FC Barcelona (youth)

FC Barcelona (youth) refers to the youth academy and development system of FC Barcelona, a professional football club based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Known as La Masia, the academy is renowned for its emphasis on developing young talent and instilling a specific playing philosophy rooted in possession-based, attacking football, often referred to as "tiki-taka."

La Masia encompasses various youth teams, ranging from pre-benjamín (under-8s) to Juvenil A (under-19s), the highest youth level before potentially progressing to FC Barcelona B (the reserve team). The academy aims to not only produce technically gifted players but also to develop well-rounded individuals with strong moral values and a deep understanding of the club's culture.

The success of La Masia is evident in the number of players who have progressed from the academy to FC Barcelona's first team and gone on to achieve significant success at both club and international levels. Prominent examples include Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Gerard Piqué, and Sergio Busquets.

The training methodology at La Masia focuses on developing technical skills, tactical awareness, teamwork, and individual creativity. Coaches at all levels emphasize ball control, passing accuracy, movement off the ball, and decision-making under pressure.

Beyond its role in producing first-team players, La Masia also serves as a feeder system for other clubs, both in Spain and abroad. Many players who do not ultimately make it into the Barcelona first team still find successful careers in professional football, benefiting from the high-quality training and development they received at the academy.