Reason why Eric Garcia wears the No. 24 shirt at Barcelona – report | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia has started the new season in strong form, carrying on from where he left off last season.

The 24-year-old La Masia trainee has become a key player for Hansi Flick at the start of this campaign, and his versatility has allowed him to start in four of the five matches played so far.

The defender, who is now in his fifth season as a Barcelona player (including the one he spent on loan at Girona), is once again wearing the No. 24 shirt.

Tribute to Kobe Bryant

On the YouTube channel of journalist Rodrigo Faez (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Garcia revealed why he wears the No. 24 shirt at the club.

Since arriving in Catalonia from Manchester City in 2021, the Spanish international has stuck with the #24.

Eric Garcia has always worn No. 24 at Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

There have been opportunities for him to change his number and take a lower number, with #2 becoming available this season. However, he has stuck with 24.

A devoted follower of the NBA, Garcia explained that he decided not to change his number in honour of basketball legend Kobe Bryant.

This decision comes with even greater meaning this season, as Barcelona will be wearing a special kit featuring the ‘swoosh’ of the LA Lakers legend.

So far, Garcia has started all four of Barcelona’s La Liga matches, but he only played for around ten minutes in the UEFA Champions League game vs Newcastle United earlier this week.

With Pau Cubarsi dealing with a knock, there may be a chance that the 24-year-old ace starts tomorrow against Getafe.