Barcelona extend Xavi Espart’s contract to 2030 after academy graduate makes his mark

Barcelona have rewarded young defender Xavi Espart’s progress by extending his contract until 2030, with the La Masia graduate saying it is a source of pride to continue his career at the club he has supported since childhood.

Barcelona announced the agreement on Thursday, underlining their confidence in the development of a player who joined the club’s academy at an early age before gradually establishing himself in first-team plans.

Espart marked the new deal by sharing a video on social media featuring key moments from his journey with Barcelona. Alongside it, he posted an emotional message describing his long-standing connection with the Catalan club.

“I was born a Barcelona supporter and have played for the club since I was eight years old,” Espart said. “Thanks to everything the club and La Masia academy have given me, I have been able to achieve my first dreams.”

He added: “It has always been a source of pride to defend these colours, and wearing this shirt is a dream that has become reality.

“Now it is time to keep working, give my very best and enjoy the moment, so that we can take Barcelona to the highest possible level.”

Espart made his Barcelona debut in the Champions League last season, before becoming increasingly important to German manager Hansi Flick during the current campaign.

The defender started five of Barcelona’s first eight matches of the season, reflecting his growing role within the squad. His contract extension represents a further commitment from the club to retaining promising players developed through La Masia.

The new agreement keeps Espart at Barcelona until 2030 and provides a clear indication of the club’s desire to build around emerging academy talent as his involvement with the first team continues to increase.