Barcelona president meets La Liga chief, Chinese government officials – here’s why | OneFootball

Not long ago, it was reported that La Masia is officially the most valued academy in world football, with its concurrent graduates being worth over €700 million.

In recent years, La Masia has set a new benchmark for producing talent and talent, having notably helped players like Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Alejandro Balde and Pau Cubarsi graduate and ascend into the first team.

Not only that, but they also rank among the most valuable players in world football. Keeping that in mind, it is only natural that many global entities have taken an interest in replicating La Masia‘s success story.

For others, it has become a landmark spot for footballing heritage and in a recent show of that prestige, Barcelona’s La Masia was graced by officials of the Chinese government.

Chinese officials visit La Masia

As reported by MARCA, a high-level delegation from the People’s Republic of China visited the Joan Gamper Training Ground this Wednesday.

The Chinese delegation was welcomed by Joan Laporta. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

President Joan Laporta welcomed the 30-person expedition, which was accompanied by La Liga President Javier Tebas.

The delegation included prominent figures such as Shen Yiqin, a member of the State Council and China’s top football official, and Song Kai, president of the Chinese Football Association (CFA).

Their objective is to study Barça’s world-renowned methodology and incorporate its principles into China’s own national football programs.

The visit featured a packed schedule designed to showcase the academy’s excellence in action. Notably, a friendly match between Barcelona’s Juvenil B team and the Chinese U17 national team.

A specialised “Youth Football Talent Development” seminar, where the club formally presented the foundations and characteristics of the La Masia model, was also a part of the plans.