At just 20 years old, Pablo Páez Gavira—known to football fans simply as Gavi—has already established himself as a commanding presence at Barcelona. Despite his youth, the midfielder’s maturity and leadership qualities shine brightly, especially after overcoming a serious injury last season. In a candid interview from Barcelona’s team hotel in South Korea, Gavi didn’t hesitate to declare, “Of course Madrid is worried,” referring to Barça’s stunning dominance over their eternal rivals.
Table of Contents
Gavi: The Voice of Barcelona’s New Generation
Born on August 5, 2004, in Los Palacios y Villafranca, Gavi’s rise has been meteoric. His injury was a pivotal moment that forced him to grow rapidly, both physically and mentally. Reflecting on this challenge, he said, “I was already in very good form at the end of last season, and this season I hope to give my best to the team. That’s what I want.”
Gavi is more than just a talented midfielder; he embodies Barcelona’s future leadership. While he dreams of wearing the captain’s armband permanently, he remains humble: “If I’m not one of the captains this season, that’s normal. Even though I’ve been with the first team for many years, I’m young and still have to learn from the veterans.”
He’s already inspired teammates through personal support, especially younger players like Marc Bernal, who suffered a similar injury. Gavi shared, “When it happened to me, I asked a lot of players, like Oriol Romeu… Bernal asked me, and I tried to give him the best advice and support he needed.”
A Historic Clásico Sweep That Has Madrid on Edge
Last season, Barcelona achieved an extraordinary feat by winning all four El Clásico matches against Real Madrid — a clean sweep never before recorded in recent memory. Speaking about the impact, Gavi confidently stated, “Of course they were worried. It was four out of four, and that’s never happened before. And it’s understandable that they’re worried. We were spectacular last season, and they didn’t win anything.”
These victories sent a clear message of resurgence from the Blaugrana. Despite Madrid’s big-money signings in the offseason, Gavi remains unshaken: “They have a great team, but we have to be ourselves, and that’s it.”
Recent El Clásico Results (2024–25 Season)
| Date | Competition | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 26, 2024 | La Liga | Real Madrid 0–4 Barcelona | Santiago Bernabéu |
| January 12, 2025 | Supercopa de España | Real Madrid 2–5 Barcelona | King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah |
| April 26, 2025 | Copa del Rey Final | Barcelona 3–2 Real Madrid (AET) | Estadio La Cartuja, Seville |
| May 11, 2025 | La Liga | Barcelona 4–3 Real Madrid | Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys |
Barcelona’s clean sweep sent a powerful message of resurgence, underpinning Gavi’s confident remarks.
Tactical Evolution Under Hansi Flick
Barcelona’s new coach Hansi Flick has been a key figure in Gavi’s development post-injury. The midfielder has been tested both as a pivot and a deeper-lying playmaker in preseason, though he shared his preference: “In this setup, I prefer to play more at point guard because I touch the ball more and feel more involved, which is important to me.”
Flick’s faith in Gavi is clear, with the coach praising his attitude and recovery. Gavi noted, “He’s always trusted me and supported me after my injury… He cares about me and always wants to know if I’m okay.” The mutual respect between player and coach bodes well for Barcelona’s ambitions.
Strengthening the Squad: New Signings and Rising Stars
Barcelona’s squad has been bolstered by high-profile arrivals like Marcus Rashford and promising talents like Joan Garcia and Lamine Yamal. Gavi expressed optimism: “I think so. I’m convinced they’ll both contribute a lot. Roony (Bardghji) is also doing quite well. I hope they give us their best so we can win all the titles.”
While Rashford’s arrival is welcomed, Gavi also praised Nico Williams, though he’s happy with the current squad: “Everyone knows Nico is a very good player… We’re very happy with Marcus’s signing.”
The Ultimate Prize: Champions League Glory
Despite the focus on domestic dominance, Gavi is clear on where Barcelona’s ambitions lie: the Champions League. “In the end, everyone remembers the Champions League. It’s the most important trophy, and I hope we can reach the final. I’m sure and confident that my team will give everything they can to be there and give us the Champions League title the Catalans crave.”
Homecoming at Camp Nou
Playing at Barcelona’s iconic stadium remains a powerful motivator for Gavi and his teammates. “The Camp Nou is impressive… When you go out there, you’re triple motivated and you go out there to give it your all. You see how big it is, the atmosphere with the fans, it motivates you even more.”
Read More: Real Madrid Begin 15-Day Preseason on August 4 Ahead of La Liga 2025-26 Opener
FAQs
What did Gavi say about Real Madrid’s concerns?
Gavi said, “Of course Madrid is worried,” after Barcelona’s four consecutive wins in El Clásico last season.
Has Gavi captained Barcelona?
Yes, he wore the captain’s armband in a pre-season friendly against FC Seoul.
How does Gavi describe his role on the field?
He prefers playing a more involved playmaker role, touching the ball more often.
Who is Barcelona’s coach currently?
Winning the Champions League is the ultimate target for Barcelona and Gavi.
