FC Barcelona has officially promoted academy graduate Xavi Espart to the first-team squad, assigning him the vacant number 12 jersey for the 2026–27 season. The decision, confirmed by the club, follows a highly successful pre-season and a series of mature performances that have rapidly won over new manager Hansi Flick. Espart’s promotion represents another significant step in Barcelona’s ongoing strategy of integrating La Masia talents into the senior squad amid broader financial and squad restructuring.
Espart’s breakthrough gained momentum during the pre-season tour and was solidified by a stellar competitive debut against Elche at the Martínez Valero stadium. He followed this up, featuring in Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Athletic Club. Operating on the left flank, the versatile youngster—who is naturally comfortable as a full-back or midfielder—delivered a performance that drew glowing praise from Flick.
Flick’s Tactical Praise and Left-Side Versatility
Speaking to DAZN after the victory over Athletic Club, Flick admitted to being pleasantly surprised by Espart’s tactical flexibility and execution. “Espart has great technique, he handles situations very well, both in attack and defense,” Flick stated. “I was surprised by his performance today on the left wing. He’s top-notch. He has room for improvement, like everyone, but he’s a fantastic player.”
Flick’s tactical setup against Athletic Club also featured Brazilian forward Raphinha playing in a dynamic central role. Raphinha opened the scoring, marking his third goal in the first two matches of the campaign. Flick noted that while he is uncertain if Raphinha will remain the team’s permanent No. 9, the fluidity of the attack is his primary focus. The inclusion of Espart on the left added a crucial defensive and offensive balance, showing the manager’s trust in the teenager’s adaptability.
The Legacy of Barcelona’s Number 12
The assignment of the number 12 shirt carries historical weight at the Catalan club. The jersey had remained vacant since the departure of Danish forward Martin Braithwaite after the 2021–22 season. Before Braithwaite, the number was worn by several notable La Masia graduates, including Riqui Puig, Rafinha Alcántara, and Jonathan dos Santos.
Importantly, the number 12 has a strong association with successful full-backs in Barcelona’s modern history. Sergi Barjuan wore the number as a key component of Johan Cruyff’s legendary “Dream Team,” while Dutch left-back Giovanni van Bronckhorst donned it during Barcelona’s 2006 UEFA Champions League triumph over Arsenal in Paris. Espart now steps into this lineage, looking to establish himself as a long-term fixture on the flanks.
The jersey’s transition also highlights wider squad adjustments. Defender Hector Fort had briefly worn the number 12 during the pre-season Joan Gamper Trophy match, but with Fort reportedly closing in on a move to Real Sociedad, the shirt was officially handed to Espart, signaling a clear shift in Flick’s defensive hierarchy.
La Masia as the Cornerstone of Barcelona’s Strategy
Espart’s rapid ascent underscores Barcelona’s continued reliance on its youth academy to navigate financial constraints and build a competitive squad. Following the successful integration of players like Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal, Espart’s promotion highlights the pathway available to academy players under Flick.
With the ability to operate as a full-back on either side or step into the midfield, Espart provides Flick with invaluable tactical depth. As Barcelona embarks on a demanding campaign across La Liga and European competitions, the young defender’s composure under pressure suggests he will play a prominent role in the German manager’s tactical plans.