Pedri names his best players in the world and includes two Barcelona team-mates
Pedri has emerged as one of the best players in the planet during his time at Barcelona and has now been asked to name the players he thinks are the very best.
The Barcelona midfielder went for two of his team-mates – Lamine Yamal and Raphinha – as he listed six stars as the world’s best right now.
“Mbappé, Lamine, Salah, Haaland, Raphinha or Julián Álvarez are the best in the world,” he told Esquire magazine.
“I want to play against all of them, except Lamine, who plays with us. Even more so with Haaland and Salah, because I haven’t faced them yet.”
Pedri is set to come up against the best players around next summer when Spain head to World Cup 2026. La Roja will be one of the favorites for glory and Pedri thinks it’s a tag they deserve.
“It’s not an exaggeration, no. Winning a World Cup is always very complicated, there are great teams,” he added.
“Argentina, the current champion, will be there. And also England, Germany, France and Brazil, which are always strong. But so are we.”
Of course the season hasn’t been all smooth sailing and there have been a few bumps along the way.
Yet Hansi Flick has some real quality players in his squad who have helped fire Barca back to the top of the table, so let’s see which stars have been shining brightest so far this season…
Pedri
Barcelona midfielder Pedri has once again been a cut above this season for Hansi Flick’s side. The midfielder simply makes the game look easy and Barca are a completely different side when he is in the team.
His performances mean the plaudits have continued to roll in from far and wide. “Pedri is undoubtedly Harry Potter” said Luis Enrique before the Champions League tie between Barcelona and PSG, while Paul Scholes has admitted the Barca star is his “No. 1.”
Meanwhile, Flick has gone for “fantastic, “incredible” and “top class” when talking about Pedri and may just be rapidly running out of adjectives to describe his midfield star.
Pedri missed the final game of 2025 with a knock but should be back in time for Barca’s next game. One thing’s for certain, if Barca are to win trophies this season they will need Pedri in the team.
Raphinha
Barcelona have been forced to cope without Raphinha for chunks of this season already but it’s been no surprise to see results improve when the Brazilian is in the team.
With Gavi still out injured, Raphinha seems to have taken over the role of being Barcelona’s heart and soul and his seven goals and three assists from just 11 La Liga games once again highlight his importance to the team.
Raphinha’s Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best snubs remain something of a mystery, although Barca fans really don’t need to be told exactly how good their No. 11 is.
No one will really have expected to see Eric Garcia on this list at the start of the season but there’s no doubt he’s been absolutely vital in the first half of the campaign.
We already knew he was one of Hansi Flick’s favourites at Barcelona but he’s backed that status up with some excellent performances in a variety of positions this season.
Garcia has stepped up at right-back, center-back and in midfield and is not even letting a broken nose affect his performances right now.
He’s the only player to feature in every Barcelona game so far this season and has already been rewarded with a new contract with the Catalans.
“He could be captain in the future,” is what Flick has said of his versatile star, although Garcia was quick to play down such talk in typically humble style.
It’s all a far cry from the not-too-distant past when he looked destined to leave. Right now, it seems he’s one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal is another player who has been affected by injury issues this season but he has remained vital to Barcelona’s clause.
Still just 18, he ends the year with 21 goal contributions across all competitions in 2025-26. If you crunch the numbers that comes out at a rate of one for every 83 minutes – impressive stuff.
Yamal has continued to star at a time when his private life is regularly making headlines and tensions between Barcelona and Spain have risen to boiling point over the way he’s been handled by the national team.
Indeed it’s easy to forget sometimes that Yamal is only 18 years of age, still wearing braces on his teeth and just at the very start of his career.
After a year where he finished second in the Ballon d’Or, who knows what 2026 will bring?
Joan Garcia
Joan Garcia didn’t have the smoothest start to his Barcelona career. Swapping Espanyol for Barca was also going to be a controversial move, while nudging Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen towards the exit door has also prompted plenty of debate.
Yet Garcia has adapted to life at his new club with the minimum of fuss and has simply let his football do the talking so far.
A knee injury has disrupted his campaign but he’s since returned and looks like he’s never been away.
Garcia was signed as a “market opportunity” that Barca couldn’t turn down. It’s looking to be a very, very good bit of business so far.
Did I miss anybody out? Tell us which Barcelona players you have been most impressed by so far this season in the comments below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 25 December 2025; Merry Christmas!
Lamine Yamal is the king of dribbling – FC Barcelona Lamine Yamal is already, at just 18 years old, one of the key members of the current Barça squad and one of the top players in world football after a spectacular 2025. The calendar year has seen the teenager establish himself as a fundamental pillar of coach Hansi Flick’s system and the statistics back up that appraisal.
Guéhi-Barça: cooled down due to his high price tag – Mundo Deportivo Barça followed him and there were meetings between the club and his agents, but he has very high offers from Bayern and Liverpool. There has been no contact between the two parties for several weeks now, and the center-back doesn’t want to wait much longer to resolve his future.
It’s been a slightly different story in Europe, with Barca down in 15th place in the Champions League and with work to do when domestic action resumes in 2026.
Here’s a look at what we’ve learned from the season so far…
Joan Garcia was a great idea
Barcelona signed Joan Garcia in the summer and there were plenty of raised eyebrows when the club’s interest in the Espanyol stopper was revealed. There was talk about it being a good ‘market opportunity’ and the goalkeeper duly arrived in deal worth €25m.
Garcia has gone on to prove to be a great bit of business for Barca and looks a real snip already. Injury has interrupted his campaign but he’s now back fit and has been given clear backing by Hansi Flick. The Barca boss has made it crystal clear that Garcia is his No. 1 this season and ahead of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczęsny in the pecking order.
Barca’s high line still a problem in Europe
Barcelona may be top of the table in Spain but in Europe it has certainly not be smooth sailing. Indeed Hansi Flick’s side look like they could miss out on automatic qualification to the knockout stages and may have to go through the play-offs instead.
The Champions League has brought some humbling moments for the Catalans. Newcastle were comfortably beaten at St James Park, but Chelsea handed out a lesson, while PSG enjoyed another win over Barca and Club Brugge managed a 3-3 draw in a wild game.
The performances have drawn plenty of criticism with Thierry Henry adamant Barca can’t win in Europe playing this way. Flick’s side may be able to outscore teams in La Liga but it’s not always been the same case in the Champions League this season.
Yet Flick’s not for changing and it will be interesting to see how he approaches the rest of their European fixtures.
Yamal looks good as a No. 10
Lamine Yamal has long been tipped to play as a No. 10 at Barcelona and was given the chance to show what he can do in the role against Real Betis.
It proved to be a masterstroke by Hansi Flick as the Barcelona teenager put in a brilliant performance as Barcelona ran out 5-3 winners in an exciting game.
“We asked him if he would like to play as a ‘10’ and he said yes,” said Flick afterwards. “Everything I saw of Lamine tonight was good. The connection with Roony. The most important thing was his defensive contribution. It was incredible.”
For now Yamal looks set to continue in his usual position on the right of the Barcelona attack, but we’ve certainly been offered a glimpse of Yamal as a 10 and it would be no surprise if he ended up there in the future.
Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin were worth hanging on to
Two of Barcelona’s unlikely heroes this season have been Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin who, let’s face it, have had to put up with plenty of criticism from fans during their time at the club.
Yet both players have managed to turn around their situations and have emerged as really important members of the squad.
The two stars have been fully backed by Flick and have both shown their versatility. Eric’s played across the backline and in midfield, while Martin has moved from left-back to central defence in recent weeks.
Both players have been able to secure contract extensions in 2025 and they’ve shown that, for now at least, they are worth keeping around the Camp Nou.
Rashford makes a strong case to stay
Marcus Rashford made it clear he was desperate to join Barcelona over the summer and was eventually granted his wish after a loan deal was agreed with Manchester United.
There have been plenty of question marks over Rashford since he arrived in Catalunya, but he has certainly posted some decent statistics and delivered a strong case to stay on.
Despite all the speculation about what might happen next with Rashford, it seems logical that Barca won’t make a decision on his future until nearer the end of the season.
Rashford’s had a very decent first half of the campaign but is known for being ‘streaky.’ The big challenge for him in 2026 is to maintain his current form if he is to earn a permanent stay.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘What I want is to stay at Barcelona’ – Marcus Rashford sends transfer message
The England international moved in the summer and has gone on to bag seven goals and eight assists. He says he’s gunning for glory this season and wants to continue past the end of the current campaign.
“Of course what I want is to stay at Barça. It’s an end goal, but it’s not the reason why I’m training hard and giving it my best. The purpose is to win. Barça is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles,” he told Sport.
“I’m adapting very well to the club and the city. From the moment I arrived I felt that everyone welcomed me very well.
“For me, the reason I’m here is to help the team win trophies; Last season was fantastic, but in life everything happens very quickly, things change and the goal is to repeat the successes. I’m totally focused on this. With the staff and the teammates everything is fantastic, I can’t complain.”
Rashford is putting forward a strong case to stay at present but it’s still unclear if he will continue.
FC Barcelona News: 24 December 2025; Barça choose Marc Guehi as center-back target, Robert Lewandowski wanted by multiple MLS clubs
2025 Barça side scores in every LaLiga game, matching the 1943 side – FC Barcelona The year 2025 is coming to an end for FC Barcelona with an historic achievement that sees a direct connection to the past. Hansi Flick’s side have managed to score in every LaLiga game played in the calendar year, a record only achieved once before in 1943.
Best Barça players of the last 25 years – FC Barcelona 2025 is coming to an end, and with it, the first quarter of the 21st century. So, it seems like a good time to take stock and look back at some of the great players who have worn the Barça shirt from 2000 to 2025… through their shirt numbers.
Pedri opens up: what he likes about Flick, a dream with Messi, and the great rivals – Mundo Deportivo “Within the club, in terms of seriousness, many things have changed. He’s given the club a German touch,” the Canary Islander said about the Barça coach. “Of course I’d love to play with Messi again, without a doubt. He’s the best ever and he helped me a lot the year we played together,” he emphasizes.
The center-back Deco likes the most – SPORT Several names are on Deco’s shortlist. They’ve been monitoring Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterberg and Spanish international Pau Torres, who plays for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, but the player the Barça sporting director likes most is Marc Guéhi, the English international from Crystal Palace.
A flood of offers from MLS clubs for Lewandowski to leave Barça – SPORT The Polish striker’s priority is to stay for another year, but he’s aware of the situation and is starting to listen to offers for the future. A few days ago, interest from the Chicago Fire of MLS surfaced, but now an offer from Orlando City has also emerged, as they too want him on their roster.
Monaco have reportedly ruled out signing Ansu Fati in June – SPORT French journalist Romain Molina reveals that Monaco has already decided not to keep the player next season and therefore will not pay the €12 million purchase clause they agreed to when he was loaned out last summer.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona star Pedri names his favorites for the 2025-26 Champions League
Barcelona star Pedri has been quizzed on which teams he thinks have the best chance of winning the Champions League this season.
Hansi Flick’s side will be hoping to lift trophy, after making it to the semi-finals last season, but still have work to do to reach the knockout stages.
Pedri has now shared his thoughts on the competition and thinks there are several teams in contentions to be crowned champions of Europe.
“PSG, the current champions. Arsenal is also a very strong team. And I’d always include City and Real Madrid among the contenders,” he told Esquire magazine.
“One team I see as strong, and that has pleasantly surprised me, is Sporting Lisbon, where my friend Trincão plays. They play good football.”
Barcelona still have two games left to play in the league phase which will take place in 2026. Flick’s side face Slavia Prague first up and then wrap up their group campaign against FC Copenhagen.
Who do you think will win this season’s Champions League? Share your predictions in the comments below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘You don’t always have to play pretty’ – Raphinha’s advice to Pau Cubarsi revealed
Yet Sunday’s match wasn’t without a few defensive scares for Barcelona. Indeed television cameras have picked up Raphinha sharing his thoughts with Pau Cubarsi after the defender lost the ball and conceded a corner.
“You don’t always have to play pretty,” were the words from the Brazilian to the young center-back as he prepared to help Barcelona defend the set-piece.
Raphinha led by example once again in the win over Villarreal. He won and scored the penalty to break the deadlock and was within inches of adding a second when he hit the woodwork.
The Brazilian was also one of the first on the scene after Renato Veiga had wiped out Lamine Yamal with an ugly tackle.
An angry Raphinha was quick to approach the Villarreal bench to protest at the foul which ultimately led to a red card and the Yellow Submarine being forced to play out the game with 10 men.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Marc Guehi emerges as Deco’s top choice for Barcelona
Barcelona are currently thought to be mulling over their defensive options after losing Andreas Christensen to an ACL injury.
The Dane is expected to be sidelined for several months in what is a real blow for club and player. As Barca are also without Ronald Araujo currently, it leaves the Catalans short at the back.
Hansi Flick has said he’ll talk to Deco about the possibility of recruiting in the January transfer window, meaning speculation is rife that Barca could add a new center-back.
However, Guehi has also attracted interest from a host of top clubs across Europe which means competition for his signature is fierce.
Guehi is now into the final year of his contract and is expected to leave Selhurst Park in the summer.
He’s unlikely to move in January but is able to talk to overseas teams from the start of the year and looks to have his pick of clubs right now.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 23 December 2025; Rafinha announces retirement, Alessandro Bastoni fuels Barça rumors
Hansi Flick’s fulfilled prophecy – FC Barcelona On 25 November, at Stamford Bridge, Barça were beaten 3–0 by Chelsea in the league phase of the Champions League. The crushing defeat proved to be a turning point in the team’s season. In the press room afterwards, Hansi Flick delivered a message that, as the weeks have passed, has come to sound very much like a prophecy.
What’s happened when Barça were winter champions? – FC Barcelona Even though two matchdays still remain before the end of the first half of the LaLiga season, FC Barcelona have already been crowned winter champions mathematically. In other words, they are guaranteed to finish the first half of the domestic campaign top of the table. So, it’s a good moment to look back at what has happened in recent years when Barça have reached this stage of the season as Liga leaders.
Rafinha announces retirement – FC Barcelona Everything comes to an end, and Rafinha’s career as a footballer has now reached its final chapter. In a video shared on his social media channels (featuring images from his time at La Masia and the Champions League triumph with FC Barcelona in the 2014/15 season) the Brazilian announced that he is hanging up his boots at the age of 32.
Joan Laporta willing to offer Andreas Christensen new contract at Barcelona after knee injury
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reportedly willing to offer Andreas Christensen a new contract to keep him at the club after his current deal expires in the summer.
Christensen has just been ruled out for several months with a partial ACL tear, putting more doubts over his future with the Catalan giants.
According to Què t’hi Jugues, Laporta has already decided he’s willing to extend the Dane’s contract in what will be seen as a very generous gesture if it proves to be accurate.
Christensen has said on several occasions this season that he wants to stay at Barcelona, but his injury record has led to doubts over whether he will continue.
The center-back has struggled to stay fit throughout his time at the club and his latest injury is yet another blow for club and player.
Christensen isn’t now expected back for another four months, and there has been speculation that Barca may now dip into the transfer window to bring in a replacement this winter.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘He has to play’ – Barcelona Marc-Andre ter Stegen sent strong World Cup 2026 message by Germany chief
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been told he needs to be playing regular football if he wants to be Germany’s No. 1 at the 2026 World Cup.
Ter Stegen is back to full fitness after surgery and made his first appearance of the season in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey win over Guadalajara.
Germany sporting director Rudi Voller has now been talking about the situation and has sent a clear message to Ter Stegen.
“It doesn’t matter if he stays at Barcelona or goes somewhere else, in the end he has to play,” he told Kicker.
“And then we’ll all be happy for him if, after many years as a world-class goalkeeper in Manuel Neuer ‘s shadow, he gets the chance to be between the posts at a World Cup.”
There have been whispers of interest in Ter Stegen ahead of the January window. Aston Villa are believed to be interested, while the German is also said to have attracted interest from clubs in Turkey.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 22 December 2025; Andreas Christensen suffers ACL injury, Barça beat Villarreal in final game of 2025
Villarreal 0-2 FC Barcelona: Winning end to 2025 – FC Barcelona FC Barcelona go into the Christmas break four points clear of Real Madrid after a solid 2-0 victory at the home of Villarreal, a result that is doubly important because it also puts some distance between themselves and today’s opponents, who with two games in hand are very much part of the title chase.
Eight wins a row by two or more goals – FC Barcelona Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona continue to underline their attacking power and their love affair with goals. With the 2-0 win away to Villarreal, the team have now won their last eight LaLiga matches by a margin of at least two goals, equalling their best run since 2017.
Andreas Christensen injury news – FC Barcelona The first team player Andreas Christensen has a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee as the result of an unfortunate twist of the knee in Saturday’s training session. After tests carried out on the player, a conservative course of treatment has been chosen.
Alavés 1-6 Barça: Comfortably through – FC Barcelona FC Barcelona Femení wrapped up 2025 in the best possible fashion, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa de la Reina with an emphatic 6–1 win over Alavés at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis Compañón. The Blaugranes dominated from start to finish, putting the finishing touch on an outstanding year.
Atlètic Balears 4-4 Barça Atlètic: Valiant draw to end year – FC Barcelona Sometimes a point feels like much more. Barça Atlètic managed to come back from 3-0 in the first half and again from 4-2 in the second to return from Palma with a very deserved draw against Atlético Baleares (4-4). They might have also won it at the end, but Belletti’s side showed a never say die spirit to claim a point to go into 2026 with optimism.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Hansi Flick gives update on Andreas Christensen’s knee injury ahead of Villarreal clash
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick offered a brief update on Andreas Christensen’s knee injury ahead of kick-off on Sunday at La Ceramica against Villarreal.
Flick was asked about the defender before the game against Marcelino’s side and admits he will be missing for some time.
“I think he’ll be out for the next few months. He was playing at a high level. He gave us stability in defense. He was a good option, but now he’s out,” he told DAZN.
Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin will line up at Barca’s central defensive pairing again at Villarreal, with Flick praising both players ahead of kick-off.
“Cubarsí, at 18, seems very mature. He’s always calm, gives us defensive stability, and creates chances from the back. He gives us a lot,” he said.
“You always know what Gerard Martín is going to give you. His improvement is very good. I’m grateful for the stability he offers us. I appreciate him a lot.”
News of Christensen’s injury means that speculation is already rife that Barcelona may try to sign another defender in January to boost their options at the back.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona confirm Andreas Christensen has suffered ACL tear
The Dane was a late withdrawal from the travelling squad after sustained a problem in training before the match and it’s now been revealed he’s suffered a partial ACL tear.
Here’s the club’s official statement:
“The first team player Andreas Christensen has a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee as the result of an unfortunate twist of the knee in Saturday’s training session. After tests carried out on the player, a conservative course of treatment has been chosen. The player’s recovery time will depend on his progress.”
There’s no date given yet for when Christensen may return but early reports suggest he will miss several months which is a huge blow for club and player, particularly as he’s out of contract next summer.
Christensen’s injury also leaves Barca short in defence and means the club could potentially look to add a player in the January transfer window.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Villarreal vs Barcelona live stream: Lineups, Kickoff time, TV channel, How to watch La Liga online
WELCOME TO THE ESTADIO DE LA CERÁMICA!!! The stylish home of Villarreal is the site of a massive La Liga match between the hosts and Barcelona, who come into this one looking to finish 2025 with an eighth consecutive league win, but it won’t be easy against the Yellow Submarine who are on fire in the league, having won their last six in a row. This should be all kinds of fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!
LINEUPS
To be announced.
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2025-26 La Liga, Matchday 17
Date/Time: Sunday, December 21, 2025, 4.15pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 3.15pm GMT (UK), 10.15am ET, 7.15am PT (USA), 8.45pm IST (India)
Venue: Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal, Spain
Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas
VAR: Valentín Pizarro Gómez
HOW TO WATCH
On TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), Premier Sports 1 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), others
Online: ESPN+ (USA), Premier Sports Player (UK), FanCode (India), DAZN (Spain), others
Matchday Thread Rules
We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads:
Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, watch the swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another.
Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 21 December 2025; All set for final game of the year against Villarreal, Marc-André ter Stegen wanted by Aston Villa
Final session before trip to Villarreal – FC Barcelona The Blaugranes completed Saturday’s session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, the final workout ahead of their final game of 2025. After the session the squad headed off to Villarreal where they will spend the night before Sunday’s 4.15pm CET kickoff.
The magic of Barça reaches children in hospital – FC Barcelona Led by Institutional Vice-President Elena Fort and several members of the club’s board, the FC Barcelona men’s first team squad and coaching staff paid their traditional Christmas visit to children’s hospitals this Friday, a charity initiative organised every year by the Barça Foundation.
‘Decision is a joke’ – Hansi Flick hits out at Raphinha’s FIFA The Best snub after brilliant season for Barcelona
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick did not hold back on his criticism of the decision to leave Raphinha out of the recently announced FIFA The Best World XI.
Two Barça players did make the final cut as Lamine Yamal and Pedri were included in the XI, but the absence of Raphinha was notable despite the Brazilian’s incredible contributions, especially in the Champions League, and Flick called the decision “unbelievable” and “a joke”.
“For me, it’s unbelievable. It’s not a big deal because I don’t think much about the best eleven, but FIFA’s decision is a joke. When I saw that Raphinha wasn’t on it, it was incredible. He was very important for us last season. He made 22 goal contributions in the Champions League, in the top competition. If you look at the goals and assists and his influence, it was incredible. It’s not fair to him. It’s a joke. I can’t believe he’s not in the best eleven in the world. After the season, he deserves it. It’s unbelievable.”
You can easily argue that no player in Hansi Flick’s career as a manager has made as big of a jump from good player to superstar as Raphinha did, and the Brazilian has a very special relationship with Flick that is clearly reciprocated.
And regardless of what FIFA or France Football think, the streets will truly never forget that Raphinha was the best player in the world in the 2024-25 season.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘I’m not happy’ – Hansi Flick reveals Pedri ruled out of Barcelona’s clash with Villareal
The loss of the midfielder for Barcelona’s final game of the calender year is a big blow, and Flick is not at all happy about the situation.
“No he’s not available. I am not happy about this, but it’s part of football. He’s injured, but I think for the next game he’ll be ready,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“He has hamstring problems, but the risk is very high. He could play, but the risk is high.
“We have to take care of him and make sure he gets treatment. We can’t take any risks. It’s the best thing to do right now. We need him for the upcoming matches against Espanyol and the Super Cup. We have to adapt because we have a lot of quality in the team.”
Pedri’s absence will be a huge blow for Barcelona as the Catalans try to close out the year with a win.
Barca head into the game four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table. Los Blancos take on Sevilla in their final fixture of 2025 later on today.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 20 December 2025; Preparations begin for Villarreal, Hansi Flick’s stance on new contract revealed
Back to work with Villarreal on the horizon – FC Barcelona After two days of rest following Barça’s win over Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey, the squad returned to training on Friday. Barça visit the Estadio de la Cerámica to face Villarreal for their final game of 2025. Kick off is at 4.15pm CET for the testing challenge after Marcelino’s team, who are in third place in La Liga.
Possible opponents in Copa del Rey round of 16 – FC Barcelona FC Barcelona, after seeing off Guadalajara in Tuesday Copa del Rey opener, are through to the last sixteen of the competition. Fourteen of the other qualifiers have also been confirmed, with the winner of the Granada v Rayo Vallecano game joining them after they play their game on January 6.
Pedri and Claudia Pina win Barça Players’ Award – FC Barcelona FC Barcelona players Pedro González and Claudia Pina have received the Barça Players’ award, which is allocated each year by the Club’s Players Association in recognition of fair play displayed throughout the season.
Mundo Deportivo have a new report on the situation and say that Flick met with Joan Laporta and Deco recently to talk about a possible extension to his current deal that runs until 2027.
Flick is completely happy at Barcelona but the report says he wants to delay any more talks on his future until the end of the season.
The German coach does not want to commit to a long-term contract and wants to focus on the current campaign instead. He’s also aware that presidential elections will take place next year which may cause changes at the club.
There’s no suggestion at all that Flick is thinking about walking away but more a feeling that he’s in no rush to look to the future at this point in time.
Flick won three titles in his first season at Barcelona and will be hoping to add more in 2025-26. He has his team currently top of the table in Spain, into the next round of the Copa del Rey and still in contention for automatic qualification to the knockout round of the Champions League.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Pedri emerges as a doubt for Barcelona against Villarreal
Barcelona are currently preparing for their final game of 2025 against Villarreal at La Ceramica on Sunday afternoon.
Hansi Flick’s side were back to work on Friday but were without the services of Pedri who trained individually, according to multiple reports.
Pedri reportedly has a minor calf strain which means Barcelona are being very cautious with him ahead of the game.
Mundo Deportivo say that Pedri is ‘doubtful’ but a final decision will be made after training on Saturday, meaning he could potentially miss out.
Pedri importance to Barcelona has been highlighted yet again this season, with Hansi Flick’s side looking a different animal when the Spain star is in the starting XI.
Flick will know that Barca simply can’t afford to lose him to another injury and it’s no surprise to see Barca being super careful in a bid to avoid making his current issue worse and resulting in an injury lay-off.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 19 December 2025; Barça Femení discover possible Champions League quarter-final opponents, Alessandro Bastoni talks Barça rumors
Eric Garcia, 24 out of 24 – FC Barcelona Number 24 is a special one for Eric Garcia. He has worn this shirt number since returning to Barça in the 2021/22 season, and it’s also the number of games that the team has played across all competitions this season, and Eric is the only player to have appeared in every single one of them!
Paris FC or Real Madrid in UWCL quarterfinals – FC Barcelona We now know the route to Oslo 2026. FC Barcelona were able to enjoy the draw for the knockout stages of the Women’s Champions League in Nyon today having secured first place in the league phase after the win away to Paris FC.
Bastoni on Barça’s interest: “It makes me proud” – Mundo Deportivo The Inter Milan left-footed centre-back, linked to the Catalan club in recent days after rumors circulated for months, stated ahead of the Italian Super Cup semi-final that “there is nothing to it.”
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Joan Laporta’s adviser talks up Barcelona move for Julian Alvarez
Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s adviser Enric Masip has talked up a possible move for Atletico star Julian Alvarez.
The Argentina international has been linked with Barcelona for a little while now, although it’s thought his lofty price tag will see the Catalans priced out of any potential move.
Yet Masip says that Alvarez would suit Barcelona and isn’t out of their financial reach.
“I would say yes, he is a great player, a player with incredible quality and he is having a great season at Atletico,” he told Jota Jordi on ‘Solo para Culés TV’ as “he is one of the great goalscorers in the world, it’s clear.”
“The president said that Barça always have to be in a position to be able to sign whoever they consider to strengthen the squad, which I have no doubt will be like that after the homework we have done in the economic plan and especially with the issue of the squad and the salary balance that exists between young people and veterans.
“Barça could face that situation if it were the case, I have no doubt that it will be like that.”
Laporta did say recently that Barcelona had funds available if a big-money signing was needed but warned the club won’t spend for the sake of it. He explained: “We’re capable of making a significant investment, but we won’t go crazy with signings.”
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Alessandro Bastoni responds to Barcelona transfer talk
Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni has played down speculation about a potential move to Barcelona.
The Catalan giants are believed to be keen to add another center-back to the squad, and Bastoni’s name has been mentioned recently as a possible target.
The Italian defender has now been asked about the transfer talk but insists he does not know anything about interest from Barca.
“It makes me proud to see links, it means I’m doing well – but there’s zero, nothing,” he said. “I’m happy here at Inter and I have zero issues or problems here. I don’t even focus on the news.”
Bringing in a new center-back looks like it will be one of Barca’s top priorities next summer, although a replacement for Robert Lewandowski may also be needed if the veteran departs.
