At just 16 years old, Nuhu Fofana Diarrassouba has made a remarkable return to FC Barcelona, the club where his early footballing dream first took shape—and where it was initially put on hold.
The young Malian forward, who is attracting interest from some of Spain’s biggest clubs, has signed a two-year contract with Barcelona following an impressive spell at UE Cornellà.
His father Modibo Fofana reflected on his son’s emotional journey and determination to prove himself worthy of wearing the blaugrana colours once more.
“Nuhu started kicking a ball at 3 years and 6 months. I accompanied his older brother to training sessions every time, and one day he escaped to take to the pitch,” Modibo recalled. “Everyone was amazed, even the club coach, who told me to let him play. At the time, I was paying 580 euros a year for his brother’s training, but they didn’t ask me for anything for Nuhu.”
That early promise led to a place at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at the age of seven.
But after two years, the club let him go, citing concerns about his physical development.
“He was released at the age of 9, because his growth was slow and they found him a little fat,” his father said. “That day, I came to find him crying at home. He told me that he had just been released by FC Barcelona, but that he would continue working until they came back for him.”
True to his word, Nuhu’s journey took him through several clubs—Mataro, Sabadell, and UE Cornellà.
At Cornellà, he began to shine, even making his debut with the first team.
Over the course of the season, he tallied eight goals in 35 appearances, performances that reignited Barcelona’s interest.
“After years, the FC Barcelona director came back to see us, to say that they were very happy with Nuhu’s progress and that they wanted to sign him,” said Modibo. “There were many other clubs like Real Madrid, Valencia CF, Atlético Madrid and Villarreal… But, he decided to return to FC Barcelona, a club he already knew.”
A left winger with the ability to use both feet—though most of his goals come from his left—Nuhu is now the only new signing at Barcelona this year.
The club has expressed confidence in his potential and commitment.
“They say they are proud of their determination and self-belief. He has worked hard to reach this level and I hope he will continue to perform well with Barça,” his father concluded.
With his return to Barcelona now official, Nuhu Fofana Diarrassouba steps into the next chapter of his young career—one shaped by resilience, ambition, and a deep love for the game.
