Senegalese international Mikayil Faye has spoken candidly about his lasting connection to FC Barcelona, describing the Spanish giants as the club of his heart and revealing he still follows all their matches, whether live or on replay.
The 20-year-old defender, who joined French side Rennes in the summer of 2024 after a season with Barcelona, shared his reflections in an exclusive interview with Africasoccer.
Despite now playing in Ligue 1, Faye says his attachment to the Blaugrana remains as strong as ever.
“I’ve been a fan of this club since I was a child,” Faye explained. “I’ve always loved Barça.”
Asked whether he keeps up with the team’s fixtures, the former Barcelona B player was unequivocal. “I try as much as possible. Sometimes the match schedules clash with Rennes games, but even then, I make time to watch the Barça matches on replay the next day. So yes, I can say I watch all of Barça’s games.”
Faye’s connection to the Catalan club goes beyond mere fandom. He credits his time at Barcelona with helping shape him into the player he is today.
“At Barça, I developed a lot both tactically and technically,” he said. “That experience helps me every day in my work here at Rennes. I took nothing but positive things from my time at the club.”
Faye joined Barcelona’s youth ranks after impressing with Croatian side NK Kustosija. He became part of the club’s B team structure, gaining valuable experience under the renowned system that has produced some of football’s finest talents.
Though his stint was brief, his admiration for La Masia, the club’s fabled academy, is enduring.
“We’re still talking about Barça here, a legendary club, an institution,” he continued. “The level of the young players coming out of the academy speaks for itself. Just look at the current first team. That’s the best proof of the quality of La Masia.”
Faye’s admiration is not only reserved for the club but also for the teammates he left behind. He remains in close contact with several of Barcelona’s emerging stars.
“Of course, I stay in touch,” he said. “I often talk with Lamine Yamal, Baldé, Casado, Fermín López. We interact nearly every day.”
Despite now wearing the colours of Rennes, where he continues to grow as a professional, the young centre-back has made it clear that Barcelona still holds a special place in his heart.
Faye also shared his excitement about watching Barcelona’s recent UEFA Champions League semi-final clash with Inter Milan, stating he was glued to his television during the high-stakes fixture. “Yes, like everyone else, I was right in front of the TV,” he smiled. “It was a beautiful match.”
As Mikayil Faye forges ahead with his career in France, his eyes and his heart remain firmly fixed on Barcelona. His journey may have taken him to Rennes, but his passion for the club that shaped him remains undiminished.
