Three former La Masia players who built successful careers after leaving Barcelona | OneFootball

La Masia is widely regarded as one of the greatest football academies in history. 

It has produced legends, Ballon d’Or winners and players who shaped an era at FC Barcelona. 

Yet, for every talent that makes it at Camp Nou, many others are forced to look elsewhere for opportunity. 

Leaving Barcelona is often painted as a failure, but history tells a very different story. 

In many cases, stepping away from La Masia becomes the defining moment that unlocks a player’s true potential.

Throughout its storied history, there are perfect examples of La Masia graduates who went on to enjoy highly successful careers after leaving Barcelona. 

Each departed the club at a different stage, joined different leagues, and carved out their own identity at the highest level of European football. 

Today, we look at three such players.

Alejandro Grimaldo – from La Masia to elite European full-back

Grimaldo currently captains Bayer Leverkusen. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)

Alejandro Grimaldo joined La Masia at a young age and was considered one of the most promising left-backs in Barcelona’s academy. 

However, with competition fierce and a clear pathway to the first team lacking, Grimaldo made a decision in 2015 to leave Barcelona. He joined Benfica, a move that would define his career.

At Benfica, Grimaldo quickly established himself as a first-team regular. His attacking instincts, technical quality and consistency made him one of the best full-backs in the Portuguese league. 

Over several seasons, he won multiple domestic titles and became a key figure in European competitions. 

His performances eventually earned him a move to Bayer Leverkusen, where he reached a new level under Xabi Alonso, playing a crucial role in a historic Bundesliga-winning campaign.

Grimaldo never returned to Barcelona, but his career is often cited as a reminder of what La Masia talents can achieve when trusted elsewhere.

Cesc Fabregas – the prodigy who left early and came back a star

Fabregas left Arsenal with a legacy. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

Cesc Fabregas is perhaps the most famous example of a La Masia graduate who left Barcelona and conquered Europe. 

In 2003, at just 16 years old, Fabregas made the controversial move to Arsenal, seeking first-team opportunities that were unavailable at Barça.

The gamble paid off. Fabregas developed into one of the Premier League’s best midfielders, eventually becoming Arsenal’s captain and creative leader. 

His vision, passing and maturity set him apart, and he established himself as a world-class player long before turning 25.

In 2011, Fabregas fulfilled his dream of returning to Barcelona, where he won major trophies and contributed in a star-studded midfield. 

Later spells at Chelsea further cemented his legacy. His journey proves that leaving La Masia does not mean closing the door on Barcelona forever.

Xavi Simons – from La Masia wonderkid to modern European star

Xavi Simons left Barcelona very early. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Xavi Simons was one of the most high-profile La Masia departures in recent years. 

In 2019, Simons left Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain, attracted by a clearer pathway and long-term project.

After limited opportunities in Paris, Simons took a decisive step in 2022, joining PSV Eindhoven. The move transformed his career. 

Simons became the Eredivisie’s standout performer, finishing as top scorer and leading PSV to domestic success. 

His explosive development led to a return to PSG through a buy-back clause, followed by a successful loan at RB Leipzig and, later, a high-profile Premier League transfer.

Like Grimaldo, Simons never returned to Barcelona, but throughout the source of his career, he has been linked with a return many times.