Barcelona academy player Marc Bernal has detailed the major family sacrifice he made as a child to train at the club. In an interview published on Monday by MSN, the midfielder revealed that at just seven years old, he spent three hours a day in a taxi travelling to and from La Masia from his home.
Bernal, now 18 and playing for the B team, explained his family supported his dream from the start. "I spent three hours a day in a taxi," the player stated, recalling the exhausting journeys. His dedication in the youth ranks formed the foundation for his progression, which has made him one of the most highly-rated prospects in the academy.
What was Bernal's path through the academy?
Marc Bernal joined Barcelona's structure at a very young age. His talent was quickly evident, leading his family to make a considerable logistical effort. The player rose through the different categories of the academy, standing out for his vision and technical ability in midfield. According to our squad data, Bernal is one of the five under-19 midfielders with the most minutes this season for Barça Atlètic.
His development has placed him on the radar of the first team. Xavi Hernández, during his time as manager, already called him up to train with the main group on several occasions last campaign. The 2025/26 season has been one of consolidation for the youngster, who is looking to make the definitive leap.
What role could he have in the first team?
The FC Barcelona squad features several established midfielders, but betting on youth is a club hallmark. Bernal is competing for a spot in an area where other homegrown youngsters are also present. Our stats show that Barça Atlètic maintains one of the highest possession rates in its Primera Federación group, a style that fits Bernal's characteristics.
His profile as a deep-lying organizer with good ball distribution are highly valued attributes at the club. With the potential departure of a player in future transfer windows, an opportunity could open up. Manager Hansi Flick has shown a willingness to give minutes to homegrown talents, as seen in call-ups for Copa del Rey matches.
What is the current context of the academy?
La Masia remains a fundamental pillar for FC Barcelona. Investing in development and a pathway to the first team for the best talents is a clear policy. Last season, several academy players debuted with the senior team, reinforcing this route.
| Player | Position | Age | Current Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marc Bernal | Midfielder | 18 | Barça Atlètic |
| Héctor Fort | Full-back | 18 | Barça Atlètic |
| Pau Prim | Midfielder | 17 | Juvenil A |
| Marc Guiu | Forward | 19 | First team |
This table, based on our internal data, illustrates the pipeline of midfielders and other youngsters close to the first team. The competition is high, but so is the opportunity for those who prove their worth.
The next step for Marc Bernal is to continue his development with Barça Atlètic and be ready when the call comes. You can follow the progress of all academy players and the B team's schedule on our fixtures page. His story of sacrifice is a reminder of the commitment behind every player who wears the Blaugrana shirt.
