Casadó: “You have to enjoy everything”

Still buzzing with adrenaline, Marc Casadó repeats the word “enjoy” in every answer he gives. At just 21 years old, the start of the 2024 season has seen him burst onto the scene, delivering superb performances for his club that have earned him a call-up to the national team. At the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, during Spain’s night of celebrations, the Catalan made his senior debut, cementing his meteoric rise that has everyone talking about his prodigious midfield play.

“I’m really happy. At times like this, you think about everyone who’s been with you along the way: family, friends, the people around you who have supported you during tougher times… Now it’s time to enjoy this moment with them,” he says with a natural confidence, the same qualities he brings when orchestrating play from his position. “Opportunities come, and the important thing is to know how to take them and enjoy everything that’s happening now.”

On his way back to the dressing room, accompanied by Luis de la Fuente through a corridor of congratulatory gestures, Casadó’s national teammates greeted him with enthusiasm. “Congratulations, little one,” “Well done, brother…” All the news is good for this footballer who has become pivotal at FC Barcelona and has shown patience while waiting for his chance. “It’s clear that I’m getting more opportunities, and as I always say, you have to know how to take them and enjoy them to the fullest.”

Looking back, Casadó sees a journey full of challenges – reaching the elite is no easy feat. “The whole journey has been worth it, and now I feel incredible joy at making my debut for the senior national team. It’s time to enjoy it and keep working,” he explains. He is the 19th player to debut in the De la Fuente era, and he promises to continue on this path, with the sole aim of maintaining his place and, above all, enjoying every moment.