Keita Baldé, the Senegalese international and Monza winger, has been named in Catalonia’s squad for an upcoming friendly against Costa Rica.
The match, set to take place this Wednesday at Barcelona’s Estadi Johan Cruyff, marks Catalonia’s return to action after a year-long hiatus.
Catalonia’s representative side, affectionately known as La Segadora, last competed against Panama over a year ago.
This fixture arrives during the final international break of the 2024-2025 season, providing the team an opportunity to showcase regional talent ahead of the summer.
Coach Gerard López has confirmed a 22-man roster for the encounter with the Costa Rican side. Among those called up is 30-year-old Keita Baldé Diao, who brings extensive international experience, having earned 40 caps and scored six goals for Senegal.
Despite his African national team commitments, Baldé will don the Catalan jersey for the first time, joining the ranks of other renowned players such as Gerard Piqué, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, and Sergio Busquets who have represented the team.
The squad boasts several notable names from various leagues across Europe. Joan Garcia of Espanyol, Eric Garcia and Pau Victor from FC Barcelona, Ferran Jutglà currently at Club Brugge, Alex Moreno representing Nottingham Forest, Gerard Martin also from Barcelona’s ranks, and Aleix Garcia of Leverkusen are all included. Their presence underscores the depth of talent the region continues to produce.
It is important to note that the Catalan national team is governed by the Catalan Football Federation (FCF) and operates outside the jurisdiction of FIFA and UEFA. As a result, Catalonia is ineligible for official international tournaments and instead focuses exclusively on friendly fixtures.
Since its inaugural match in 1912, the team has maintained this tradition, serving as a symbol of Catalan identity and pride through football.
The upcoming friendly against Costa Rica will not only allow players like Keita Baldé to represent their cultural roots but also provide an exciting showcase for football fans in the region.
Hosted at the Johan Cruyff Stadium—home to FC Barcelona’s reserve and women’s teams—the match promises a competitive and spirited contest.
For Baldé, this call-up represents a unique chapter in his career. Known for his pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability on the left wing, he has experienced success at both club and international levels, including being part of Senegal’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad.
His participation with Catalonia highlights the complex nature of modern football identities, where players often balance club commitments, national team duties, and regional allegiances.
Catalonia’s fixture list remains limited but meaningful, offering a platform for players tied to the region to celebrate their heritage.
With this match against Costa Rica, La Segadora aims to build on past performances and continue fostering regional pride through football.
As the game approaches, attention will focus on how Baldé and his teammates perform on the pitch, carrying the hopes of Catalan supporters eager to see their side compete once again on the international stage—albeit outside the traditional FIFA framework.
