Barcelona wonderkid opens up on nightmare injury and emotional return: ‘Worst thing I’ve ever gone through’ | OneFootball

Marc Bernal is quickly becoming one of the most compelling stories at Barcelona because of the resilience he has shown to get here.

Now establishing himself as a regular under Hansi Flick, the young midfielder has opened up about the darkest chapter of his career – the serious knee injury he suffered against Rayo Vallecano.

Reflecting on his journey, Bernal did not hide the emotional weight of that moment. Looking back at his recovery, he admitted, 

“I’m really happy about everything that’s happening to me, especially after that injury. 

“I think it was the worst year a football player can have, the worst injury,” he began, as quoted by SPORT.

That match against Vallecano

The memory of that night remains deeply etched in his mind. When recalling the exact date, August 27, 2024, he responded,

“The worst day of my life. The pain I felt inside at that moment is the worst thing I’ve ever gone through.”

The months that followed tested him both physically and mentally. Describing the early stages of recovery, Bernal revealed just how difficult it was to cope with the simplest tasks. 

Bernal was injured in 2024. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“That was really tough, especially the first month. Not being able to walk or do anything… it was very hard, especially mentally. 

“You need help even to get into bed, to sleep; you slept however you could. That was the process.”

Highlighting the support

During this period, support from some of football’s biggest names played a crucial role in keeping him motivated. 

Bernal shared how messages from some top names lifted his spirits, saying, 

“Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, even Sergio Ramos. They really moved me. They told me I could get through this, to stay strong.”

Among them, Gavi was a key source of guidance, having gone through a similar experience himself. Bernal highlighted his influence, stating, 

“Especially Gavi, who had gone through the same thing the previous year. He helped me, telling me more or less what he had felt as well. 

“He helped me a lot from the very beginning when I got injured, and especially toward the end.”

As his recovery progressed, he recalled how certain milestones became important.

“Above all, the day you start walking on your own again. And also the day I touched the ball again -it was very special, I celebrated it a lot. 

“And the day I played again at the Johan, with all the fans and the whole stadium. It was really beautiful.”

Despite his rapid rise, Bernal remains down to earth. 

He continues to work closely with a psychologist to manage the pressures of elite football, admitting, 

“At the end of the day, I’m still 18, and I’m playing in the Champions League, big games. I work on that with him. 

“Sometimes I overthink things that might not be a big deal and dwell on them more than I should. 

“Especially when I came back, I thought my teammates were on another level, that I wasn’t going to make it. 

“It was tough, but I worked through it with the psychologist and I’ve improved a lot,” he said.

Joining Barcelona

Marc Bernal has not had it easy. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Barnal’s journey to Barcelona itself was not easy. 

Leaving his hometown at a young age required sacrifice, something he acknowledged proudly: 

“It was really hard on my parents, on my family – especially on my mom. But we believed it was for the best, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. 

“It was very comfortable because you didn’t stop all day. It went very well for me. Now I live with them.”

Bernal is also part of a special generation emerging at Barcelona, alongside talents like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi. 

Speaking about that bond, he said, “Yes, I think it’s unique, very special. Because of the bond we have and because of the players who are coming through and those who are yet to come. 

“We’ve been through a lot together as kids; we’ve dreamed together. And now to be here, on the first team, is very special. 

“I’ve been with Lamine since the pre-junior level and with Cubarsí a little longer. It’s a huge source of satisfaction.”