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Whereas Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi stole the headlines because the breakthrough kids at FC Barcelona final season, Fermin Lopez additionally quietly established himself as a first-team star underneath Xavi Hernandez.
Having spent the 2022/23 season on mortgage at Deportivo Linares, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder made an enormous impression in pre-season and there was no trying again for him as he quickly grew to become a daily within the facet.
Whereas his game-time might need taken a minor hit this season as a consequence of accidents and competitors, Fermin continues to shine brightly, with the attacking midfielder already scoring 4 targets in 2025, together with two in his final two video games.
Talking in an interview with SPORT, Fermin touched upon his latest kind in entrance of purpose, saying:
“It’s true that I’ve at all times had the power to get into the field and end effectively. Within the first half of the season, issues weren’t going my method, however now I’ve extra confidence, the coach is giving me extra alternatives, and I’m making an attempt to assist the staff.”
Simply as he was hitting high kind, a crimson card in opposition to Sevilla halted his momentum. The timing was irritating, however Fermin stays unfazed.
“Sure, sure, in fact. I used to be feeling nice. However these items occur. You need to be taught from them and maintain working. There is no such thing as a different choice.”
Speaking about his time within the first-team setup at Barcelona, Fermin spoke about how he has at all times needed to struggle for his place and show himself at every given alternative.
“That’s what I’ve carried out all my life. I’ve at all times stored a low profile and I’ve at all times needed to show myself. I attempt to do my job and when the coach offers me minutes, I simply attempt to assist the staff,” he famous.
Fermin has been among the many targets in 2025. (Picture by Fran Santiago/Getty Photos)
Reflecting on his journey up till this level, he added: “Effectively… I’ve had a distinct or tougher path than others. However these moments and that journey have taught me loads of issues, personally and professionally.
“Because of all that, I worth far more being within the Barça first staff, which was my dream. And I’m by no means going to cease working to remain right here.”
Fermin had the backing of Xavi in his debut season in 2023/24 and now he has received over the belief of Hansi Flick in addition to Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco.
“I don’t know what to let you know. I’m a tough employee, I’m at all times prepared for the staff and Xavi, Deco and now Hansi are serving to me and giving me the boldness to indicate my soccer. I’m very grateful to them,” he mentioned on incomes the belief of the important thing members of the workers.
In the course of the summer season, Barcelona wanted to create Monetary Honest Play area, and a number of other golf equipment made provides for him. Nonetheless, Deco by no means entertained them, selecting as an alternative to increase his contract. Reflecting on that, Fermin remarked:
“Since I joined the primary staff, Deco has at all times trusted me. I wasn’t conscious of the provides as a result of I knew I needed to be right here, but it surely’s comforting that the membership didn’t need to take heed to them and needed me right here, within the new challenge.”
Fermin’s fast rise over the previous yr and a half has been nothing in need of extraordinary and he admits that it’s all nonetheless a bit surreal for him.
“Under no circumstances, not possible! Once I went out on mortgage I believed it will assist me to show myself and possibly go to a different staff, or return to Barça Atletic if I used to be fortunate. However going straight again to the primary staff, unthinkable,” he mentioned.
Nonetheless, the teenager is definitely not taking his eyes off the ball, as he said: “I nonetheless have rather a lot to enhance. My finest model is but to come back.”
Discussing how his time on mortgage at Linares performed a key function in shaping his relentless starvation for achievement, Fermin mentioned:
“Many occasions individuals don’t worth it, however that means of happening mortgage was troublesome. Now I worth far more coming right here, coaching, being with my teammates, sporting the shirt of the membership I’ve at all times beloved… All of that has helped me to work more durable day-after-day.”
Fermin has needed to struggle for his place this season. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photos)
On whether or not he’s happier now than when he was enjoying at Linares, he replied: “In Linares I used to be joyful, it was my actuality and I accepted it.
It was troublesome to adapt, I had been right here for six years and to depart and see different issues was troublesome, however I performed there and that was crucial.
“I felt snug and joyful. But it surely’s clear that at an expert stage, Barça is one other dimension, it’s my dream and what I’ve fought for for such a very long time.”
Pertaining to how psychological power has been a vital consider his journey, Fermin elaborated:
“Indisputably, having psychological well being is essential. Particularly for the highest stage. I’ve at all times needed to push myself and all of the years once I’ve been struggling and wanted assist, I’ve acquired it and now I worth being the place I’m far more.”
The teenager additionally expressed gratitude in direction of his dad and mom for the sacrifices they made to assist him obtain his dream, saying:
“My dad and mom have given all the things for me, in order that I might fulfil my dream. So many hours within the automotive, a lot sacrifice… Additionally they deserve to come back to see me play for Barça, to see me on TV, within the nationwide staff…
“They deserve it as a lot or greater than me. I owe a big a part of what I’m residing now to my dad and mom.”
