10 Ansu Fati

Anssumane “Ansu” Fati Vieira was born on October 31, 2002, in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. His passion for football was evident from an early age, and his family played a crucial role in shaping his career. When he was just five years old, his family relocated to Seville, Spain, after his older brother Braima signed with Sevilla’s youth academy. Footballing talent runs in the Fati family, as his other brother, Miguel, and cousin, Ença Fati, are also professional footballers.

Journey to Barcelona

Fati’s football journey began with local club Herrera and later Sevilla’s youth teams before making a significant move to Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy in 2012 at the age of 10. This decision proved to be life-changing, as he quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional talent and maturity beyond his years.

Breakthrough at Barcelona

2019–20 Season: A Record-Breaking Debut

On July 24, 2019, Fati signed his first professional contract with Barcelona, committing to the club until 2022. Just a month later, on August 25, 2019, he made his first-team debut at 16 years and 298 days, becoming the second-youngest player in the club’s history. A week later, he scored his first goal in a 2–2 draw against Osasuna, becoming Barcelona’s youngest-ever goalscorer and the third-youngest in La Liga history.

Fati continued to break records that season, becoming the youngest player in La Liga history to score and assist in the same match in a 5–2 win over Valencia. On September 17, he debuted in the UEFA Champions League against Borussia Dortmund, making history as Barcelona’s youngest-ever player in the competition. His stunning performances culminated in him becoming the youngest goalscorer in Champions League history when he netted the winner against Inter Milan on December 10, 2019.

His incredible form continued into 2020, as he became the youngest player to score a brace in La Liga during a match against Levante. By July, his goal against Villarreal marked Barcelona’s 9,000th goal in history.

Establishing Himself Amid Challenges

2020–21 Season: Injury Setbacks

Fati’s meteoric rise saw him officially promoted to Barcelona’s first team in September 2020. He made an immediate impact, scoring twice in a 4–0 win over Villarreal and again in a 3–0 victory against Celta Vigo. His performances earned him the La Liga Player of the Month award for September. He continued his fine form in the Champions League, becoming the first player to score multiple goals in the competition before turning 18.

However, Fati’s progress was halted by a major knee injury in November 2020. He underwent surgery and was initially expected to return in four months, but complications extended his recovery to nine months, keeping him out for most of the season.

2021–22 Season: The New Number 10

Following Lionel Messi’s departure, Barcelona entrusted Fati with the iconic number 10 jersey. After nearly a year on the sidelines, he made a triumphant return on September 26, 2021, scoring in a 3–0 win over Levante. Unfortunately, injuries continued to plague him, with a hamstring injury in January 2022 keeping him out for another three months.

Loan Move to Brighton

With competition for places at Barcelona increasing, Fati joined Brighton & Hove Albion on a season-long loan on September 1, 2023. He made his Premier League debut against Manchester United and scored his first goal for Brighton later that month against Aston Villa. He also made an impact in European competition, scoring in Brighton’s historic 2–0 Europa League victory over Ajax.

International Career: Representing Spain

Despite being born in Guinea-Bissau, Fati chose to represent Spain at the international level, officially gaining Spanish citizenship in September 2019. He made his Spain U21 debut in October 2019 before earning a call-up to the senior squad in August 2020.

On September 6, 2020, Fati made history as Spain’s youngest-ever goalscorer at 17 years and 311 days, breaking a 95-year-old record. He also became the youngest player to start in a UEFA Nations League match. In November 2022, Fati was included in Spain’s squad for the FIFA World Cup, making two appearances as Spain reached the Round of 16.

Playing Style and Potential

Fati has been widely regarded as one of the most promising young players in world football. Known for his pace, dribbling, and finishing ability, he has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi. His versatility allows him to play across various attacking positions, excelling as a left winger, right winger, or even as a central forward. Analysts have praised his vision, technical skills, and ability to take on defenders, making him a nightmare for opposition defenses.

However, his career has been hampered by injuries, which have raised concerns about his long-term durability. If he can maintain his fitness, Fati has the potential to become one of football’s biggest stars.

Personal Life

Ansu Fati comes from a footballing family, with his father, Bori Fati, being a former footballer. After struggling to establish himself in Portugal and Spain, Bori settled in Seville, where Ansu grew up. His father has described himself as “a Sevillian at heart,” emphasizing the deep connection the Fati family has with Spain.

Beyond football, Fati’s father founded a marketing agency in 2021, primarily dealing with footballers’ image rights. This highlights the growing brand presence of Ansu Fati in the footballing world.