Barcelona's top 10 academy graduates

Modified Jan 05, 2020 17:37 GMT

Lionel Messi is just one great player to be produced by Barcelona's academy

#7 Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas returned to Barcelona after a successful spell with Arsenal

A part of La Masia from the age of 10 years old, midfielder Cesc Fabregas made a huge decision at the age of 16; feeling that first-team opportunities at the Nou Camp could be limited, he made a move to Arsenal in September 2003, and quickly became their youngest ever player when he debuted in an EFL Cup match against Rotherham United.

Fabregas took some time to establish himself as a starter at the North London side, but went on to become one of the Premier League’s most renowned midfielders, usually being deployed by Arsene Wenger as a deep-lying playmaker. By 2010 – after winning Arsenal’s Player of the Year award twice – reports began to emerge linking him with a move back to the Nou Camp, and in the summer of 2011, he made a €29m move back to Catalonia.

The midfielder stayed for 3 seasons at Barcelona – winning a La Liga title in 2012-13 in the process – and then moved back to England with Chelsea in the summer of 2014, where he promptly won 4 more trophies, including two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the UEFA Europa League. He now plies his trade in France’s Ligue 1 with Monaco.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

Know More

Edited by A. Ayush Chatterjee