13 Iñaki Peña

Born on March 2, 1999, in Alicante, Valencian Community, Ignacio “Iñaki” Peña Sotorres began his football journey at just five years old with Alicante CF. In 2012, at the age of 13, he joined FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy from Villarreal CF. A standout performer in the youth ranks, he played a crucial role in Barcelona’s victory in the 2017–18 UEFA Youth League, starting in the final against Chelsea.

Club Career

Barcelona B and First-Team Promotion

On April 16, 2018, Peña renewed his contract with Barcelona for three seasons, with an option for two additional years. He was subsequently promoted to Barcelona B in the Segunda División B ahead of the 2018–19 season, making his senior debut on October 6, 2018, in a 1–1 draw against CD Atlético Baleares.

Although initially a backup option, Peña was called up to the first team on October 30, 2018, for a Copa del Rey match against Cultural Leonesa. While he remained an unused substitute, he continued to appear on the bench as injury cover for first-team goalkeepers Jasper Cillessen and Marc-André ter Stegen.

During the 2019–20 season, Peña frequently featured on the first-team bench, covering for the injured Neto. On October 6, 2020, Barcelona exercised the option to extend his contract for an additional two years.

Loan to Galatasaray

On January 31, 2022, Peña joined Turkish club Galatasaray on loan for the remainder of the season. He made his professional debut on February 6, 2022, in a 1–1 draw against Alanyaspor. Under former Barcelona assistant coach Domènec Torrent, Peña enjoyed a solid start, but eventually lost his place to club legend Fernando Muslera upon the latter’s return from injury.

Return to Barcelona

Following his loan spell, Peña returned to Barcelona and made his first-team debut under Xavi on November 1, 2022, in a 4–2 UEFA Champions League victory over Viktoria Plzeň.

On January 3, 2023, he was officially registered as a first-team player, receiving the number 13 shirt. He later signed a contract extension on May 9, 2023, committing to the club until 2026, with a substantial buyout clause of €400 million.

Peña saw limited game time during the 2022–23 season, appearing in matches against Real Valladolid and Celta Vigo, playing a total of 72 minutes and conceding two goals.

Breakthrough Season (2024–25)

On September 22, 2024, Peña’s role at Barcelona changed dramatically when starting goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen suffered a season-ending patellar tendon injury in a match against Villarreal. Peña replaced him at halftime, helping Barcelona secure a commanding 5–1 away victory.

A month later, on October 26, 2024, he delivered a standout performance in El Clásico, keeping a clean sheet in Barcelona’s 4–0 win against Real Madrid, earning widespread praise for his composure and shot-stopping ability.

International Career

Peña has represented Spain at various youth levels, earning caps for the U16, U17, U18, U19, and U21 teams. He played a crucial role in Spain’s runner-up finish in the 2016 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. On November 12, 2020, he made his sole appearance for the U21 squad, replacing Álvaro Fernández at halftime in a 2–0 victory against the Faroe Islands during the UEFA European U21 Championship qualifiers.

In June 2021, due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the senior Spain squad, the U21 team was called up for a friendly against Lithuania, though Peña did not feature in the match.