Ansu Fati’s journey at FC Barcelona has been like a bittersweet saga involving a meteoric rise, a crushing fall, and now a quiet resurgence that has reignited the faith of Cules.
Once hailed as the heir to Lionel Messi, Fati burst onto the scene in 2019 at just 16, becoming La Liga’s youngest-ever goalscorer for Barça. His fearless dribbling and clinical finishing earned him the No. 10 shirt post-Messi. But the weight of that number coupled with a brutal string of injuries took a heavy toll on his Barca career.
Fati’s downfall was as swift as his ascent. A devastating meniscus tear in November 2020 against Real Betis sparked a nightmare of setbacks. Four surgeries and multiple relapses kept him sidelined for over 300 days, disrupting his rhythm and confidence.
Since then, nine additional injuries—including a foot issue in pre-season and a hamstring strain in November 2024—have limited him to just 158 minutes across seven appearances this season before his recent return.
A four-minute substitute appearance against Dortmund in April hinted at a return, but it was his start against Mallorca that turned heads.
Against Mallorca, Fati played 62 minutes, delivering a performance that reminded fans of his early spark.
He recorded 59 touches, completed 36 of 42 passes, created three chances, and took four shots on goal with one on target. His connection with Hector Fort on the left flank was exciting, with a delicate pass from Pedri nearly turning into a goal only for Mallorca’s goalkeeper Leo Roman to deny him.
After this 61-minute cameo against Mallorca, Barca fans are refusing to let go of their belief in the 22-year-old’s potential –
Despite rumors of a summer exit, Fati’s Mallorca display suggests he’s not ready to give up on Barca—and the fans aren’t ready to give up on him.
