Barcelona’s famed youth academy, The Masia, continues to deliver promising talent, with a steady stream of players transitioning to the first team.
Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Fermin Lopez, and Gavi are among those who have recently established themselves in the senior squad. Last season saw Marc Casado and Marc Bernal emerge, while Pedro Fernandez ‘Dro’ and Jofre Torrents have experienced first-team action this campaign.
More footballers are currently developing within the Juvenil A and Barça Atletic teams, poised to challenge for a place in the first team.
Ebrima Tunkara
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Ebrima Tunkara is one such rising star at The Masia, with some within the club even calling him the “new Lamine Yamal.” Just 15 years old, the winger is a player Barcelona are carefully nurturing. Tunkara’s strengths lie in his physical potential, skillful ball control, and powerful shot.
Despite his young age, Tunkara already plays for Juvenil A (U19) and has made his debut in the UEFA Youth League. He recently shone with the Spain U17 team during the international break, scoring two goals and providing one assist in two matches.
Another promising winger is 17-year-old Sama Nomoko, who had been excelling with Barça Atletic this season. Unfortunately, a recent serious knee injury will keep him sidelined for twelve months. Nomoko is known for his speed, power, and ability to take on opponents. He joined Barcelona in 2016 at the U9 level, and the club have been carefully developing a player they believe has the potential to reach the highest levels of the game.
With Barça Atletic this season, he played ten matches, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
Pedro Rodriguez
Shining brightly with Juvenil A, Pedro Rodriguez is a 17-year-old midfielder who idolizes Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta and aspires to follow a similar career path. Pedro is versatile, capable of playing as either a No. 8 or a No. 6, and excels at organizing and controlling play from the center of the park. He has already contributed a goal and two assists in six UEFA Youth League games this season.
The teenage midfielder has attracted attention from clubs across Europe, but Barcelona and Hansi Flick believe he possesses the qualities needed to break into the first-team ranks.
Xavi Espart
Concluding the list is Xavi Espart, a player who has already impressed Hansi Flick. The 18-year-old right-back had been regularly involved in first-team training before sustaining an injury. Espart initially played as a defensive midfielder but has excelled in the right-back position, becoming one of the best in the Barcelona academy.
He had been named in several matchday squads by Flick this season but is currently sidelined due to a medial collateral ligament injury in his right knee, which will keep him out for 8-10 weeks.
