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Messi, Iniesta, Guardiola, Arteta, Xavi, Puyol: these are the heralded graduates of the famous Barcelona youth academy, La Masia. Some of these names have made ground-breaking changes to the game.

The highlight of the academy’s success was during the Ballon d’Or in 2010 ceremony that saw Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi Hernandez finish in the top three. 

This was a notable achievement, highlighting FC Barcelona’s dominance and style of play during this period.

Following the Messi era, FC Barcelona and La Masia went through a period of decline culminating in a tumultuous debt-ridden period of failure as the club drifted from its usual tradition and opted to splurge just like rival European giants. 

However, a recent crop of players, driven by Lamine Yamal, is driving the train of the renaissance of La Masia and FC Barcelona’s youthful resurgence.

What spurred the resurgence of La Masia?

Just when it felt like Barcelona would suffer the same barren spell as Manchester United and Real Madrid in recent years, several stars have aligned to lift the hopes of the club’s fans.

Here are the factors that spurred La Masia’s resurgence. 

Financial Difficulties

FC Barcelona’s recent financial difficulties stem from a high wage bill, the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, poor financial management, and accumulated debt from failed transfers and lofty wages. 

To address this, they reduced player salaries, sold assets, and sought financial restructuring. To stand a chance at survival, they had to get rid of club icon and all-time great Lionel Messi.

The financial constraint also spurred the club to dig into its youth ranks to bolster its senior squad and replace outgoing players. The top La Masia prospects received a vote of confidence to play for the club.

Failed Transfers

In recent years, FC Barcelona has spent big money to acquire the signatures of some of the best players in the world. 

Names like Phillippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele, Paulinho, Arda Turan, and Antoine Griezmann all failed to live up to expectations.

These failed transfers, which further contributed to the club’s financial debacle, have prompted the club to examine its youth ranks and put faith in its most promising prospects to keep the club afloat and fight for silverware. 

It eventually turned out positive, as these La Masia products excelled beyond expectations, and a couple of these prospects eased into the professional scene. 

*Pedri

Despite not being a La Masia graduate, Pedri González is the face of Barcelona’s resurgence. The young prospect joined FC Barcelona from Las Palmas in 2020.

This was the peak of Barca’s financial troubles, so Pedri had the opportunity to shine in a lacklustre midfield. And he made a lasting impression.

The following summer, he represented Spain at the Euros and won the Young Player of the Tournament award. One month later, he joined Spain’s Olympic squad.

Pedri’s year ended with his winning the Golden Boy Award, which had evaded Barcelona since Lionel Messi won it in 2005.

However, Pedri’s mismanagement during the remarkable 15-month run almost ruined his career. Due to cramped fixtures, he accumulated a ridiculous number of minutes.

This finally caught up with him in the form of multiple injuries, but he has since bounced back to his 2021 form.

Before his horrific injury during the quarterfinal game against Germany at Euro 2024, Pedri was a mainstay in the Spain squad, who went on to win the trophy.

Ansu Fati

For a brief period, Ansu Fati was the next wunderkind considered the “New Messi” — and being a product of La Masia didn’t help. 

At 16 years and 318 days, he became the youngest Barcelona player to assist and score in the same game. In 2020, he joined the first team and made the Spain squad for the Nations League. 

However, injuries and fitness issues doused the flame of this blazing-hot prospect. In 2023, Ansu Fati joined Brighton and Hove Albion on loan.

Gavi

Gavi performed way above what was expected of newly promoted players, and this brought the spotlight to the academy.

His partnership with Pedri in the midfield earned him the Golden Boy Award just after his teammate won it. 

Just like Pedri, Gavi waltzed into Barcelona’s starting XI and ended up featuring for the Spanish National Team before his injury. 

The Pedri-Gavi midfield duo might lay the foundation for the next regeneration of Xavi and Iniesta.

Fermin Lopez

Fermin Lopez burst onto the scene as an intelligent attacking midfielder. His exceptional skill and on-field intelligence impressed both fans and experts, as well as Barcelona’s coaching staff, who were convinced enough to hand him his senior debut. 

Fermin’s versatility as a midfielder and often playing higher up the field as a centre forward, combined with his remarkable vision and ability to dictate play, has set him apart from his contemporaries.

Playing time has been a challenge as the club has a plethora of midfield options, but whenever he is summoned to play, his quality is always on display.

Fermin Lopez was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024. He also played a major role in Spain’s successive bid for the Olympic Gold medal, scoring twice in the final.

Lamine Yamal

This mercurial young winger, who surpassed even La Masia’s lofty standards, has become the youngest player to start for any nation at the European Championships. 

His world-class performances were instrumental in Spain’s Euro triumph, earning him a hero’s welcome during the trophy parade, where crowds chanted “Lamine Yamal” with fervent adoration.

He has quickly established himself as one of Barcelona’s most promising graduates from La Masia since Lionel Messi. 

His exceptional goal-scoring ability has garnered widespread praise. His knack for finding the net from seemingly impossible angles was showcased in his wonder goal against France at the Euros. 

Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to score at the Euros at 16 years and 362 days while also winning the Young Player of the Tournament.

Playing with Nico Williams for Spain, both players provide the vibrance and cutting edge for the team’s attack. If Lamine Yamal cracks even a fraction of his potential, he’ll become one of the best players of his generation.

Pau Cubarsi

Pau Cubarsi is another prospect from the La Masia academy who plays centre-back. Similar to Yamal, Cubarsi emerged as a very young, promising player who has the potential to be one of the world’s best in the near future. 

He made his debut for Barcelona at the age of 16 in a La Liga game against Celta Vigo, and a few games later, he is pictured winning the man of the match award in a Champions League fixture against Napoli while playing at the centre-back position.

His performance was impressive, without a doubt, but surprising as well due to the degree of composure and calmness displayed by the teenager while playing in a high-octane match. 

Visibly seen as the conservative archetype of central defenders, his decision-making and excellent timing allowed him to perform at a level befitting a first-team player and be one of the best players on the pitch. 

With his significant playing experience from the academy prior to his Barcelona debut, a lot of the credit goes to the lessons he learned while playing and learning at La Masia.

Pau Cubarsi was also part of the Olympic squad that beat France to win Gold.

Marc Casadó

One of Barcelona’s standout young talents benefiting from the club’s focus on developing from within is 21-year-old Marc Casadó, who has been earning a regular spot in the first team with consistently strong performances. 

Joining from CF Damm in 2016, Casadó captained Barcelona B under Rafa Márquez before stepping into the first team in the 2024 season amid injuries in the squad. 

Known for his defensive strength, high passing accuracy, and ability to initiate offensive play, he aligns well with Barcelona’s possession-based style.

In June 2024, Barcelona extended Casadó’s contract until 2028, reflecting the club’s confidence in his potential. Under new manager Hansi Flick, Casadó has continued to showcase his capabilities, solidifying his value as an emerging midfield asset.

Alejandro Balde

Alejandro Balde is another prospect who leveraged his speed and attacking mindset to earn his place in FC Barcelona’s senior ranks. 

During his early development in Barcelona’s youth academy, he initially played as a winger. His speed, dribbling ability, and attacking mindset were key attributes in this role.

However, as he progressed through the ranks, he transitioned to the fullback position, where his attacking prowess, combined with defensive skills, made him an ideal modern fullback. 

This positional switch allowed him to leverage his offensive capabilities while contributing defensively, leading to his success at senior levels. He continues to feature on a regular basis at the fullback position, often playing at left back when fit. 

Dani Olmo*

Dani Olmo, the 25-year-old Spanish international and La Masia academy graduate, has established himself as one of the most exciting attacking talents in European football. Olmo’s journey from Terrassa, Spain, began with his development at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. 

In 2014, he made the bold decision to move to Dinamo Zagreb, where he quickly adapted to the Croatian league and became a standout player. His performances were instrumental in helping Dinamo secure multiple domestic titles and achieve success in European competitions. By 2018, he had been named the Croatian Football League’s Best Player.

Olmo’s achievements in Croatia drew the attention of major European clubs, leading to his high-profile move to RB Leipzig in 2020. 

At Leipzig, Olmo continued to develop as a playmaker, contributing significantly in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League with goals and assists, helping Leipzig reach the Champions League semifinals and winning two German Cups with the club in the process.

His success in Germany boosted his reputation, catching Barcelona’s interest once again and leading to his return to his boyhood club in 2024. 

Olmo has quickly become a valuable asset for Barcelona. He contributes goals and assists and brings his international experience and versatility to the Catalan attack.

For the Spanish national team, Olmo remains a mainstay, contributing crucial goals and assists on the way to capturing the Euro 2024 trophy.

Iñaki Peña

The 25-year-old Iñaki Peña, born in Alicante, Spain, has steadily risen through the ranks of the FC Barcelona system to become one of the club’s most promising goalkeepers. He has a reputation for delivering crucial saves and providing reliable distribution from the back. 

A stint on loan at Galatasaray proved invaluable, providing him with crucial first-team experience and solidifying his role as a dependable asset in Barcelona’s goalkeeping ranks.

The Spaniard has successfully stepped up to protect Barcelona’s goal in Marc-André ter Stegen’s absence. His impressive form has also kept veteran Wojciech Szczęsny on the sidelines, affirming Barcelona’s confidence in his abilities while promising an exciting future for both him and the club.

The New Era

As the club progresses, more youth players are expected to make their senior debuts. Promoted players will receive new contracts, allowing the club to build its future around them. Alex Valle and Pablo Torre have also featured for Barcelona’s first team.

With proper development, these players should help the club return to the top level. As the club continues to improve, more young players are expected to make their senior debuts in the future. 

This resurgence is welcome as Real Madrid seems poised to dominate with their crop of young talent, such as Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Fede Valverde, and Jude Bellingham.

Although The La Masia boys have drawn first blood by trashing the New Galacticos 4-0 at the Bernabeu, one can only hope that this brewing rivalry will bring a lot of excitement and back-and-forth games.