‘I Cried at La Masia’ — Fermin Lopez reveals his journey from self-doubt to Barcelona hero | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have had many players who have impressed so far this season, but none more so than Fermin Lopez. After a couple of seasons in and around the side, he has exploded and taken his game to the next level.

Fermin’s goal and assist output have increased massively this season. He already has 20 contributions across all competitions, establishing himself as one of the most important players for Hansi Flick, especially in big games. His impressive performances have coincided with the club finalizing a new contract for him until 2031.

Despite his current success, Fermin’s path to the top was far from smooth. Speaking at an Under Armour event at JD Sports, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, he opened up about the struggles he faced during his formative years at La Masia.

“I didn’t think about quitting football, but at the cadet stage, I felt very inferior to my teammates,” he admitted.

There were even moments when his frustration and disappointment threatened to derail his career:

“There was a moment when I wasn’t playing, and I would tell myself: I’m going home. I cried at La Masia. I was having a terrible time. Sometimes I thought about leaving and giving it all up.”

Fermin also reflected on his physical development, which lagged behind his peers. “I had to be strong, and I think it shows now. I had my growth spurt at 17 or 18, very late,” he explained.

A key moment in his personal and professional growth came during his loan spell at Linares. “I matured a lot as a person and as a player. I had options to go to Segunda División teams, but I stayed,” he said. That period helped him develop the confidence and resilience needed to thrive at the highest level.

Fermin Lopez announced himself on the big stage with a sensational goal against Real Madrid during preseason. “Don’t ask me how I shot. It just came out. I’ve always been good at shooting with both feet,” he joked.

Even within the locker room, Fermin’s energy is recognized and appreciated. “That’s what Ronald [Araujo] told me. I go too fast. I don’t even notice it,” he said.

Though he does not believe in superstitions, Fermin admits to following certain patterns after good performances:

“When a match goes well, I try to repeat my routines, like what I had for dinner. I’ve done it a few times; that’s the only quirk I have.”

If given the chance to play the role of Deco and sign a player for Barcelona, Fermin knows exactly who he would choose. “I’d sign Messi. He plays as an attacking midfielder, but if they give me Messi…,” he joked.

Fermin’s ambitions extend to the international stage as well. This summer, he will have the chance to represent Spain at the World Cup. “Luis De la Fuente didn’t call me. I saw it live, I found out on YouTube,” he explained.

On choosing between the World Cup and the Champions League, he responded:

It is very evident now that Fermin Lopez did not follow the conventional path to success. Never one of the stars during his time at La Masia, no one envisioned the impact the Spaniard would have after his loan spell at Linares.

A lot of credit goes to Xavi Hernandez for seeing something in Fermin when no one else did. If not for him, the youngster might never have broken into the first team, and Barcelona are better for it in hindsight.