Seydou Keita Reunites with Former Club Ahead of Copa del Rey Final
Former FC Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita returned to familiar ground on Wednesday night as his old side faced arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. Now plying his trade at Valencia following a stint in China, the Malian international was seen offering his support to his former teammates ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
Keita, who was a key part of the Barcelona squad between 2008 and 2012, arrived at the stadium in a show of solidarity, hoping to inspire the Catalan giants in their latest El Clásico showdown.
However, despite the encouraging presence of the veteran midfielder, Barcelona were unable to overcome a determined Real Madrid side, ultimately falling 2-1 in a tightly contested match. The defeat handed Madrid another piece of silverware and extended their recent dominance in domestic competition.
During his time at the Camp Nou, Keita played under Pep Guardiola and was part of one of the most successful eras in the club’s history, winning numerous La Liga titles and Champions League trophies. Renowned for his versatility, intelligence, and work rate, the Malian was a trusted figure in midfield and contributed significantly during his four-year tenure.
Although his visit did not change the course of the final, Keita’s appearance was a poignant reminder of the deep connections forged during his Barcelona days and the mutual respect between former players and the club.
