Fermín López, a relatively unknown name to the 82,000 spectators at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, left a lasting impression during Saturday’s pre-season match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The 20-year-old seized his opportunity as a substitute in the 66th minute, scoring a remarkable goal against Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois before showcasing his composure to assist Ferran Torres and secure a 3-0 victory for Barcelona.
López’s goal, considered one of the best this pre-season, was a culmination of years of hard work in Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy. Speaking to the media after the match, he expressed his disbelief and gratitude for the opportunity, vowing to continue working hard.
Having already played 45 minutes in Barcelona’s previous warm-up game against Arsenal in California, it was not entirely surprising that López was given minutes against Real Madrid. His impressive performances during the team’s training sessions in the US made him stand out among the other promising young players.
Teammate Pedri spoke highly of López’s abilities even before Barcelona’s first pre-season game, praising his determination and remarkable skill. López has demonstrated his versatility by playing various roles, including as an attacking midfielder, winger, and even as a false nine.
Born in Huelva, Andalusia, López began his football journey in the academies of Recreativo de Huelva and Real Betis before joining La Masia in 2016. Despite his small frame, López’s talent caught the attention of Barcelona, and he has since made the most of the opportunities presented to him.
In the 2022/23 season, López was loaned to Linares Deportivo in the third tier Primera RFEF division. He scored 12 goals and provided four assists while wearing the coveted No.10 shirt. This experience undoubtedly shaped López’s development, leading to his inclusion in Barcelona’s pre-season tour of the USA with the first team.
Xavi Hernández, Barcelona’s coach, expressed his admiration for López’s performance against Real Madrid, praising his skill, versatility, and hunger for success. Hernandez acknowledged that López deserves playing time and believes he can contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
It is evident that López has garnered the support of Xavi and has the potential to make his official debut for Barcelona in LALIGA EA SPORTS soon.
