Munir El Haddadi Makes Historic Debut for Barcelona
BBC-style report – under 500 words
Teenage forward Munir El Haddadi made a dream debut for FC Barcelona on Sunday evening, scoring in the club’s 3–0 win over Elche at the Camp Nou and etching his name into the club’s history books.
The 18-year-old Spanish-Moroccan striker, a product of Barça’s famed La Masia academy, netted the Catalan giants’ second goal in what was his first official appearance for the senior side. In doing so, he became the third-youngest goalscorer in the club’s history, at just 18 years and 357 days. Only Lionel Messi and Bojan Krkic found the net at a younger age for Barcelona.
El Haddadi’s strike came in the second half after he had already hit the crossbar in the first period, displaying composure and sharp instincts far beyond his years. His goal followed a first-half opener by Lionel Messi, who later added a second to seal a comfortable victory for new manager Luis Enrique in his La Liga managerial debut with the club.
With Neymar sidelined through injury and Luis Suárez still serving a suspension, Enrique handed El Haddadi his opportunity — and the young forward did not disappoint. His pace, technical ability, and eye for goal impressed both fans and pundits, who now see him as a potential breakout star for the 2014–15 season.
El Haddadi’s rise has been rapid. After scoring four goals in five pre-season matches, including a brace in the Joan Gamper Trophy against León, the youngster forced his way into Enrique’s plans for the opening weekend of the league campaign.
“Munir is showing that he’s ready,” said Enrique after the match. “He’s taken his chance with both hands. His attitude and finishing are impressive for someone so young.”
El Haddadi joined Barcelona in 2011 and quickly caught the eye with standout performances for the youth and reserve teams. He was a key figure in the club’s UEFA Youth League triumph last season and appears now poised to play a bigger role in the senior setup.
As Barcelona begin a new era under Enrique, the emergence of yet another La Masia gem adds to the club’s legacy of promoting young talent. Whether El Haddadi can maintain his form remains to be seen, but on the evidence of Sunday night, he is more than ready for the challenge.
