World Cup winner Gavi surprises Barcelona fans with bold new look ahead of new season

FC Barcelona fans were already eager to see Gavi back on the training ground after his World Cup triumph with Spain national football team, but the young midfielder gave supporters another reason to talk this week by unveiling a striking new look as preparations for the season intensify.

Barcelona held another training session Friday at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, the club’s final workout before traveling to Udine for Saturday’s triangular tournament. While much of the attention was on tactics and squad readiness, Gavi’s refreshed appearance quickly became a major talking point among fans and Spanish media.

The 22-year-old recently returned from vacation following Spain’s World Cup victory and only resumed training this week. He began his preseason work Thursday with an individual session as the coaching staff eased him back into action after an extended summer.

One of the club’s most recognizable young stars

Gavi’s return is an important boost for Barcelona, which is looking to begin the new campaign with momentum after an active summer and heightened expectations around the squad. The midfielder has become one of the club’s most recognizable young stars because of his relentless energy, aggressive pressing, and emotional connection with supporters, so even a change in hairstyle was enough to spark widespread reaction online.

Friday’s session represented the team’s last opportunity to fine-tune preparations before leaving for Italy, where Barcelona will use the tournament in Udine to continue building match fitness and rhythm ahead of the competitive season.

Unlike Gavi, who is still being reintegrated gradually, two of Barcelona’s other international stars are already fully involved with the group. Ronald Araújo, fresh from his commitments with Uruguay national football team, and Brazilian winger Raphinha have participated normally in team exercises and are expected to receive minutes Saturday in Udine.

The priority is that Gavi returns to full fitness

Their availability is encouraging news for manager Hansi Flick, who wants as many key players as possible involved before Barcelona’s season officially begins. Araújo remains the leader of the defense, while Raphinha is expected to play a central role in the attack after another productive campaign.

Gavi’s timeline is slightly different, but there is little concern within the club. The priority is ensuring that the midfielder returns to full fitness without rushing the process. Even limited participation this week has been viewed positively, and Barcelona expects him to rejoin regular group work soon.

The most immediate takeaway was seeing the World Cup winner back in club colors with a noticeably different style. Barcelona fans have always embraced players who bring personality as well as talent, and Gavi’s bold new look added an extra layer of excitement to an already anticipated return.