025 MLS SuperDraft.^[7]

Professional career

On 20 December 2024, Barea was selected 19th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake.^[8][9] On 27 February 2025, Barea signed his first professional contract with Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake, agreeing a one-year deal.^[10][11] He made his professional debut on 29 March 2025, playing the entire second-half during a 2–0 loss to Minnesota United.^[12]