Fermín: "I've never had it easy"

The 23-year-old midfielder has reached 150 official appearances for Barcelona, scoring 38 goals and providing 36 assists, and reflects on his unlikely rise from doubts in the academy.

Fermín López has become one of Barcelona's standout performers this season, reaching a milestone of 150 official appearances for the club. The 23-year-old midfielder has recorded impressive statistics across those matches: 38 goals and 36 assists, remarkable numbers for a player in his position.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, López reflects on his unexpected journey to elite football. He acknowledges that his market value of €110 million far exceeds what he imagined during his early career at Linares, when he was loaned out and doubted by some academy coaches. "I never had it easy," he says. "I never saw myself as important, I didn't have the same progression as my teammates, and obviously that made you think your path here wouldn't continue forward."

López credits his difficult periods—including time away from family and moments of tears—as formative experiences that strengthened his resolve. He also praises former manager Xavi Hernández for giving him the confidence to play with personality when he arrived in the first team in summer 2023, helping him develop from a raw talent into a key player.