If you win the Copa del Rey
©IMAGO
While the farce surrounding Dani Olmo’s lack of permission to play at FC Barcelona is currently making the headlines, a talent from La Masia celebrated his debut in the Copa del Rey. Toni Fernández was on the pitch for Barça in the 4-0 away win against fourth division club UD Barbastro at the age of 16 years, five months and 20 days – in this millennium only Lamine Yamal was younger when he made his debut (for statistics).
Like the third most valuable footballer in the world, Fernández prefers to play as a right winger – he has been playing for the Catalans’ youth team since 2018. “He has incredible quality. He is always strong in training, he rises to the challenge,” said central defender Ronald Araujo.
Coach Hansi Flick relies heavily on his own young talent – 16 of his current 28 players were once active in the Catalans’ youth team. Debutant Fernández, who came on as a substitute for Pablo Torre in the 81st minute, is currently listed on Transfermarkt in the Barça Atlètic squad, which competes in the Spanish third division.
Debuting for FC Barcelona at such a young age doesn’t automatically mean you’ll become a star, but it does increase your chances enormously. The ten youngest debutants of this millennium include Lionel Messi (37) and Gavi (20), but also Bojan Krkic (34), who has rarely been able to consistently bring his potential to the pitch throughout his career, and Ansu Fati (22). At 17, the latter was celebrated as the new Messi and the Catalans’ figurehead before numerous injuries slowed him down (statistics: most valuable players from La Masia). About the new number two in the list of youngest Barça debutants, Flick says: “He is a great talent and has shown that he is not afraid.” This talent was also the reason why Transfermarkt included his development in the TM Advent Calendar 2024 has illuminated.
The Fernández family stands out at FC Barcelona
His cousin Guille – both fathers are brothers and both mothers are sisters – is a month older and has undergone almost the same development as Toni. He plays in central midfield and impresses with his assists, his robustness and his visionary play. The creative left-footer made his debut in the second team in March. At 15 years and nine months, he is the youngest player in the Barça reserves. He is also regularly active for the Spanish U19 national team (six appearances).