FC Barcelona activated the release clause of player Joan Garcia. The cost of the clause was 25 million euros plus CPI.

This Friday, the player will sign a contract with the club for the next six seasons, until June 30, 2031, in a private ceremony at FC Barcelona’s offices.

Goalkeeper, thanks to his brother

Born in Sallent de Llobregat, in the Bages region of Catalonia, the new Barça goalkeeper, like many others, didn’t start out between the posts. However, it wasn’t long before he followed in the footsteps of his older brother and picked up the gloves. That was the beginning of his path toward the elite. After leaving Sallent, he moved to Manresa and then to Damm, until Espanyol signed him at the age of 15.

Olympic champion

During his time at Espanyol, he became a regular in Spain’s youth national teams from the U17 to the U21 level, and he has an Olympic gold medal from the 2024 Games in Paris. Although he has yet to receive a call-up to the senior national team, that debut seems imminent, and it will come as a Barça player.

Best in the league

With Espanyol, he made his first-team debut at the end of 2021, but it wasn’t until the 2023/24 season that he established himself as the starting goalkeeper, helping the team earn promotion back to the top flight. He has just completed a fantastic campaign in La Liga, playing a key role in Espanyol’s survival. In numbers, he was the goalkeeper with the most saves in the league (146), and according to advanced statistics, the one who prevented the most goals in the entire competition.

Present and future

His outstanding performances, combined with his exceptional potential at just 24 years old, has made him a target for many top clubs around the world, Barça included. Deco has secured the signing of a goalkeeper who offers immediate reliability and an even brighter future.

fcbarcelona.com

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 got off to an electric start as Palmeiras and FC Porto played out a high-quality 0–0 draw in their Group A opener. Despite the lack of goals, the match was packed with pace, flair, and near-misses that left fans entertained and both sides still hungry for a first win.

Palmeiras, representing South America, looked the more threatening side, dominating possession with 55% and firing off 17 attempts on goal. Yet they were continually frustrated by the sharp reflexes of Porto’s goalkeeper Claudio Ramos, who turned away multiple efforts with a string of acrobatic saves.

The standout performer of the night was Palmeiras’ 18-year-old sensation Estêvão. The teenage prodigy dazzled on the right wing, creating several dangerous moments and coming agonizingly close to scoring twice—once with a curling effort from range and another with a missed tap-in that had fans holding their breath.

FC Porto, not to be overshadowed, held their own with disciplined defending and quick transitions. Nigerian striker Samu Aghehowa looked lively in the attack, and midfielder Alan Varela helped maintain balance under pressure. Brazilian youngster Vitor Roque also showed flashes of brilliance for Palmeiras but couldn’t break the deadlock.

Both sides lined up in aggressive 3–4–3 formations, indicating their intent from the start. The tactical chess match saw Palmeiras throw on reinforcements late—introducing López, Piquerez, Allan, and Paulinho in hopes of snatching a win. Porto responded with structured defensive resolve and occasional counters, but the scoreboard remained unchanged.

The draw leaves Group A wide open, with both teams taking a point apiece. With Al Ahly and Inter Miami also competing in the group, the race for knockout qualification is now set to intensify.

Palmeiras will next face African champions Al Ahly, while FC Porto prepare for a showdown with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami—a fixture already attracting global attention.

While the goals didn’t come, the drama, quality, and youthful promise on display—especially from Estêvão—made it a memorable opener. If this match is anything to go by, the 2025 Club World Cup promises fireworks.

Paris Saint-Germain sent a chilling message to the rest of the FIFA Club World Cup field with a ruthless 4–0 dismantling of Atlético Madrid on Sunday afternoon at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena — in a game defined as much by clinical execution as it was by punishing California heat.

On a day when temperatures soared above 30°C (86°F), the French champions showed no mercy, cruising to victory with goals from Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, Senny Mayulu, and Lee Kang-in. Atlético, meanwhile, wilted both tactically and physically, offering little resistance and ending the game with ten men after a Clément Lenglet red card in the second half.

First Half: PSG Strike Early and Never Look Back

The tone was set midway through the first half. In the 19th minute, Fabián Ruiz calmly slotted home the opener after a well-worked move involving Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué. Atlético appeared rattled, and PSG took full advantage of their disorganization.

Just before halftime, Vitinha doubled the lead with a precise finish on the break — again created by the electric Kvaratskhelia — giving Luis Enrique’s men full control heading into the dressing room. The goal came just after a much-needed hydration break, underscoring the sweltering conditions both teams faced.

Second Half: Atlético Collapse Under Pressure

The second half brought more frustration for Atlético. Defender Clément Lenglet was shown a second yellow in the 62nd minute after repeatedly arguing with Romanian referee István Kovács. That moment effectively ended any chance of a comeback.

PSG capitalized on the numerical advantage. Youngster Senny Mayulu added a third in the 87th minute following a sustained spell of dominance. Then, in stoppage time, VAR ruled a handball against Atlético’s Robin Le Normand, leading to a penalty which Lee Kang-in converted coolly to complete the rout.

Key Match Stats

Possession: PSG – 74%, Atlético – 26%

Shots on Target: PSG – 10, Atlético – 1

Red Cards: Atlético – 1 (Lenglet)

Pundits pointed out the Spanish side’s defensive fragility, particularly on the left flank, where PSG continually found space. Former Spain international Kiko Narváez called it “a gaping hole that’s been there all season.”

Atlético’s Rodrigo De Paul was visibly frustrated throughout the match, and was subbed off midway through the second half after an animated and controversial display. Spanish media were quick to criticize his attitude and lack of composure.

Heat Becomes a Major Talking Point

The extreme conditions sparked debate about FIFA’s scheduling. Commentators and fans alike questioned the wisdom of hosting afternoon matches in such high temperatures. “You could see it on the players’ faces — they were drained,” one Spanish analyst remarked.

Despite the climate, PSG seemed better prepared physically and mentally. Luis Enrique’s men maintained a high tempo throughout, while Diego Simeone’s side looked sluggish and uninspired.

What’s Next?

With this emphatic win, PSG top Group B and move confidently into the knockout rounds of the expanded Club World Cup. It’s another statement performance in what has already been a historic season for the French giants, who won the UEFA Champions League and completed a domestic treble earlier this year.

For Atlético, questions loom large. With upcoming matches against Botafogo and Seattle Sounders, Simeone must rally his side quickly to keep their tournament hopes alive. Defensive discipline, composure, and better adaptation to conditions will be essential.

BOTTOM LINE:

PSG were ruthless, Atlético were reckless, and the heat was relentless. If this performance is any indication, Paris Saint-Germain look every bit like the team to beat at the 2025 Club World Cup.

For more updates from the Club World Cup and European football, stay tuned to our blog.