Barcelona promotes La Masia youth Xavi Espart to first team, assigns No. 12 jersey

Published Aug 27, 11:55 AM UTC

On August 27, Barcelona officially announced the promotion of La Masia youth academy player Xavi Espart to the first team. The versatile 21-year-old, capable of playing as a full-back or in midfield, impressed during preseason and in a match against Elche at the Martinez Valero Stadium. He will wear the number 12 jersey, which had been vacant since the 2021-22 season, last worn by Danish forward Martin Braithwaite. The article notes that several La Masia graduates, including Riqui Puig, Rafinha Alcântara, and Jonathan dos Santos, previously wore the number 12, as did notable left-backs Sergi Barjuán and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Espart's promotion marks a significant step in his career, joining the senior squad for the upcoming season.