Lionel Messi, the world's best player is the most notable graduate from Barca's youth system.
Barcelona won last night’s Champions League final with seven home-grown players from their academy, a phenomenal achievement by anyone’s standards – even theirs.
Victor Valdes, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Pedro Rodriguez all graduated through La Cantera, Barcelona’s prestigious youth academy.
As is evident with their play, Barcelona train their players to grace the pitch so elegantly, constantly creating space to receive and then give the ball to one another with an unerring accuracy.
Anyone who saw last night’s final will not be unfamiliar to this. Barcelona destroyed Manchester United with their brand of undeniable quality. Alex Ferguson described them as “The best team I have ever faced,” and all the evidence suggests that this Barca team could be the best the planet has ever seen.
Clubs from all around Europe will spend millions and millions of pounds on quality, but Barcelona just grow their quality as a farmer grows his crops. Not only do they produce quality for their own club, but the national side benefit from this stream of talent as well. All the players mentioned above starting for Barcelona last night, except one Lionel Messi, represent Spain and have turned them into world champions.
The academy is poetically named “La Cantera,” meaning “The Quarry,” and it’s no wonder as the talent keeps coming and coming.
It’s not only the current players that have made Barcelona’s academy so famous. It’s alumni goes all over the world, and even if they didn’t start for Barcelona last night, you could make a totally unbeatable team out of the rest of this alumni.
Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas line up for this previous Barcelona side.
Cesc Fabregas, Mikel Arteta, Jordi Cruyff, Carles Puyol, Pepe Reina, Bojan, Josep Guardiola, Albert Ferrer and Thiago Motta all came from La Cantera and have made themselves reputations as some of the world’s best, or in Bojan’s case, having the potential to join the world’s best.
From the age of 13 or 14, kids that do not live in Barcelona are given housing in order to become as involved with the club and coaches as much as possible. They are prevented from becoming tired from travelling, in order to give themselves the best chance of performing when it matters. This process costs a lot of money, but when the results save you buying a £40million striker, it’s certainly all worth it.
Education is an important part of many youth academies nowadays. If the player suffers a career-threatening injury or they just simply don’t make the cut, they at least have some academic qualifications to fall back on so they become a success in life. Each morning, the academy’s players are piled on to coaches and sent to the best local schools. They return at 2pm for lunch before training in the evening from 5pm to 6.30pm. The boys are then given some time to themselves and some time to relaxed before an early bedtime.
The world’s best player at the moment, Lionel Messi, was sent to La Cantera at the age of 13 after no Argentinian club would pay for drugs to make him grow bigger. Now characterised by his tiny size but huge ability, Barcelona had faith in the youngster despite the fact he was half a foot shorter than everyone else. English academies seem to focus on size and strength and release players that possess neither of these qualities, but Barcelona have a very different approach and focus on talent rather than physical attributes.
In recent years in England, Middlesbrough once fielded a team with 15 out of 16 players graduating from their youth team and living within 25 miles of the stadium. There’s also the notable West Ham United who have probably produced half the current England side. Manchester United used to be the most prominent example of academy graduation as they produced David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt, described as the class of ’92. But since then United’s academy has lacked any real talent. After lifting the FA Youth Cup, their current crop are tipped for big things, but only time will tell.
Midfielder, Andres Iniesta
It seems confusing why this prestigious Spanish academy can produce world-beaters whilst English sides simply cannot come anywhere close. English sides are bound by a rule that means players can only play for a club within 90 minutes of their hometown. This means you don’t have a lot of hope if you’re living in Devon!
Having so many quality talents coming from the academy, some must insist that it is simply down to luck, but Barcelona insist that luck plays no part. Albert Capellas, the club’s senior youth coordinator says ”It’s work. It’s our model, which has been honed over many years by lots of people providing specialist skills and all working in the same direction, with the same objective: to prepare players for the first team,”
The post-match analysis of the Champions League final, no matter what channel you watched it on, contained one common question “What now for Barcelona?” Can they just keep on winning again and again, producing these wonderkids again and again? As is the same with any bright youngster or promising academy – only time will tell.
respected people,i want to know that being an indian how can i join the la cantera,barcelonas youth acedemy.plese reply me i will put in my best to join ,and be a proud player of this acedemy please reply soon.my e mail id is.priyadarshi_futta@yahoo.com
Posted by priyadarshi somya | June 24, 2011, 9:13 ami too want to join barca youth acadamy. i am an indian footballer of 17. please can any one help me out here. i am desperate to play football and make it as a proffession.
Posted by Anik Das | March 8, 2012, 6:49 pmI very much so want to join your Barca Youth Academy I am from Australia and I am 11 years old. If i start at the age of 11 by the end i will be amazing, I have already played Football for 4 years now and i am a strong defensive player and a strong midfielder, I used to be a striker and succeeded. If you could even think about applying me that would be AMAZING. Thank you for your time
P.S MESSI IS AWESOME!
Posted by Hudson Hegarty | March 31, 2013, 10:47 pmi am 16 years old.
Posted by priyadarshi somya | June 24, 2011, 9:15 amHi i am a nigerian. I am a defender CB.please give me an opportuinty to play for barca youth academy i am 17yrs.thanks
Posted by Kennedy iheme | August 19, 2011, 2:20 pmWhat would it take to register an 8yrs kid from Nigeria
Posted by Adetola omobulejo | September 29, 2011, 9:23 amI am a Ghanaian called Philip Darko.I am 14 years of age and wishes to join and help this teams in soccer.
Posted by Philip Darko | November 3, 2011, 8:36 pmIt’s not an academy players can join anyhow,they have scouts all over the world,it is the duty of the scouts to recommend players to the academy.I am a soccer scout in Beijing and i found a young Nigerian player with talents of that Zidane.Check him here http://dejvumagic.jimdo.com
Posted by Wang | November 12, 2011, 4:48 pmI AM A TRINIDADIAN CALLED MARC MORGAN
.I AM 14 YEARS OF AGE AND I WOULD BE LOOKING TO PLAYED FOR THIS TEAM.
Posted by Marc Morgan | November 25, 2011, 12:41 amI also have the talent to play in barcelona academy dear plz letz join forces and fight to get there and play la liga 1 day
Posted by Maslah | February 8, 2012, 7:43 pmI am really inspired with your writing abilities as well as with the structure for your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it your self? Anyway stay up the excellent quality writing, it is uncommon to see a great blog like this one nowadays. Goodbye from Japan
Posted by pregnancy depression | November 29, 2011, 1:32 amExcellent info over again! Thank you:)
Posted by bestchristmas gift 2011 | December 8, 2011, 10:53 amHello there, I am impressed by all you do on the pitch and have this burning desire to train or rather join this accademy, what are the procedure, if any, becoming one of you. Am a fifteen year old danish boy, trained football from the age of 7. I would like to hear from you.
Posted by Darren Mbigiridde | December 20, 2011, 9:44 pmThank you for the comments guys, but unfortunately I cannot help you in your footballing mission.
I have no association with Barca’s academy, or any academy of that nature.
My best advice would be to be patient, if you are good enough you will eventually get spotted, no matter what corner of the globe you are from.
Best wishes in your football adventures!
Tom
Posted by Tom Bennett | December 20, 2011, 9:51 pmi luv xavi
Posted by joseph | February 6, 2012, 8:39 pmbarcelona is very special me everyday golden moment from atubaba nigeria i luv my country.who is who
Posted by joseph | February 6, 2012, 8:43 pmHi! Guyz am maslah from kenya i want to join la cantera plz i would be proud to join, l play midfield
Posted by Maslah | February 8, 2012, 7:36 pmHello
Feel free to me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kurZ0U6QeEE
Posted by kd | February 10, 2012, 8:55 amam a footballer at nigeria i need i want to play for barcelona youthacademy heip me i want play football
Posted by tayo | February 11, 2012, 7:42 pmi we like to join barcelona youth academy pls sir help me may god help u
Posted by tayo | February 11, 2012, 7:44 pmam 51yearsold
this my id akinrotayo@yahoo.com
Posted by tayo | February 11, 2012, 7:47 pmam15 year old
Posted by tayo | February 14, 2012, 12:06 pmPls sir help me i came from a poor family people like me for my pasing and ability to play plz i wil like u to sponsor me and i promise you that i wil never let u down plz i want to play footbal because i love it with al my mind here’s my email emma3785@ovi.com thank you up barca
Posted by Emmanuel | February 27, 2012, 2:22 pmi;m a left footer i’m very good than messi,i will like my big couch gardiola to give me a tryal ,and i’m 17years old thanks,i love barca no matter what happend,sir this is my telephone number=+2347060923499,+2348185275318,bey i wish barca goodluck in todsy’s match,messi googluck
Posted by BOKATINOH IS MY NAME | March 3, 2012, 11:32 amI am one of the best 14 year old soccer players in the USA and well see if barca will give me a chance
Posted by enrique | March 4, 2012, 4:38 amI’m am 15 years old and i really want to play ƒoя this academy i can play anywhere on the left including striker ! how can i join this academy ?
Posted by tylin dos santos | March 4, 2012, 6:14 pmComo puedo entrar ala masia desde dallas Texas
Posted by Alex Catalan | March 11, 2012, 3:12 amhi i am from slovakia im 15 years of age im right footer and i am a skill full soccer player and im a fast player all so you can reach me at my gmail tomikstudnickyy@gmail.com and i would really like to play for you
Posted by tomas | March 21, 2012, 3:46 pmand i all so play soccer all my live
Posted by tomas | March 21, 2012, 3:48 pm
Posted by Steven Simpson | March 26, 2012, 9:59 pmI am a homeless nigerian who loves soccer and wil luve 2 play 4 anybody who can feed and accomodate me
Posted by Chukwuma osakwuni | April 6, 2012, 4:23 pmI can play all wings, bt i love playing attacking midfield, im skillful, 5.11ft tall, i use both legs and i have good pullout
Posted by Chukwuma osakwuni | April 6, 2012, 4:33 pmI am 17years old, am from nigeria, i want to learn froam barcelona youth football accademy and i want to become a footballer in future, i want u to help me out.send a reply to my email address
Posted by jamiu | April 8, 2012, 9:09 amam a ghanaian and also 17years of age.my name is APPIAH ERNEST.joining fc barcelona is something great i want to achieve in life.infact,am very,very talented in the scence that if i gain a call for trial infact i will display greatly.please kindly come to my aid b’cos i don’t my darling club to loose in academy development.u can also send message to my e-mail;appiah.tonaldo@yahoo.com.stay blessed
Posted by Appiah Ernest | April 10, 2012, 11:14 amam david Elijah but called Bona am 17years old am a player in akpajo united in nigeria I have played for the pass 4years but I want to higher and I love barcelona footballclub,i want to also play with them, so barca how can you pick up some talented people which does not have the opportunity to travel to spain and they are in nigeria.
Posted by david Elijah | April 24, 2012, 11:42 amHi,my name is adrian rusan i am a 15 year old striker from ireland my parents are romanian and i am currently top scorer of my current team Newbridge Town. Can you give me a chance to show you that im worth playing on barcelona’s academy team if you do my email is lil_cool_dude_adrian@yahoo.com
Posted by Adrian | April 27, 2012, 10:39 amhello guy can u help me because am alsom footballer two
Posted by tayo | May 8, 2012, 6:44 pmPlease inform me ASAP!
Posted by Adrian | April 27, 2012, 7:59 pmMy name is boka and i want to enroll into f c b youth academy,i’m an atackingmidfilder,and a left footer,i pray that this management wil help me out,in Jesus name amen
Posted by Boka | May 2, 2012, 3:06 amMy name is Alex i’m very urged to join this team and although my education is excelling i’m willing to take this chance because its all i ever wanted.I watch and study Barca everyday and their tiki taka style is like magic and it takes so much composure..As a boy earlier on something happened to me,an injury..if i can overcome this i would be so greatful to be in Barcelona..please contact me i’m 17 and i reside in Jamaica.
Posted by Alex | May 25, 2012, 1:54 pmHey I am Eagerly want to join this club…………..plzzzzzzzzz tell me about instructions..!!
Posted by Arjun | June 22, 2012, 3:06 pmHey! My name is Arlind Kutllovci and I´m 13 years old boy from Sweden. I would love to get jín to Barcas academy. Here is my videos if you want to see >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUil6S97R1s – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlJxucTncGo&feature=relmfu – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0ZCr2jFQyI Please answer! I love football more than anything and I would like a trial in Barcelona for your young team.
Posted by Arlind Dinho Kutllovci | July 3, 2012, 11:36 amPls I wil like like to join the academy,
Pls send me info on “HO̶̲̥̅w to through ♏Ɣ e-mail or 08191918389.
Posted by edwin | July 4, 2012, 11:34 pmHey i am 16year old 6feet 1inch goalkeeper from India n my dream s to play 4 barca n i want to make that dream come true for that please give me the required info about how to join? How to get a trail n wat r d dates for the trial?? Please mail me
Posted by Raj akshay | July 18, 2012, 6:07 pmHey i am 16year old 6feet 1inch goalkeeper from India n my dream s to play 4 barca n i want to make that dream come true for that please give me the required info about how to join? How to get a trail n wat r d dates for the trial?? Please mail me at raj.akshay95@gmail.com or call at this num 7207407086
Posted by Raj akshay | July 18, 2012, 6:08 pmHey was up, My name is Matias Gomez i live In africa Botswana and the level of soccer here is very poor. I really want to become a professional soccer player, i hope that i could get a trial with some club. I am really club and i am a good soccer player , i will give 100% at all times ,, If you guys could check my video it would be great http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qut5aQIDIM
Posted by Matias Gomez | August 28, 2012, 9:56 amhi i would like to enroll in barca i live in canada and i desperately want to make soccer my profession. i just need one chance. email me at patel.jit90@gmail.com
Posted by jit patel | September 3, 2012, 6:13 pmcan u provide me the procedure of getting admission in Barcelona’s ‘La Cantera’ academy of football?????
i m very thankful to if u kindly provide me the required details.
Posted by Hitesh Akoijam | September 29, 2012, 10:48 amMy name is abedy mambo from zambia i am a great footballer n i’m 18 years of age please help me,notify me via email.
Posted by abedy taonga mambo | October 20, 2012, 12:30 amHi,my name is abedy mambo please help me join this wonderful club I am a very talented footballer from zambia
Posted by abedy taonga mambo | October 20, 2012, 12:34 amI play as a central defence or a right back l am 16 years old from zimbabwe
Posted by Tafadzwa dube | October 21, 2012, 7:08 amI play as a central defender or a right back l am 16 years old from zimbabwe l want u to enroll me to barca academy l will impress u my name is tafadzwa dube l play for zimbabwe under 17 national team these a my numbers 00263775683615 or 00263773564293 may God bless u sir
Posted by Tafadzwa dube | October 21, 2012, 7:26 amMy name is tafadzwa dube l am 16 year old zimbabwean l play as a right back or central defender please may you take me for trials may God bless you
Posted by Tafadzwa | October 21, 2012, 9:52 amI am a footballer in india… I wish to come in your academy.. But i still have money problem i am very talented player please add me in your academy.
Posted by Sunny Shinde | October 31, 2012, 8:18 amI AM 17 YEARS OF AGE! AND IM LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING PROFFESIONAL FOOTBALL.PLEASE TAKE ME IN.IM A PLAYMAKER
Posted by nicholas | November 6, 2012, 4:50 pmHi!I’m Cambodian.I live in Cambodia.I want to join Barcelona because the football level in Cambodia is very low(FIFA ranking this month is 192).If I can be Barca player I will be help my country to develop better than today.I really need this chance.Here’s my e-mail norakrothbunthan@gmail.com.I hope you can give me this chance!Thanks for advance!
Posted by norakroth | November 10, 2012, 11:23 amI am an Indian and I want a chance to be in “La Cantera” youth academy. If I gonna get my chance i will try my best and try to be a best footballer of The La Liga. I am a nice footballer trust me and if you satisfy then please email me in the following id with procedures
email: akashdeepbhagat3@gmail.com
Posted by Akashdeep Bhagat | November 29, 2012, 10:06 amhae! am a nigerian, age 17 wound lyk to play 4 fcb academy, i play both legs and i am a midfielder
Posted by gimba | December 9, 2012, 4:45 pmhae! am a nigerian, age 17 wound lyk to play 4 fcb academy, i play both legs and i am a midfielder
i wannw wat d requirement 4 joining the academy
Posted by gimba | December 9, 2012, 4:46 pmHello..first off,i hope someone is actually monitoring this website :/..I am a Jamaican aged 17 years.I am able to play as a striker,midfielder or RW..If you read this,please contact me,i will be more than happy to make a video showcasing my skills but i have no equipment to do that at the moment..Please,soccer is my dream
..I promise to live up to all the expectations of the great club..VISCA BARCA!!
Posted by Alex McGowan | December 16, 2012, 5:20 pmHw do I join barca academy from nigeria
Posted by innocent | December 27, 2012, 5:02 pmHey I am a 18 year old soccer player which is located in Jamaica, a right back, center back and right midfield, I would like to join (rather love) bar aloha academy
Posted by Zaphier jerwayne Powell | January 29, 2013, 12:54 amSorry barcalona
Posted by Zaphier jerwayne Powell | January 29, 2013, 12:56 amI will lik to be a player in barca pls how can i be given the opportunity
Posted by Ukairo samuel | February 1, 2013, 3:32 amCan u sponsor me over to barcelona i want to play football pls
Posted by sam.ngng@nokiamail.com | February 1, 2013, 1:28 pmEmail
Posted by my names are williams richard from nigeria i would love to play for great catalonia team(barcelona)i would be very greatful if you could help me in my football career i use both foot and am a good'creative,intelligent striker as you do may barcelona be bi | February 3, 2013, 1:47 pmI am a 17yrs old talented nigerian footballer but I have never seen anyway to prove myself because no opportunity has been given to me ..please I need help from your academy and I will prove myself to any reasonable doubt….thanks
Posted by Anyasor kingsley | February 16, 2013, 7:34 pmAm a 17 year old nigerian talented footballer who need chance to show his worth in the youth academy..I will be great to hear from you..
Posted by Anyasor kingsley | February 16, 2013, 8:50 pmI am 14 year old indian
Posted by Arjun | February 26, 2013, 7:53 amI wish to go to he youth academy. And iam from trinidad and tobago please send M̷̸̷̸̮̐̐E̷̸̷̸̮̐̐ some thing and I am a deffender. joelseaforth
Email joes120@live.com
Posted by joel seaforht | February 26, 2013, 11:48 pmam a footballer a good midfielder and i must be given a chance to play at this great club
Posted by tayo oladapo henry | March 15, 2013, 5:42 pmI an 6ft tall and 13yrs old.I want to play for barca.Contact 08036709270
Posted by Oscar ugbonta | March 21, 2013, 3:02 pmI’m 15. I would love to join barca youth club.
Posted by Timilehin | March 25, 2013, 10:45 pmam 18yrs old i want to join ur academy
Posted by daniel morrisson | April 4, 2013, 4:06 pmMy name is timilehin and i would be glad if you can grant my request by putting me in la masia.
Posted by Timilehin | April 10, 2013, 3:27 ami am 17years.i started playing football when i was 2yrs.i am a striker.pls give me dis chance i have been waiting 4.tanx
Posted by olayode olanrewaju | May 19, 2013, 2:48 pmi am 17years.i started playing football when i was 8yrs.i am a striker.pls give me dis chance i have been waiting & i would be glad i
f you grant my request by putting me in.
Posted by ahmed | May 23, 2013, 2:53 pm