Guinean midfielder Ilaix Moriba admits regret over Barcelona exit: “i made a mistake”

Ilaix Moriba has openly admitted that leaving Barcelona at a young age was a mistake, as the Guinean midfielder reflected on his turbulent journey since departing the Catalan giants in 2021.

The 21-year-old, once hailed as one of Barcelona’s brightest prospects, left the club just as he was breaking into the first team.

Promoted at 18, Moriba had already made 18 senior appearances, scoring once and providing three assists.

Despite being tipped for a bright future, he made a high-profile switch to German side RB Leipzig for around €16 million in the summer of 2021.

However, the move failed to meet expectations. Moriba struggled to find form in the Bundesliga and was soon loaned out to Valencia and later Getafe, as Leipzig deemed his performances below par.

Former Barcelona sporting director Ramon Planes reflected on the decision, suggesting Moriba left too soon.

“He is a good example for many players in the Barça cantera. I spoke to him a lot. I remember the last few weeks when Koeman [then Barcelona coach] called him into his office and told him, ‘Stay, I’m counting on you.’ Ilaix didn’t make the right decision,” Planes told Sport.

Now on loan at Celta Vigo, Moriba has found a new sense of stability. Featuring in 22 La Liga matches this season, with 13 starts and one assist, he seems to be rebuilding his career—though not without acknowledging past missteps.

“I was wrong to leave Barça. I was very young and had a lot of pressure,” Moriba admitted in a recent interview.

“For a moment, I thought it was all over,” he added, reflecting on the difficulties he faced post-Barcelona.

Despite the rocky path, the Conakry-born midfielder is finally finding his footing at Celta Vigo.

“Fortunately, I am happy at Celta now,” he shared, hinting at a sense of relief after years of instability.

Celta Vigo, impressed by Moriba’s resurgence, are reportedly considering triggering the option to buy at the end of the season, according to Sport.

Such a move would offer the Guinean international, who has 23 caps and one goal for the Syli National, a chance at long-term stability—something he has lacked since leaving Barcelona.

Moriba’s journey serves as a cautionary tale for young footballers navigating the complexities of early success.

The allure of big-money moves and rapid career advancement can sometimes overshadow the importance of development and patience.

His candid reflections highlight the immense pressure young players face and the lasting impact of pivotal career decisions.

While his Barcelona chapter ended prematurely, Moriba is determined to script a more positive future, with Celta Vigo offering the platform he now values.

Whether the Galician side will make his stay permanent remains to be seen, but for now, the midfielder seems content with his newfound footing.