WhatsApp message that changed Fermin Lopez’s career at FC Barcelona | OneFootball

Fermin Lopez has emerged as one of the most unlikely success stories from La Masia, establishing himself as an important first-team player for FC Barcelona under both Xavi Hernandez and Hansi Flick.

However, his rise to the first team has been anything but conventional. In fact, according to a report from Mundo Deportivo, if it was not for a Whatsapp message from an acquaintance of Xavi, the Andalusian might not even have been at Barcelona now.

Fermin had joined Barcelona’s academy as a child from Real Betis and was always recognised for his technical quality. Despite that, he never truly established himself as one of the standout prospects in La Masia, with internal doubts persisting over whether he had the physical attributes required to succeed at the highest level.

When Xavi took charge in November 2021, Fermin was not considered a serious candidate for the first team and was not even a regular starter for the youth side. Still, during one training session with the senior squad, the young midfielder managed to catch the attention of the new coach and his staff with his intelligence and technical ability.

Despite that impression, Fermin’s path seemed to lead away from Barcelona. Just months later, he was loaned out to Linares and was not part of the club’s plans, not even for Barça Atlètic. At that stage, a permanent exit or another loan appeared far more likely than a first-team breakthrough.

Everything changed in Andalusia. Away from the spotlight, Fermin developed rapidly, becoming a key figure for Linares and finishing as one of their standout performers and top scorers. Yet his performances initially went largely unnoticed within Barcelona’s internal planning.

That was until a timely intervention arrived. An acquaintance of Xavi named Domingo, who would occasionally send him olive oil from Jaén, reached out via WhatsApp to highlight Fermin’s outstanding form and remind the coach that the midfielder was still a Barcelona player. That message proved decisive.

Xavi, recalling the brief glimpse he had seen in training, immediately instructed his staff to closely monitor Fermin’s progress. Detailed scouting reports followed, confirming his growth, consistency, and tactical maturity during the second half of the season.

Even then, Fermin was not guaranteed a future at the club. Barcelona were still considering selling him or sending him out on another loan. But thanks to continuous monitoring sparked by Domingo’s message, Xavi made a crucial decision to include him in the squad for preseason.

The turning point came during the club’s tour of the United States. Although he was not initially expected to travel, Xavi personally ensured his inclusion after being impressed in training. The coach was reportedly struck by how the youngster “does everything right,” praising his understanding of the game and ability to use both feet.

Fermin quickly repaid that faith. He was the first academy player to feature in the opening preseason match against Arsenal, and in the following game against Real Madrid, he announced himself on the big stage with a stunning goal and an assist.

From being overlooked and nearly discarded to becoming a first-team regular, Fermin’s rise underscores the fine margins that often define football careers. Without Domingo’s message and Xavi’s willingness to act on it, Barcelona might have lost one of their most highly-rated midfielders before he ever had the chance to shine.