Fermin Lopez Credits Xavi for Barcelona Breakthrough

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has reflected on the challenges that shaped his career, from leaving his family in Andalusia as a teenager to earning a place in the first team. In interviews published between October 14 and October 20, 2026, the 23-year-old discussed learning Catalan, overcoming professional uncertainty, recovering from injury and pursuing the Champions League with Barcelona.

According to Estadio Deportivo, Lopez has recorded 37 goals and 30 assists in 145 appearances for Barcelona. His rise followed a loan spell at Linares during the 2022-23 season, when his performances helped secure another opportunity at his parent club.

Lopez joined Barcelona's La Masia academy at 13 after growing up in El Campillo, a small town in Huelva province. He initially struggled with the separation from his family and friends, as well as adapting to a new language and environment.

Speaking about his early school experience, Lopez explained that learning Catalan became essential to understanding lessons and integrating into the community.

"I had to learn Catalan because otherwise I couldn't understand anything in class," Lopez said.

He later developed a personal appreciation for the language and its cultural significance. According to interviews reported by Sport and Estadio Deportivo, he now speaks Catalan with teammates, including Pau Cubarsi, and with people who address him in the language in public.

"It's a language I've always enjoyed speaking, and I think it's a way to integrate into the culture and show respect for Catalans," Lopez said.

His football career also involved periods of uncertainty. Before establishing himself, Lopez was not consistently considered one of the academy's leading prospects, and his physical development came later than that of some teammates. During his loan at Linares, he registered 12 goals and four assists, according to Estadio Deportivo.

Lopez recalled that he once feared his Barcelona journey might end before he reached the senior team. His opportunity arrived when Xavi Hernandez selected him for the first team's preseason in 2023, giving him the platform to demonstrate his ability.

"I thought that one day it would end, that I had gone to Barcelona and that was it," Lopez said in an interview with Relevo, as reported by El Nacional.

He subsequently established himself in the squad and continued developing under Hansi Flick. Lopez has credited the German coach with helping him respond to mistakes, maintain concentration and focus on the next play rather than dwelling on setbacks.

Off the field, Lopez has emphasized the influence of his family, who supported his decision to move away from home at a young age. Estadio Deportivo reported that his mother previously worked for a fruit company, while his father continued working as a postal worker despite his son's growing football success.

Lopez also revealed that he bought his father a car as a gift, explaining that the purchase fulfilled a wish his father had held for some time. His parents moved to Barcelona with him a couple of years ago after spending an extended period living apart from their son.

His development has also included international success. Lopez made his Spain under-21 debut in 2023 and won Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games before progressing to the senior national team. However, an injury prevented him from participating in the World Cup during the summer of 2026, according to Estadio Deportivo.

"These past few months have been very difficult for me, and I needed more psychological support sessions," Lopez said when discussing the emotional impact of his injury and recovery.

Now recovered, the midfielder is focused on returning to his best level and helping Barcelona compete for Europe's leading club trophy. Sport reported that he considers winning the Champions League a major ambition and hopes to contribute to the club's pursuit of its sixth European Cup.

Lopez is wearing Barcelona's No. 7 shirt for the current season. Despite his growing profile, he continues to identify closely with El Campillo, where he spent much of his childhood playing football outdoors with friends, according to National Geographic's Spanish edition.