Not Ferran, not Raphinha – Barcelona’s 22-year-old talent is becoming the most decisive game-changer in 2026 | OneFootball

Fermin Lopez is putting together one of the most explosive starts to a calendar year by any Barcelona midfielder in recent memory. 

To put things in perspective, in just 233 minutes of action in 2026, the Barcelona talent has already registered one goal and six assists, averaging a direct goal contribution every 33 minutes. 

Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey round of 16 offered yet another example of his growing influence. 

Starting on the bench, Fermin watched a tense first half unfold with the score locked at 0-0. 

Impact against Racing

Sensing the need for urgency and creativity, Hansi Flick turned to the La Masia graduate in the 58th minute, and the response was immediate.

Just five minutes after entering the pitch, Fermin changed the rhythm of the match. 

Spotting a run that few others would even attempt to play, he released a perfectly weighted pass on the counter-attack, finding Ferran Torres in space. 

The move ended with a clinical finish, but the real difference was the vision behind the assist, a moment that broke Racing’s resistance and put Barcelona in control.

Fermin Lopez has been unplayable this year. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

This ability to do things differently is quickly becoming Fermin’s trademark. He is not the midfielder who plays safe passes or recycles possession without purpose. 

That mindset has paid off handsomely, with assists in three consecutive matches and decisive contributions every time Barcelona have needed a spark.

A brilliant start

Fermin’s 2026 run began in La Liga against Espanyol, where he came off the bench to deliver two assists in a decisive 2-0 win. 

In the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Athletic Club, Fermin took things to another level, scoring once and providing two assists in a dominant 5-0 win. 

He then capped off the final against Real Madrid with yet another assist.

What makes this spell even more impressive is the context, as Fermin has not been a guaranteed starter, yet he continues to tilt games in Barcelona’s favour from the bench. 

Every appearance feels purposeful, every touch progressive.