Oliver SmithOliver Smith
La Masia is not merely a football school. The best football players in the world are born there. In a world where teams like Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United spend billions attempting to buy success, La Masia has consistently produced Barcelona’s next big star from within their own academy.
World-class players like Pep Guardiola, who went on to become a renowned coach, are regular products of La Masia. We had defenders like Carles Puyol, Jordi Alba, and Gerard Piqué in the past. Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fàbregas, Thiago Alcântara, and other elite midfield players are all products of La Masia. Lionel Messi, La Masia’s crown gem, developed his skills there and went on to dominate the football world for almost 20 years. Pedro Rodríguez, a key former player for Barcelona, is one of the players it has developed.
La Masia has also produced young players in recent years, such as Lamine Yamal, who is already making waves in the football world at the age of 18. Gavi is a fierce midfield player. A young center defender with exceptional poise and defensive awareness is Pau Cubarsí. Alejandro Balde is a contemporary offensive full-back who is renowned for his quickness, style, and self-assurance when attacking.
La Masia is developing elite players for Barcelona from their own academy at a time when major clubs are paying billions to put together a successful team. Barcelona has the advantage of acquiring individuals who are already flourishing in their playing style and who have the Barca DNA, whereas other clubs must purchase the player first and test whether they fit the system.
