Fermin Lopez matches Diego Maradona’s Barcelona goal tally ahead of 100th La Liga appearance

Fermin Lopez says it is a source of great satisfaction to have matched Diego Armando Maradona’s 38 goals for Barcelona, while insisting he cannot be compared with one of football’s greatest players.

The 23-year-old midfielder reached the milestone with Barcelona’s first team and is hoping to add to his total. He has made 150 appearances for the club, contributing 38 goals and 36 assists.

“I cannot compare myself with a player like Maradona. Every player has their own path, but I am very happy to have equalled the goal tally of a player like him,” Fermin told Mundo Deportivo. “I hope to score more.”

Fermin is set to make his 100th La Liga appearance for Barcelona when they face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, 08 November 2026.

‘I am a direct player’

Asked about the reason for his goalscoring output, Fermin said his attacking approach had been part of his game since childhood.

“My main quality is that I play very directly,” he said. “Since I was young, I have had these characteristics and this mentality that always push me forwards, towards the goal, while thinking about scoring and creating chances.”

He added: “It is something inside me, and I continue to develop it over time. But if I had to choose one quality, I would say that I am a direct player.”

Although he has provided 36 assists for Barcelona, Fermin said scoring remains his preferred contribution.

“I prefer scoring, honestly,” he said. “Ultimately, creating goals also helps the team, because you help your team-mates score and it gives you happiness to have done something for the team, but I prefer goals.”

Fermin has scored six goals and supplied seven assists during the current season. However, he declined to reveal the target he has set for the end of the campaign.

“I do not want to say it, so I do not bring bad luck,” he said.

When asked again whether he had established a numerical objective, he replied: “Yes, I try to set myself a target, but without too much pressure, honestly.”

‘Lamine and I know each other 100%’

Fermin also spoke about his close relationship with Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal, who recently praised the comfort he feels playing alongside the midfielder because of the space Fermin creates and their understanding on the pitch.

“That means a lot to me, because for me he is the best,” Fermin said. “For him to feel comfortable as a player with me, and for us to have this relationship and connection, is important for me and for the team as well.”

The midfielder said their partnership was rooted in their childhood, helping to explain their strong understanding during matches.

“I have known Lamine since we were young,” he said. “When you have a friend off the pitch, you also have that relationship, and things become easier on the pitch. You know him completely, and I think he and I know each other 100%.”

He added: “That is what we try to do on the pitch, and I am very happy to play with him because, in truth, he is the best.”