As a child, Fermín López was overlooked at Barcelona’s youth academy, written off for his short stature and inability to find a place within the system. But the boy who once couldn’t grow taller has become a giant on the pitch. Now, under Hansi Flick, he’s the driving force behind a team that has found its guiding light in him.

The young talent from El Campillo, a small town in Huelva, has won the hearts of Barça fans through his work rate and versatility. He runs, presses, recovers possession, attacks the box, shoots with both feet—and most importantly, scores goals. He’s the prototype of the modern footballer: complete, relentless, and mentally unshakable.

His turning point came while playing for Linares in Spain’s third division, where he built the strength and confidence he once lacked. From there, Xavi Hernández called him back to the first team. His introduction came in July 2023, when he scored a brace in an El Clásico against Real Madrid in Dallas. “He can help us a lot this season,” said the Catalan coach at the time—words that have proven prophetic.

The Beacon of Flick’s Barça

At just 22 years old, Fermín has become the heart of Barcelona’s 2025–26 squad. In the recent Champions League fixture against Olympiacos, he was the standout performer, netting a hat-trick that earned high praise from his coach. “Fermín delivered a fantastic performance. He’s got everything: he scores, he runs, he’s a complete player,” said Hansi Flick after the victory.

Calm by nature and tireless by habit, the Andalusian shares a strong bond with Gavi, whom he grew up alongside in the youth ranks, as well as Xavi Simons. Off the pitch, he balances football with his studies in Sports Science, showing that his ambition goes beyond the game itself.

Over the summer, Fermín López came close to leaving the club amid interest from Chelsea, but he chose to stay. Today, that decision looks like the best one he could have made. With key players such as Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Lewandowski sidelined, it’s Fermín who’s carrying the team with his skill, effort, and personality.

The boy from El Campillo is no longer the overlooked prospect once dismissed at La Masía. Today, he’s the player leading Barcelona, embodying the new face of a club rediscovering its faith in homegrown talent.