FC Barcelona is set to dispatch two officials to the U17 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, underscoring the club's commitment to youth scouting. The tournament, marking its 40th edition, will feature 48 national teams from November 3 to 27. This move highlights Barcelona's strategy to identify emerging talents for their La Masia academy.
The U17 FIFA World Cup, organized by FIFA for players under 17, serves as a key platform for discovering global football prospects. As reported by SPORT and Barca Universal, Barcelona's head of scouting, Joao Amaral, will lead the delegation alongside another representative. Amaral, who assumed his role at the start of the season, previously identified talents like Mexico's Gilberto Mora at the U20 World Cup in Chile. Mora has since drawn interest from Real Madrid and Premier League clubs.
Barcelona views the tournament as a vital part of their broader scouting strategy, allowing them to track young players and spot new ones early. The club has a history of unearthing stars from such events, including Neymar, Phil Foden, Casemiro, Victor Osimhen, Toni Kroos, and current Barcelona prospects Pau Cubarsi and Marc Bernal.
La Masia, Barcelona's renowned academy, embodies their focus on youth development, producing top-tier talent through a philosophy emphasizing skill and possession-based play. By attending, Barcelona aims to strengthen global networks and stay competitive in talent acquisition.
Football analyst Maria Sanchez noted, “Barcelona’s decision to send officials to the U17 FIFA World Cup underscores their proactive approach to talent identification. In a competitive market where top prospects are highly sought after, having a strong presence at youth tournaments is crucial for staying ahead of the curve.” This presence reinforces Barcelona's role in shaping football's future through sustainable youth initiatives.