Fermín López: The Hidden Talent of La Masia that Dazzled Xavi Thanks to a Message from Olive Oil

The surprising story of the FC Barcelona midfielder, from doubt to revelation, driven by the faith of a coach and an unexpected contact.

The trajectory of Fermin Lopez At FC Barcelona it is far from being the traditional path of a youth player who rises from La Masia to the first team. Although his talent and quality were always evident since he arrived as a child from Betis, he never became a standout figure in the Barça youth ranks. An internal debate persisted about whether his physique would be enough to succeed in the elite of Spanish football.

Like other notable cases such as Puyol with Van Gaal or Pedrito with Guardiola, sometimes it takes a bold coach and a stroke of luck to change the destiny of a footballer. And for Fermín, that crucial moment came with Xavi Hernandez.

When the legendary midfielder took over the reins of the Camp Nou bench in November 2021, Fermín was not among La Masia's main promises with a view to the first team. In fact, at that time, he was not even a regular in the Juvenil team's starting eleven. However, in those first months of Xavi in charge, a first team training session that Fermín attended along with other substitute teammates in his category, caught the attention of the coach and his coaching staff.

Shortly after, Fermín's career took an unexpected turn. He was loaned to Linares, as he was not part of the club's immediate plans, nor for the Barça Atlètic reserve team, nor was he considered a strong candidate to make the jump to the first team in the near future. It was in Andalusia where Fermín began to forge his football character, gaining prominence and consolidating himself as an indisputable piece in Linares.

Meanwhile, far from the focus of FC Barcelona and the radar of the Barça youth team trainers, Fermín developed his game. It was then that Xavi received a WhatsApp message from an old acquaintance, an Andalusian named Sundaywho periodically sent him olive oil from Jaén. In that message, Domingo alerted Xavi about the exceptional season that Fermín was having at Linares, also reminding him that he was still an FC Barcelona player.

That audio message, apparently casual, marked a before and after in Fermín's career. Upon hearing him, Xavi immediately remembered that young player who had only had the opportunity to train one day in his first months at the Camp Nou, but whose potential he had already perceived. Without wasting time, Xavi tasked his team with exhaustive monitoring of Fermín. In that second half of the season with Linares, the midfielder shone with his own light, leading the team in goals and exhibiting those qualities that are recognized by everyone today.

After his loan, Fermín was still not in FC Barcelona's immediate plans, which contemplated his transfer or a new loan. However, Xavi, who along with his staff had been closely following his evolution thanks to the “tip” from Domingo, the “oil man,” as the coach affectionately knew him, included Fermín in the list of young talents who would begin the preseason with the first team before the tour of the United States.

A single training session was enough for Fermín to definitively convince Xavi. After the first game of that preseason, the coach was amazed by the performance of the Andalusian player. “Have you noticed Fermín? He does everything well, he understands the game, he dominates both legs…”, he commented to the members of his staff upon returning to his office. Despite not initially being on the list to travel to the United States, Xavi insisted on his inclusion, taking him on the tour.

The outcome was devastating. In the first game of the tour, against Arsenal, Fermín was the first youth player to debut. And in the second match, against Real Madrid no less, he scored a spectacular goal, provided an assist and presented himself to the football world with a memorable performance. The rest, as they say, is known history.

Without that timely message from Domingo and the insight of Xavi, it is impossible to know what would have happened to the promising career of Fermin Lopez at FC Barcelona.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Fermín López arrive at FC Barcelona?

Fermín López joined La Masia as a child, from Betis.

What was the club where Fermín López was on loan?

Fermín López was loaned to Linares.

Who alerted Xavi Hernández about Fermín López's good moment?

An acquaintance of Xavi's called Domingo, who sent him olive oil from Jaén, was the one who informed him about Fermín's great performance in Linares.

How did Xavi Hernández find out about Fermín López's qualities?

Initially, Xavi saw something special in Fermín during a first team training session. Subsequently, Domingo's message and the follow-up of his staff confirmed his potential.

When did Fermín López debut with the FC Barcelona first team?

Fermín López made his debut with the FC Barcelona first team during the preseason, in a match against Arsenal.

What would you highlight about Fermín López's performance in his first preseason Clásico?

In his first preseason Clásico against Real Madrid, Fermín López scored a great goal and gave an assist.

What debate existed about Fermín López when he started at La Masia?

There was an internal debate about whether he lacked physical fitness to become a First Division player.

What role did the loan to Linares play in Fermín López's career?

The loan to Linares was crucial for Fermín to gain prominence, consolidate himself as a footballer and develop his game away from the initial pressures.