Barcelona academy graduate Brian Fariñas debuts at right back in 6-1 win
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The gist
Barcelona's Brian Fariñas, 20, started at right back and played 90 minutes in a 6-1 LaLiga win.
The midfielder-turned-defender's debut comes as Barcelona weigh a January loan for him.
Background
Brian Fariñas is a 20-year-old Barcelona academy graduate from Benicarló, naturally a midfielder, who joined the club in 2018 from Villarreal and rose through La Masia, starring in the U19 treble of league, cup and UEFA Youth League. He made 42 appearances for Barça Atlètic, the club's reserve side, including 35 in 2025/26 under Juliano Belletti with five goals and six assists. He was registered with the first team and given the No. 4 shirt on Sep 1, 2026, and coach Hansi Flick started him at right back against Alavés amid defensive injuries.
How it unfolded
- Mar 16, 2024Fariñas made his Barça Atlètic debut in a 4-2 away victory over Teruel.
- Jul 31, 2026He played almost half an hour at right back in a 2-2 preseason friendly draw against Birmingham City.
- Sep 1, 2026He was registered with the first team and given the No. 4 shirt.
- Oct 28, 2026Reports said Girona were still keen on Fariñas ahead of the January window, with a loan possible.
- Oct 31, 2026Fariñas made his official Barcelona debut, starting at right back against Alavés at Spotify Camp Nou in a 6-1 LaLiga win and playing the full 90 minutes.
- Nov 1, 2026Mundo Deportivo reported his debut numbers: 114 touches, 100 passes completed with just three misplaced, two successful tackles and six ball recoveries, tied with Rodri for most on the team.
- Nov 2, 2026Goal reported Barcelona host Aston Villa in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Fariñas possibly retaining his spot amid defensive injuries.
Who’s saying what
- Player
- Fariñas said he is very happy and proud after years of work, calling it what every boy dreams of, and credited academy teammates including Cubarsi, Rodri, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal with giving him confidence.
- Coach
- Hansi Flick called Fariñas intelligent and deserving to play, and said he and De Jong were willing to help the team by playing outside their natural positions.
Still unverified
Whether Barcelona would sanction a January loan or whether Fariñas is looking for a winter move is unconfirmed; whether Flick will start him against Aston Villa is a decision still to be made.