Xavi Hernández and Dani Dzeko: Stars of the Barça Academy World Cup

Xavi Hernández, an eleven-year-old enthusiast from the Barça Academy in Chicago, and Dani Dzeko, a six-year-old prodigy from the Barça Academy in Istanbul and son of renowned Bosnian forward Edin Dzeko, share more than just a passion for football. They are among the young talents competing in the Barça Academy World Cup, a prestigious event taking place this week in Barcelona.

The tournament, held from Monday to Thursday, brings together nearly 2,000 children from 175 teams representing 22 countries, showcasing the global reach of FC Barcelona’s youth development program. Mitsuki Fujiwara, an eleven-year-old from the Barça Academy in Hiroshima, adds to the diversity of participants, balancing football training with academic studies and a career in acting and modeling.

With a record number of participants, the tournament has outgrown its usual venue at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and expanded to other locations in Barcelona, including Escola Pia Sarrià, Colegio Sant Ignasi, and Municipal del Barri Centre de Sant Joan Despí. This year marks the first inclusion of under-16 teams playing 11-a-side football, reflecting the tournament’s evolving nature.

The Barça Academy program spans 30 schools and 180 one-week camps across 44 countries, with a notable presence in the United States and Japan. The tournament not only serves as a platform for young talents to showcase their skills but also highlights the success of FC Barcelona’s youth development philosophy. Many graduates of the Barça Academy have gone on to achieve professional success, with 27 players transitioning to professional football, including notable names like Eric Garcia and Jana Fernández.

As the tournament unfolds, the Barça Escola students, aged six to twelve, serve as hosts, embodying the values and principles instilled by FC Barcelona’s renowned youth development system. Their journey reflects the club’s commitment to nurturing young talents and fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the pitch.