Sports · Football · 1 day ago
Barcelona midfielder Brian Fariñas makes first-team debut against Alavés
Barcelona midfielder Brian Fariñas made his first-team debut as a starter against Alavés.
The 20-year-old, from Benicarló, joined Barcelona’s La Masia academy in 2018 after coming from Villarreal’s youth setup.
Coach Hansi Flick used him at right back, even though Fariñas usually plays in midfield, because several defenders were unavailable.
He has the first-team number 4 shirt and earned his promotion after a strong season with Barcelona’s reserve side, scoring five goals and making six assists in 35 games.
Fariñas is a versatile young player who is also close friends with teammate Lamine Yamal.
The season is a chance for him to learn and prove himself in a first-team squad with strong competition for places.
Barcelona midfielder Brian Fariñas made his first-team debut against Alavés, starting in a match where he was expected to play at right-back.
The 20-year-old came into the team as Barcelona had several defensive players unavailable.
Fariñas joined La Masia in 2018 after coming from Villarreal’s youth setup.
He wears the first-team number 4 and had been training with the senior squad since pre-season.
He scored five goals and provided six assists in 35 appearances for Barça Atlètic last season.
- Who
- Brian Fariñas, a 20-year-old Barcelona midfielder.
- What
- He made his first-team debut, starting against Alavés.
- When
- Saturday, October 31, 2026.
- Where
- Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona.
- Why
- Barcelona had several defensive players unavailable, and coach Hansi Flick said Fariñas deserved to play.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Fariñas joined La Masia from Villarreal’s youth setup.
Flick and Deco stopped Fariñas from leaving for Girona, according to Diario AS.
Fariñas trained with Barcelona’s first team and earned a place in the squad.
Flick said Fariñas deserved to play and that Barcelona were seeking solutions to defensive absences.
Fariñas started against Alavés and made his first-team debut.
- Age
- 20
- First-team number
- 4
- Youth academy
- Joined La Masia in 2018
- Barça Atlètic, 2025-26
- 35 appearances, 5 goals and 6 assists
- Contract
- Runs until June 2028
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What people are saying
He is very intelligent. He has been training since the start of pre-season and is doing a fantastic job. The time has come for him to play.
Jules Koundé is out, Espart too, Eric, Christensen... we are missing four at the back. We have to find solutions, and that is what we are doing.
Brian Fariñas is the La Masia player who has surprised me the most. Everyone already knows Lamine, Xavi Espart or Gavi, but Brian surprised me because he has so much quality and a great future.