Barcelona’s recent match in Barbastro marked not only a sporting victory but also an emotional start to 2025 for the Catalan team.
It was a special occasion for young Toni Fernández, who etched his name in the club’s history books.
At just 16 years, 5 months and 17 days, the talented forward became Barcelona’s second-youngest debutant, following in the footsteps of Lamine Yamal, who holds the record.
An unforgettable night
Toni, a versatile forward, is not just another promise for La Masia. His adaptability allows him to play multiple roles, including as a centre-forward, right winger or even attacking midfielder.
In the match against Barbastro, coach Hansi Flick placed him on the right wing when he came on to replace Pablo Torre.
Despite only having 10 minutes on the field, Toni impressed by completing all six passes he attempted, showing composure and confidence beyond his years.
Flick loves testing young players
The German coach follows the young prodigy closely. Toni Fernández was among the youth players selected to join the preseason tour in the United States, an opportunity that highlighted his potential.
In addition, he has been included in Barcelona’s B list for the Champions League, which demonstrates the confidence that the club places in his abilities.
Toni’s debut is part of a wider trend under Flick, which has always given opportunities to La Masia graduates and Toni was the sixth La Masia player to debut with the German.
Players such as Marc Bernal, Gerard Martín, Pau Víctor, Sergi Domínguez and Andrés Cuenca have had opportunities to prove themselves in recent months, highlighting the coach’s focus on nurturing young talent.
For Toni, this is just the beginning. His journey at Barcelona looks promising, with the club and its supporters excited to see how he continues to develop and contribute to the team in the future.