This statistic is undoubtedly a source of pride for Barcelona fans, and several factors have contributed to this high number of academy graduates in the first team.

Louis van Gaal’s dream of winning the Champions League with a team entirely composed of La Masia products now seems distant. However, we are closer to the historic lineup under Tito Vilanova, where all starting players came from the academy. Over 13 years have passed since that 4-0 victory over Levante. Today at San Siro, Hansi Flick could field a lineup dominated by La Masia graduates. The German coach has included 15 academy players in his 23-man squad for this match.

Although Koundé is injured and Trincão is not registered for the Champions League, players like Balde, Casadó, or Bernal would have made the list if available. This statistic is a testament to Barcelona’s academy. Four key factors have enabled so many La Masia graduates to train with the first team, stay, and become regular starters. Five essential conditions have aligned:

1) The end of the era of legendary players (from Messi to Busquets) has created opportunities that didn’t exist before.

2) The club’s dire financial situation has prevented the purchase of replacements for these stars.

3) The team’s inconsistent results have opened doors for new players. When a team is in a winning cycle, there’s little room for academy graduates.

4) The courage of the coaches. Ronald Koeman gave debuts to Gavi, Balde, and Nico. Under Xavi, 16 La Masia players, including Lamine Yamal, Cubarsí, Fermín, Casadó, and Iñaki Peña, made their first appearances. Flick has also given opportunities to eight young La Masia talents like Bernal and Gerard Martín.

5) The talent and bravery of these players. If they hadn’t performed exceptionally, they might have debuted and then faded away. But all of them, deeply rooted in Barcelona’s philosophy, have earned their place in the first team on merit.