FC Barcelona have done a brilliant job this season to get back on track after a topsy-turvy start to the 2025/26 campaign. Since the dismal Chelsea game at Stamford Bridge, the Catalan club has been perfect.
That turnaround has not only lifted confidence inside the dressing room but has also shifted sentiment in football betting circles, where Barcelona are once again being viewed as reliable contenders rather than risky picks.
One player whose recent years have been far from ideal is Gavi. The much-loved La Masia graduate has struggled with an injury that has limited him to the odd appearance since November 2023, and he still has a few months on the sidelines.
That said, this is a nice time to celebrate the Spaniard’s first-ever goal in Blaugrana colors. According to Mundo Deportivo, 18 December marks four years since Gavi got off the mark for the club, breaking Lionel Messi’s record in the process.
Winless in three games and with pressure on Xavi Hernandez, Gavi produced a sublime performance against Elche in a 2–0 win for Barcelona, which also included an assist for Ferran Jutglà that was eventually ruled out.
Gavi showed brilliant individual quality to score the first goal of the night and, in doing so, he surpassed Messi on Barcelona’s youngest goalscorers list. In the current ranking, only Lamine Yamal, Ansu Fati, and Bojan Krkic sit ahead of him.
On that night, Gavi was just 17 years and 16 days old. He played with the maturity of someone at least ten years older, earning lavish praise from all directions for his performance.
Since then, the La Masia graduate has grown into an even more well-rounded midfielder. Before his injury, he was showing signs of becoming one of Barcelona’s most important players. Unfortunately, catastrophe struck.
Right now, Gavi continues to be loved by the squad and his managers, Hansi Flick and Luis de la Fuente. They are waiting patiently for his return so they can reintegrate him and help him reach the expected level again.
The issue with the 21-year-old is that he always leaves 100% on the pitch, and without being at his physical best, it is unrealistic to expect him to contribute. He needs to be completely pain-free before rejoining the squad.
A World Cup year lies around the corner, and the young Spaniard will be keen to return in time to earn a ticket to the United States. Cutting corners in his recovery would be difficult and is not the route the club or the player should take.
The next few months will provide a clearer picture of his recovery. Let us see whether Gavi can make a complete comeback this time.
