Hansi Flick shows admiration for Barcelona icon with shirt pick on preseason tour

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BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 15: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on from the dugout prior to the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and FC Barcelona at RCDE Stadium on May 15, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

As FC Barcelona continues their preseason tour of Asia with an upcoming match against Daegu FC, a lighthearted moment off the pitch gave fans a glimpse into the personal preferences of some key figures at the club.

After their win over FC Seoul, head coach Hansi Flick was joined by Alejandro Balde and Frenkie de Jong for a visit to the Nike store in Seoul. The outing quickly turned into a nostalgic tribute to footballing history.

Among the many classic shirts on display, it was Hansi Flick’s choice that captured the most attention. According to Mundo Deportivo, the German coach immediately selected a vintage Lionel Messi jersey, the same one worn during the Argentine legend’s official debut for Barcelona.

Featuring the number 30 on the back, the shirt holds deep sentimental value for fans as it marks the beginning of one of football’s greatest careers.

The players took a more playful and exploratory approach. Alejandro Balde, the young left-back, appeared interested in shirts belonging to Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto’o. However, he ultimately chose a blue Brazil jersey representing the legendary Ronaldo Nazário.

Frenkie de Jong, known for his calm and thoughtful demeanor, leaned toward tradition. He admired Ronaldo’s classic yellow Brazil shirt and was equally impressed by an Italian jersey honoring the iconic Paolo Maldini.

While the team remains focused on their preparations for the new season, this brief moment served as a reminder of the timeless appeal of football’s most historic jerseys and the emotional connection they continue to inspire among fans and professionals alike.

Tags Alejandro Balde FC Barcelona Frenkie de Jong Hansi Flick