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La Masia, FC Barcelona's youth academy, has long been known to produce world-class talent, giving rise to some of the best players in football history, including Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta. Known for its philosophy of blending technical skill, tactical intelligence, and fluid style of play.
Today, a new generation of La Masia graduates is rising through the ranks. Here, we take a closer look at the current crop of La Masia stars, analyzing who among them could evolve into football legends in their own right.
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Lamine Yamal
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Currently, one of the most formidable players in the Barcelona squad. At just six years old, Yamal was scouted by Barcelona and began training with La Masia, officially joining the club in 2014.
Yamal made his first start for the club on August 20, 2023, in a 2–0 win against Cádiz . He received a standing ovation when he was substituted with five minutes remaining. In his subsequent starting appearance, Yamal was named man of the match for his role in two goals scored by Gavi and Robert Lewandowski during a 4–3 victory over Villarreal on August 28, 2023.
On September 1, 2023, at 16 years and 50 days, Yamal received his first senior international call-up from coach Luis de la Fuente for UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers against Georgia and Cyprus.
On June 15, he debuted in the European Championship match against Croatia, setting a record as the tournament’s youngest-ever participant at 16 years and 338 days, surpassing Poland’s Kacper Kozłowski.
Four days before turning 17, Yamal also became the youngest goal-scorer in Euros history, outdoing the previous record held by Johan Vonlanthen.
By the tournament's end, Yamal had been named Young Player of the Tournament, and Spain’s 2–1 win over England in the Euro 2024 final made him the youngest player ever to secure a Euros title. If he sustains this form, Yamal’s legacy in football history is virtually assured.
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Gavi
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Gavi began his football journey at La Liara Balompié, a local club in his hometown, where he honed his skills for two years, from 2010 to 2012. At just 11 years old, he took a significant step in his career by signing with Barcelona in 2015.
His rise through the ranks culminated on August 29, 2021, when he made his first official appearance for Barcelona's first team in a 2–1 La Liga victory over Getafe, coming on as a substitute for Sergi Roberto in the 73rd minute.
By December 18 of that year, Gavi had already made his mark, scoring his first goal and providing an assist in a thrilling 3–2 home win against Elche.
On January 15, 2023, Gavi showcased his talent on a grand stage, netting a goal and delivering two assists in a 3–1 victory over Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España Final, earning him the title of man of the match.
The young midfielder's talents did not go unnoticed at the national level. On September 30, 2021, he received a surprise call-up to the senior Spain national team from manager Luis Enrique.
Gavi made his debut in the UEFA Nations League semi-final against Italy on October 6, marking the beginning of an impressive international career. He continued to shine, representing Spain in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he started in all four matches.
In Spain's opening game against Costa Rica, Gavi put his name in history as the third youngest player to score in a World Cup match, following legends Pelé and Manuel Rosas.
On October 15, 2023, Gavi proved his mettle once again, scoring the only goal in a 1–0 away victory over Norway during the Euro 2024 qualifiers, securing his national team's place in the tournament.
Despite battling frequent injuries, he has solidified his role as a crucial component of Barcelona's midfield, forming a dynamic partnership with fellow Spanish international Pedri.
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Pau Cubarsi
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Cubarsí began his football journey at Girona before moving to Barcelona in 2018. After advancing through the academy ranks, he made his UEFA Youth League debut, becoming the third-youngest player to do so, following Lamine Yamal and Ilaix Moriba, during a 1–1 draw with Viktoria Plzeň.
In April 2023, he trained with the first team for the first time under manager Xavi, and three months later, on July 8, he signed his first professional contract. He was included in Barcelona's pre-season squad for the 2023–24 season.
Cubarsí made his first-team debut on January 18, 2024, against Unionistas de Salamanca in the Copa del Rey, coming on as a substitute in the 46th minute. His first start followed the next match against Real Betis, just a day before his 17th birthday.
On March 12, he was named Player of the Match in his UEFA Champions League debut during a 3–1 victory over Napoli, making him the youngest player to debut in the knockout phase of the competition at 17 years and 50 days, surpassing David Alaba's record.
On April 10, he further distinguished himself as the youngest defender to start in a Champions League quarter-final at just 17 years and 79 days, breaking the record previously held by Georgi Shchennikov of CSKA Moscow
With age on his time and the abilities he has displayed so far he can accomplish as much as Puyol did at Barcelona.
Fermin Lopez
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López began his football career at local club CD FB El Campillo before moving to Recreativo de Huelva and then to Real Betis in 2012. In the summer of 2016, he joined Barcelona's youth academy.
His impressive performances in training led to his call-up to Barcelona's senior preseason squad in July 2023. López gained international attention after scoring a goal and providing an assist in a 3–0 friendly victory over rivals Real Madrid on July 29, 2023. Following the match, coach Xavi confirmed that López would remain with the senior team for the 2023–24 season.
On August 27, 2023, he made his La Liga debut in a thrilling 4–3 away win against Villarreal. Just a few weeks later, on October 25, López scored in his first Champions League start, contributing to a 2–1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, and was named Player of the Match.
This season the player has contributed 2 assists in the Champions League for Barcelona.
Marc Bernal
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Born in Berga, Barcelona, Catalonia, Bernal began his football journey at CE Berga and Gimnàstic Manresa before moving to La Masia at the age of six. On June 23, 2023, he signed his first professional contract with Barcelona, which runs until 2026.
He made his senior and professional debut with Barcelona Atlètic in a 1–0 loss to Logroñés in the Primera Federación on August 27, 2023. Bernal scored his first professional goals in a 3–1 victory over Sestao on October 22, 2023.
On August 17, 2024, he made his La Liga debut, starting in a 2–1 away win against Valencia. A versatile left-footed midfielder, standing at 6'4 Bernal typically plays as a defensive midfielder but can adapt to more offensive roles as needed.
He possesses a strong physique, exceptional passing skills, and remains calm under pressure which is a key trait that previous stars such as Busquets and Xavi posessed he can go on to become a very formidable player in the future.
Marc Casado
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He joined Barcelona's youth academy at the age of 13 in 2016 and eventually became the captain of the Juvenil A team, leading them to victory in both the league and the Copa de Campeones during the 2020-21 season.
On November 1, 2022, he made his official debut for the senior team against Viktoria Plzeň in the Champions League, coming on as a substitute for the injured Franck Kessié in the 67th minute and playing until the final whistle.
In the 2023–24 season, he was appointed captain of the Barcelona B team while also training with the senior squad and playing matches for Barcelona Atlètic. On March 17, 2024, he made his first La Liga appearance against Atlético Madrid.
He has become a constant figure in the Barcelona side this season starting 6 out of the 8 games played so far. Diligent and skilled at regaining possession, with excellent ball-handling abilities he is certain to make great impact in the coming years.
