Malian forward Ibrahim Diarra is set to join FC Barcelona’s senior squad for the 2025–26 pre-season, marking a significant milestone in his fast-developing career.
The 18-year-old attacker, who joined Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy in late December 2024, has caught the attention of head coach Hansi Flick with his recent standout performances in the UEFA Youth League.
Flick has personally sanctioned Diarra’s inclusion in the first-team preparations, according to reports published on Thursday by Sport .
Diarra’s progression has been anything but smooth. Despite arriving with a strong reputation—having finished as the second-highest scorer at the 2023 U17 World Cup—his first few months in Catalonia were overshadowed by physical setbacks and administrative hurdles.
These early obstacles limit his ability to integrate quickly into the club’s structure. At one point, he was entirely absent from the matchday squads of Barça Atlètic, the club’s B team, which itself was enduring a difficult campaign.
However, the tide began to turn under the guidance of Juliano Belletti, a former Barcelona defender now managing the Juvenil side. Diarra gradually regained fitness and confidence, playing both as a winger and in a supporting striker role. His performances began to stand out, especially in the latter stages of the Youth League.
The defining moment of his season came in the Youth League final, where Barcelona triumphed over Trabzonspor. Diarra was instrumental in the win, scoring twice and assisting another goal.
It was a performance that not only showcased his raw ability but also reaffirmed the promise he showed during his youth international career with Mali.
With Barcelona set to begin their pre-season training under Flick on July 13, Diarra will have the opportunity to train alongside senior players for the first time.
The squad is expected to travel to Asia as part of their pre-season tour, but inclusion in that final group is not guaranteed. Diarra will need to impress in training sessions and friends if he hopes to secure a spot in the traveling party.
His invitation to join the senior squad represents a notable vote of confidence from the club. While it does not assure him a permanent place with the first team, it is an undeniable signal that Barcelona sees potential in the young forward. For Diarra, who has endured a testing adaptation period, the call-up is both a reward and a challenge.
What lies ahead is an intense period of evaluation. If he can carry his recent momentum into the senior set-up, Diarra could find himself accelerating even further in a career that, just months ago, appeared to be stalling before it had truly begun.
Barcelona’s management, staff, and fans will now watch closely as the Malian talent attempts to turn a summer opportunity into something more lasting.
🚨 Ibrahim Diarra will be at the first pre-season training sessions with the FC Barcelona first team!
For the Japan tour, it’s not yet guaranteed. 🇲🇱
🗞️ @Espacio_Masia pic.twitter.com/kkAGbwymrd
— The Eagles of Mali 🇲🇱🦅 (@AiglesDuMali_) June 12, 2025
