​While the world fixes its gaze on the FIFA World Cup, another high-quality football event unfolds: the UEFA Under-19 European Championship. Spain have reached the final in commanding fashion, showing dominance at every stage of the competition. The title clash is set to take place later today, with the Spaniards installed as the favourites to lift the trophy.
One standout member of Spain’s formidable squad is Barcelona prospect Xavi Espart, who has been a trailblazing starter for his side. In a recent interview with MARCA ahead of the final he is due to play in, Espart delved into a range of topics, offering insights into his ongoing development and goals. He began by reflecting on how 2026 has treated him and what he has enjoyed most about the campaign.
“It’s been almost a dream. Making my Barcelona debut and getting a few minutes on the pitch has been a dream since I joined the club. All the experiences I’ve had there and everything I’ve learned have shaped me,” he said. “Training daily with those players makes you better, and I hope to end the season with a European title—that’s the goal now.”
Espart’s 2026 has indeed been memorable, a year marked by rapid progression and learning. When pressed about his debut for Barcelona against Newcastle United, he recalled the adrenaline and the rapidity of the moment. “Everything happened so fast. In fifteen or twenty seconds, I went from warming up to coming on, and I barely had time to process it. And to do it in the Champions League at Newcastle’s stadium, with adrenaline pumping, there’s no time to think. I felt like I was moving at a thousand kilometers an hour for those seven or eight minutes. It was a dream—I couldn’t believe it. I was the happiest person in the world in that moment.”
Returning to the dressing room after the match, Espart shared details of the calls he made to his family. “My parents were watching the game, even though they couldn’t be there in person. I didn’t even have time to grab my phone because I had a press conference, but as soon as I could, I called them.” He described their reaction as one of sheer shock, emphasizing that his parents have been his biggest supporters and that much of his progress is down to their unwavering encouragement.
When asked whether he ever imagined he could break into Barcelona’s first team during his time at La Masia, Espart admitted it felt distant at times. “Truthfully, no. I had the dream, but I saw it as something far away. I joined Barcelona at eight years old, and the first team felt almost unreachable. I’d go to Camp Nou with my dad to watch Barça, and while a debut felt magical, you don’t fully believe it until you are standing there. That dream became a reality, and the moment it did, it was indescribable.”
The narrative of Espart’s journey continues to be one of growth and inspiration, a fitting testament to the La Masia tradition that has produced countless players who blend technical excellence with a game intelligence that stands out on big stages. As Spain prepare for the Under-19 final, Espart’s rise serves as a reminder of the pathways created by Barcelona’s renowned academy and the potential that lies within its youth ranks to influence the first team and beyond.