Enzo Pérez’s Story: The Kid Who Didn’t Give Up and Shines Again in Blaugrana Colors

Enzo Pérez is one of the standout players from Barça’s U-12 A team, led by Juanan Gil, and is dazzling at the MIC tournament.

Enzo was released from Barcelona’s academy last season, but his brilliant year at Gimnàstic de Manresa has led to an invitation to join the U-12 A team.

His story is reminiscent of Ilias Akhomach’s. Enzo Pérez was among the players released by Barcelona’s youth academy last season. His destination was Gimnàstic de Manresa, where he rediscovered his best form. Interest from top clubs prompted Barcelona to invite him to participate in the MIC tournament with the U-12 A team, and Enzo has responded with high-level performances.

Barça has cruised through the first phase with big wins against FC Scorpions (15-0), Gironès Sabat (0-13), and Català FC Academy (20-0). In the round of 16, Celrà (7-0) offered little resistance. In these four matches, Enzo has scored four goals but has particularly stood out for his creativity in midfield.

Enzo’s journey mirrors that of Ilias. Hailing from Hostalets de Pierola, Ilias was released from the U-12 team in 2017, but a stellar year in Manresa earned him a recall to Barcelona, and his progression was remarkable, leading to his debut with the first team. He’s now a starter for Villarreal under Marcelino.

Positive Response The determination to keep playing and not lose the joy for football after the disappointment of being released by Barcelona is shared by Ilias and Enzo. Luca Pérez’s brother, a defender for the U-12 team, didn’t let himself be discouraged when he learned Barcelona wasn’t retaining him for the second-year U-12 team. Enzo embraced the challenge of playing for a more modest club like Gimnàstic de Manresa and instead of lowering his performance, he showcased immense talent. Feeling important and like a leader in Manresa gave him the confidence to express his full potential. Marc Serra, Barça’s U-12 coordinator, has maintained contact with the player and his family, and both Enzo and his parents have appreciated the support.

Returning to wear the Blaugrana jersey at the MIC doesn’t guarantee his return to Barcelona, but it sends a message from the club. Enzo is a Barça fan and would be delighted to return to his beloved club, but there are other teams with interesting offers. His future will be decided at the end of the season. Right now, he’s focused on finishing a magnificent MIC tournament and aiming to win in the U-12 category.

A Tale of Overcoming Playing in the 11-a-side format at the MIC tournament is an excellent test for the upcoming transition to playing in the U-14 category in a few months. If he continues to perform at this level, the reunion with his brother Luca at Barcelona will be closer. In any case, the story of this creative midfielder is that of a kid who didn’t let Barcelona’s rejection get him down, and his example of overcoming challenges can inspire many players. Jordi Alba went through something similar in his youth. Football is unpredictable, but if you love the game, wherever you play, you have to do it with passion and joy, just like Enzo does in every match.