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FC Barcelona proudly announces that its famed La Masia academy has been recognized as the best football academy globally, continuing its legacy of excellence in youth development. A recent study by the CIES Football Observatory ranks La Masia third overall for producing top-tier talent, with a staggering market valuation of €581 million across its graduates.
A legacy of excellence
Founded in 1979 under the vision of legendary coach Johan Cruyff, La Masia has become synonymous with nurturing world-class football talent. The academy emphasizes not only technical skills but also values such as teamwork, discipline, and respect. This holistic approach has produced an impressive roster of alumni, including Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernández, and Andrés Iniesta—three players who were finalists for the Ballon d’Or in 2010.
La Masia’s influence extends beyond Barcelona; it has shaped the playing style of FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. In 2010, seven players from Barcelona featured in Spain’s World Cup-winning squad, showcasing the academy’s impact on international football.
Current success and future stars
Under current management of Albert Sanchez, La Masia continues to thrive. Recent graduates like Lamine Yamal and Pedri are making significant contributions to both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. The academy currently boasts 46 alumni playing in Europe’s top five leagues, more than any other academy in Europe, demonstrating its unmatched ability to produce elite players.
The academy operates with an annual budget of £5 million and selects approximately 200 players from over 1,000 applicants each year. Its facilities have been modernized since relocating to San Juan Denis in 2011, ensuring that young athletes receive top-notch training and support.
Recent graduates from La Masia
Recent graduates from FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy who are making waves in the football world include:
- Gavi – A central midfielder who won the 2022 Golden Boy award and has quickly become a key player for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
- Lamine Yamal – At just 17 years old, he has already made a significant impact, including being named the Euro 2024 Young Player of the Tournament.
- Marc Guiu – A promising striker who scored on his senior debut, showcasing his potential as a traditional number nine.
- Aleix Garrido – A midfielder who has risen through the ranks and made his first-team debut, demonstrating strong technical skills.
- Marc Bernal – A towering midfielder who has impressed in early matches of the 2024-25 season, seen as a key player for the future.
- Iñaki Peña – A goalkeeper who has also made his first-team debut, contributing to Barcelona’s depth in goalkeeping.
- Chadi Riad – A defender who made his debut last season and is expected to be a significant part of the team’s defensive lineup moving forward.
These players exemplify the ongoing success of La Masia in developing top-tier talent for FC Barcelona and beyond
Global recognition
La Masia ranks third globally for active players across various leagues, trailing only Benfica and Boca Juniors. This ranking highlights the academy’s extensive reach and influence in football worldwide. The commitment to scouting talent is evident as FC Barcelona employs a network of scouts across Catalonia, Spain, and internationally to identify promising young athletes.
In addition to its main campus in Barcelona, La Masia has expanded its reach by establishing football schools in Mexico and Egypt, further enhancing its global footprint and commitment to discovering exceptional talent.
FC Barcelona has also established a branch of its academy in Nigeria, known as FCBEscola Lagos. Located at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, this academy aims to provide young talents with the opportunity to learn and develop under the club’s renowned methodology and values.
FCBEscola Lagos offers training programs for children aged 6 to 18, combining football education with formal academic instruction based on both Nigerian and British educational systems. This initiative not only focuses on athletic development but also emphasizes the importance of education, preparing students for various external examinations.
