Years go by, generations change, rivals build multi-billion dollar projects... But there's something that doesn't change at FC Barcelona: its obsession with developing footballers.
The club's youth academy remains an inexhaustible source of talent, and the latest to break through is already generating excitement comparable to what Lamine Yamal inspired.
His name is starting to be heard strongly at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. No one dares to directly compare him to Lamine yet, but they do point out that he's younger and has a similar boldness. The best part: he's already captivated Hansi Flick, who's had his eye on him since the very first training session.
Flick, shocked: "Another one?"
The German coach couldn't believe his eyes when he first saw this boy with the first team. "Another one?" he asked, laughing.
Dro Fernandez - Amazing Debut & First Goal For FC Barcelona vs Vissel Kobe
Barça has just produced Lamine, and already has another footballer in the pipeline who's set to break all the records. This is Dro, who at just 15 is shaping up to be the next gem.
His speed, vision, close control, and ability to beat defenders have surprised everyone. But he's not just a precocious footballer. He's also a new example of how Barça not only feeds its first team, but also gives life to the Spanish national team.
Barça brings him closer to Spain... and further from the Philippines
The player has Filipino roots. In fact, the Asian federation dreamed of convincing him to lead its footballing future.
But his breakthrough with Barça has completely changed the landscape. Dro wants to play for La Roja and follow the path of Gavi, Balde, or Lamine.
Once again, the Catalan club acts as a strategic ally of Spanish sport. It did so with Ansu Fati, Pedri, Gavi, Fermín, Balde, Cubarsí, or Lamine Yamal, and it's doing it again now with Dro.
Meanwhile, others prefer to sell prospects abroad for small change before seeing them debut in their own stadium.
Pedro Fernández "Dro" - Crazy Dribbling Skills & Goals | 2025ᴴᴰ
Two models, two philosophies
The difference in models is becoming more and more evident. Barça develops and enjoys its young players. Real Madrid prefers to cash in on them.
The examples are there: players like Miguel Gutiérrez, Arribas, Latasa, or Iker Bravo leave without barely making their debut. Meanwhile, Barça sends a clear message: if you have talent and you're brave, you'll have your place.
While the media spotlight is on the Negreira case or the limitations of financial fair play, in Barcelona, seeds keep being planted.
Because La Masia doesn't stop. Because the future keeps being born there. Now, all eyes are on Dro.