Former Barcelona starlet Ansu Fati shares surprising new career news that caught everyone off guard
In a different world, Ansu Fati would be one of Spain’s stars at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Right now, Spain is counting on 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who played a big part in their Euro 2024 win two years ago. But before Yamal, there was another amazing Spanish talent from Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy.
Fati joined Barcelona from Sevilla when he was just 10. He became the youngest scorer for the club at 16 years and 304 days old, and also the youngest player to score in the Champions League at 17 years and 40 days. That record still stands, with Yamal scoring at the same age but a bit older. Many thought Fati would be the next Lionel Messi, and Messi himself said Fati “has everything to be a great player.”
When Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain, Fati took over the famous No. 10 shirt. Unfortunately, injuries slowed him down, and he spent the 2023/24 season on loan in the Premier League with Brighton. Back at Barca, he didn’t get much playing time under coach Hansi Flick, and last season he played on loan at Monaco, scoring 12 goals in 30 games as they finished seventh in Ligue 1.
Instead of playing in his second World Cup for Spain, Fati has been busy on social media sharing his new passion. On TikTok, he teased his debut music single ‘Sea como sea,’ which he announced to his 2.2 million followers. The clip got more than 3 million views and almost 450,000 likes, but many fans were surprised to see him take this path at just 23.
One comment read, “How do I explain to my kids that this was supposed to be the next Messi?” Another said, “Wonder Kid to Wizkid,” and others joked, “Future Ballon d’Or winner now looking for Grammy.” Someone else simply wrote, “Football is a cruel sport.”
Fati’s big setback was a meniscus tear in 2020 that kept him out for nine months and led to several muscle injuries. Still, he played in two games as a substitute in the 2022 World Cup. However, he hasn’t played for Spain in nearly three years, his last appearance coming in October 2023 in a win against Norway.
Music has become a big part of his life, and he signed a global deal with Music Brokers, a Sony Music company. His new track is now on Spotify, where he has just over 200 followers. Fati recorded the song in Nice with former Manchester United and France star Paul Pogba and producer Gambinoalaprod. His music mixes Afrobeats Latino, Reggaeton, and Amapiano styles.
As for his football future, Fati is expected to sign with Monaco permanently after they decide to pay their €11 million buy option.