‘That’s what happiness is’ – Ivan Rakitic hails La Masia and gives his verdict on Barcelona’s Champions League hopes
The Croatian is loving watching Lamine Yamal in the first team.
Lamine Yamal and Marc Bernal celebrate during the match between FC Barcelona and Levante UD, corresponding to week 25 of LaLiga EA Sports, played at the Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, on February 22, 2026. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) -- (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Former Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic has spoken of his delight at seeing Lamine Yamal starring for the Catalan giants alongside a host of other academy graduates. La Masia continues to deliver the goods with Yamal joined by players such as Marc Bernal , Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, and Eric Garcia in the starting XI at Barca.
Rakitic says he loves seeing young stars going all the way through the club and into the first team. “It’s not just him, it’s the whole team. I think if we go through it line by line, there’s a future for growth right now.
Barça can field a starting eleven with homegrown players,” he told AS. “They’re just kids, because I don’t know if they’re over 22 or 23. It’s amazing.
That’s what happiness is. That’s what Barça is all about. It shows the importance of the academy, La Masia, and all the coaches who work behind the scenes, whose importance is often underestimated.