On-loan teenager opens up on facing Barcelona – ‘Would be delighted to score against Lamine’ | OneFootball

Like Inaki Pena, Hector Fort is another Barcelona academy graduate who will face his parent club this weekend when Elche take on Barcelona in Montjuic. 

The young full-back, currently on loan at Elche, will be returning to familiar surroundings – the club where he grew up, developed, and shared the dressing room with close friends such as Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi.

For Fort, this game carries emotional significance. It is not just about facing his former teammates but also about measuring how far he has come since leaving on loan. 

The 18-year-old defender has been one of Elche’s most reliable performers this season, showcasing the same energy, discipline, and tactical awareness that made him one of La Masia’s standout prospects.

In touch with many Barcelona players

Ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, Fort spoke about his close relationship with Lamine Yamal, who continues to attract headlines for both his performances and the constant attention surrounding him. 

“Lamine has been a friend of mine for years, and I know him perfectly. People should focus on watching him play because he is a wonder. 

“The rest of the issues are not important. He is not affected by what is said about him. Lamine is aware of what he generates,” he told Catalunya Radio.

Fort went on to reveal that he remains in regular contact with his two closest friends from his Barcelona days, Yamal and Cubarsi, both of whom continue to make waves in the first team. 

Hector Fort has impressed at Elche. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Speaking about their friendship and the upcoming match, he shared,

“I maintain contact with Lamine and Cubarsi. We have been friends for a long time. That is not lost. 

“Between friends, there are always comments before a match like Sunday’s, but I don’t think that affects what may happen afterwards.”

He will not hold back

Despite his affection for Barcelona, Fort made it clear that once the whistle blows, friendship will take a back seat. His competitive spirit shone through as he added,

“I would be delighted to score against Lamine this Sunday. I might be losing out on some moves, but I would love to.”

The young full-back also offered his thoughts on Barcelona’s current form, expressing full faith in his parent club’s ability to bounce back from recent challenges. 

Fort explained, “When you come from winning everything, what is complicated is maintaining it. I’m sure they’re working as always, and things will come. 

“All teams have bad streaks, but Barça will be Barça again. I have no doubt about it. 

“I don’t think Barça will arrive at a bad time for Sunday’s match against Elche,” he explained.