Instead of analysing current form or picking the best players available today, Gavi decided to look back. He challenged himself to build a starting XI made up exclusively of teammates he had played alongside during his formative years at Barcelona. The selection was not guided by tactics, status, or present-day performance. It was built from memory, emotion, and shared moments inside the dressing room at La Masia and during his first steps as a professional footballer.
The Brazilian posted a video on his social media accounts earlier today, confirming that he was bringing down the curtains on his playing career in football. Following the announcement, FC Barcelona have sent a touching message congratulating the former La Masia graduate on his career and wishing him well for what lies ahead. "Thank you for your football and for defending these colours with pride and commitment. Good luck in this new stage, Rafinha," the message from Barcelona read.
More than anticipated, it is special. I spent almost 15 years at Barça, it is the club where I was practically my entire life. I have many friends there and countless memories,
Born in Granollers, to a Moroccan father and Spanish mother, Ziani has been at La Masia since a young age and is held in high regard at the club, where he is currently a part of the Juvenil B (U-18) setup. At the same time, Ziani is also the subject of an international tug-of-war between Morocco and Spain. He has already represented Morocco at the U-16 and U-17 levels, but the Spanish Football Federation is also closely monitoring his progress with an eye on the future.
The 17-year-old winger was injured during the Youth League match against Eintracht Frankfurt last week. He landed awkwardly after colliding with opposing defender Yannis Ahouannou and immediately asked for a substitution, leaving the pitch in tears and screaming in pain. Nomoko was operated on at the Hospital de Barcelona by Dr Joan Carles Monllau, the same surgeon who operated on Gavi and Joan Garcia this year, under the supervision of the club's medical services.
Honestly, with the work he's doing, can you imagine if he wins something at the end of the season? I'd probably say, okay, that's okay. In my case, after almost seven years, I have achieved it with Arsenal. I think it's time to look for something else'. I would understand. Well, look, Barcelona is one of the best clubs in the world. I will return to Spain and the lifestyle is good for my family'.
It has been a slow and demanding recovery, but the Blaugrana never stopped believing in one of the La Masia players earmarked as a first-team star since his early days in the academy. Such is the faith in Bernal that Barcelona decided to renew his contract even before he had returned to the pitch, extending his deal until 2029 with the approval of the coaching staff and Hansi Flick.
Joan Laporta and Deco, at this point, are perhaps Barcelona's two most important figures in terms of the club's football project. The club president, after all, has been working to no end to ensure the Catalans can recover from the financial muddle they were in, while the sporting director has done a decent job in recent transfer windows to work with the limited finances.
I asked Dani Olmo before making my final decision so he could tell me a bit about it. He said that the league was improving, but that if I was fit, I wouldn't have any trouble playing. It's a very good league for developing and gaining experience.
In an interview on YouTube this week, Pedri was asked to name his favorite La Masia product currently, and he was quick to reveal the name Dro Fernández, who has been part of the first team squad all season and has already made three senior appearances at the age of 17, and grabbed an assist in his Champions League debut earlier in the campaign.
La Masia prospect Xavi Espart has become a regular in FC Barcelona's first-team training sessions in recent weeks. The 18-year-old versatile youngster, who can play at right-back and in midfield, was a key part of the Juvenil A setup that won the treble last season. Espart has carried forward that form to the Barça Atletic setup this season, becoming a key player under Juliano Belletti's tutelage.
Barcelona's famed La Masia academy is known to be one of the very best in the world and has churned out dozens of stars such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and now Lamine Yamal. However, a new study has ranked La Masia only in second place when it comes to the best academies in the world, with Benfica finishing top of the pile.
The forward missed Friday's final training session, confirming that he will not feature in the match immediately after the international break. It must be noted that Ferran had returned early from the Spanish national team camp due to an "overload in the hamstring muscles of the left leg, without associated injury." Although the club initially assured that he "is not out and will follow specific treatment," the discomfort has persisted.
I was very inexperienced in both football and life, he tells FourFourTwo when quizzed about his arrival in north London. I feel that the UK made me an adult and a professional, experienced player. Most of my growth happened in London. I was really lucky that the years I spent there, I had great team-mates and coaches, and opportunities to play top-level football. That was probably the most important part of my development as a person and as a player.
