Ansu Fati
Anssumane Fati Vieira (born 31 October 2002), known professionally as Ansu Fati, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a left winger or forward for Ligue 1 club AS Monaco on loan from La Liga club FC Barcelona.[1][2] Born in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, Fati relocated to the Spanish town of Herrera in Seville at the age of six with his family, where he began his football journey in local youth setups.[3][1] Fati's early career progressed rapidly after joining Sevilla FC's youth academy and then transferring to FC Barcelona's renowned La Masia system in 2012 at age 10.[1] He made his senior debut for Barcelona on 25 August 2019 against Real Betis, becoming the club's youngest-ever player in a competitive match at 16 years and 298 days old.[4] Just six days later, on 31 August 2019, he scored his first La Liga goal against Osasuna, establishing a record as the youngest goalscorer in the competition's history at 16 years and 304 days.[2] Fati further cemented his prodigy status on 10 December 2019 by scoring against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League, making him the youngest goalscorer in the tournament's history at 17 years and 40 days.[1] Over his time at Barcelona, he appeared in 123 matches, scoring 29 goals and providing 8 assists, while winning two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and two Spanish Super Cups, including the 2024–25 season honors.[1] Fati's international career with Spain began at youth levels, including the under-17 and under-19 teams, before his senior debut on 3 September 2020 in a Nations League draw against Germany, where he became the second-youngest player to represent La Roja at 17 years and 307 days.[2] He scored his first international goal three days later against Ukraine, breaking the record as Spain's youngest-ever goalscorer at 17 years and 311 days.[2] Fati featured in major tournaments, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Spain's 2023 UEFA Nations League victory.[1] Despite his early promise, Fati's development was significantly disrupted by injuries, starting with a torn meniscus in his left knee sustained on 7 November 2020 against Real Betis, which required surgery and sidelined him for over 320 days.[5] Subsequent issues, including multiple knee surgeries, hamstring problems, and other setbacks, limited his playing time, with further absences in the 2021–22 and 2023–24 seasons totaling over 500 days out.[6] To regain form, Fati was loaned to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion for the 2023–24 season, where he made 27 appearances and scored 4 goals.[1] In July 2025, following a contract extension with Barcelona until 2028, he joined AS Monaco on a season-long loan until June 2026, with an option to buy.[7] At Monaco, Fati has shown signs of resurgence, scoring 6 goals in 11 matches across 506 minutes as of November 2025.[1][8]Background
Early life
Anssumane Fati Vieira, known as Ansu Fati, was born on 31 October 2002 in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, to Bori Fati, a former professional footballer who had played in Portugal's lower leagues, and Lurdes Fati.[9][10][11] Fati spent his early childhood in the São Paulo district of Bissau, living with his mother, siblings, cousins, and grandmother amid the challenges of a developing nation. From the age of three, he played street football barefoot with his cousins, often using rolled-up socks or makeshift plastic balls as equipment, fostering his initial passion for the game.[12][13] In 2009, at the age of six, Fati relocated with his mother and siblings to Herrera, a small town near Seville in Andalusia, Spain, to join his father, who had migrated years earlier seeking better opportunities. Bori Fati had taken on various manual jobs, including work on the railways, as a bricklayer, waiter, dustman, and chauffeur, to save enough money to bring his family over from Guinea-Bissau.[11][14] Upon arriving in Spain, Fati faced initial difficulties adapting to the colder climate and cultural differences, receiving hand-me-down clothes from local residents in the supportive community of Herrera. Fati's first exposure to organized football came through local play in Herrera, where he continued kicking a ball around with friends, much like in Bissau, which helped him integrate socially. His father's background as a footballer sparked Fati's early interest in the sport during these formative years.[11][14]Personal life
Ansu Fati is a practicing Muslim who has publicly discussed the role of faith in his life, stating that his family are Muslims and that belief, combined with hard work, enables achievement with God's help.[15] He has emphasized praying daily, a practice instilled by his parents from childhood, and credited prayer for providing strength during his injury recoveries, where he specifically prayed for his family before focusing on himself.[15] Fati maintains close ties with his family, including his father, Bori Fati, a former footballer who manages his son's career alongside agent Jorge Mendes.[16] His older brother, Braima Fati, is also a professional footballer who has played in lower leagues in Spain and England.[17] Fati has a younger brother, Miguel Fati, and the family provided significant emotional support during his prolonged injuries, reinforcing their bond through shared faith and encouragement.[18] In philanthropy, Fati and his family collaborated with the Elena Barraquer Foundation in July 2024 on a medical mission to Guinea-Bissau, providing eye care services to local communities as an act of solidarity with his country of birth.[19]Club career
Barcelona youth and academy
Ansu Fati began his organized football journey in Spain at the age of seven, joining the local team CDF Herrera in 2009 following his family's relocation from Guinea-Bissau. He briefly played for Escuela Peloteros before moving to Sevilla FC's youth system in 2010, where he developed his early skills until 2012.[20][9] In 2012, at age nine, Fati trialed successfully and joined FC Barcelona's La Masia academy, selecting it over other options like Real Madrid due to its residential facilities that supported both football training and education. After signing, he faced a brief delay, playing friendlies with Peloteros for a year before debuting for the Under-11s A team in 2013 under coach Marc Serra, who focused on building his respect for the game and goal-scoring efficiency.[12][21] Fati progressed steadily through La Masia's ranks from 2012 to 2016 in the general youth teams, then the U16 Cadete level from 2016 to 2018, and finally the U19 Juvenil A squad in 2018, where he debuted at age 15. As a centre-forward in the Alevín A (U11) team, he demonstrated prolific scoring with 56 league goals, later transitioning to the left wing to enhance his overall contributions. He helped secure victories in youth tournaments, including the Easter MIC against Real Madrid and a beginner's league in Granada, where he topped the scoring charts with seven goals.[9][20][21] Throughout his academy tenure, Fati trained under influential coaches who shaped his technical abilities, including Marcel Sans in the Under-16s B, who praised his determination during penalty practice; Franc Artiga in the Under-19s, who deployed him as a false nine to foster creativity; and Víctor Valdés in Juvenil A, who highlighted his strength, speed, and self-confidence while providing personal support like new boots. These experiences honed key skills such as dribbling, finishing, and game intelligence, preparing him for higher levels while emphasizing a balance between flair and effectiveness.[21][22]Barcelona first team (2019–2023)
Ansu Fati made his first-team debut for Barcelona on 25 August 2019, substituting in during a 5–2 La Liga victory over Real Betis at the age of 16 years and 298 days, marking him as the club's youngest debutant in 78 years.[4] Just six days later, on 31 August 2019, he scored his first goal for the senior side in a 2–2 draw against Osasuna, becoming Barcelona's youngest-ever La Liga goalscorer at 16 years and 304 days old.[23] During the 2019–20 season, Fati featured in 24 La Liga matches, scoring 6 goals, while also netting once in the UEFA Champions League to become the competition's youngest-ever goalscorer at 17 years and 40 days against Inter Milan on 10 December 2019.[24] His rapid rise from La Masia established him as a key attacking option under managers Quique Setién and then Ronald Koeman. Fati's breakthrough continued into the early part of the 2020–21 season, where he recorded 4 goals across all competitions in 7 La Liga appearances before suffering a severe setback.[25] On 7 November 2020, during a 5–2 win over Real Betis, he tore the meniscus in his left knee, requiring surgery and initially sidelining him for four months; complications extended his absence to approximately 10 months.[26] He made a brief return in September 2021, scoring in a 5–2 La Liga win against Levante, but subsequent knee issues hampered his progress.[27] In October 2021, amid his injury recovery, Fati signed a contract extension with Barcelona until 2027, including a €1 billion release clause to reflect the club's long-term commitment.[28] However, recurring problems persisted into the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons, where hamstring injuries limited him, with approximately 46 total appearances across all competitions and 11 goals.[6] A proximal hamstring tendon injury in January 2022 kept him out for three months, followed by further muscle strains that restricted his involvement under Xavi Hernández.[29] Over his initial four seasons with Barcelona's first team from 2019 to 2023, Fati made 77 appearances and scored 22 goals, setting records as the youngest player to score for the club in both La Liga and the Champions League.[30] Despite the promise of his early exploits, persistent injuries overshadowed his development and curtailed his consistent contributions to the squad.Loan to Brighton & Hove Albion (2023–2024)
On 1 September 2023, FC Barcelona agreed to loan Ansu Fati to Brighton & Hove Albion for the 2023–24 season, with the deal running until 30 June 2024 and no option to buy included.[31][32] The move aimed to provide the 20-year-old forward with regular playing time in the Premier League to aid his recovery from prior fitness issues and rebuild his confidence away from the pressures at his parent club. Brighton covered a significant portion of Fati's wages, estimated at around 80% of his Barcelona salary, reflecting their commitment to integrating the Spanish international into Roberto De Zerbi's possession-based system.[33] Fati made his debut for Brighton on 16 September 2023, substituting in the 64th minute during a 3–1 Premier League victory away at Manchester United.[34] He went on to make 19 appearances in the Premier League that season, starting 7 matches and scoring 2 goals—one in a 6–1 defeat to Aston Villa on 30 September 2023 and another in a 4–0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on 22 January 2024.[35] Across all competitions, he featured in 31 games and netted 4 goals, including contributions in the UEFA Europa League. However, his progress was hampered by muscle injuries, notably a hamstring problem sustained in November 2023 that sidelined him for approximately three months and caused him to miss 16 matches overall.[36][6] These setbacks, combined with the demands of adapting to the Premier League's intensity and physicality, limited his consistency, as he often played as a substitute or in rotated roles.[37] Despite the challenges, Fati's pace and dribbling added dynamism to Brighton's attack, particularly in transitional phases, helping the team secure an 11th-place finish in the Premier League and reach the knockout stages of the Europa League.[38] He recorded a goal involvement every 199 minutes across his appearances, outperforming some regular starters like Simon Adingra in efficiency, though critics noted inconsistencies in his decision-making and end product under pressure.[39] De Zerbi praised Fati's speed and potential but emphasized the need for further adaptation to English football's rigors, viewing the loan as a developmental step rather than an immediate starring role.[40]Return to Barcelona (2024–2025)
Following the conclusion of his loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, Ansu Fati returned to FC Barcelona in July 2024, rejoining the first-team squad under new head coach Hansi Flick.[41] Despite high expectations for a resurgence, Fati struggled to secure consistent playing time, serving primarily as a squad player amid a competitive attacking lineup. In the 2024–25 La Liga season, he made 11 appearances, totaling limited minutes without scoring a goal, as his opportunities were curtailed by ongoing recovery from prior injuries and tactical preferences favoring other wingers.[42][8] Fati's contributions were more notable in domestic cup competitions, where he provided key assists during Barcelona's successful Copa del Rey campaign, helping the team advance in early rounds.[20] These efforts, though sporadic, underscored his utility in rotational roles during the club's cup run, which culminated in victory. He was part of the squad that clinched the 2024–25 La Liga title, Barcelona's second in three years, as well as the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup triumphs, marking a domestic treble under Flick's management.[43][44] However, Fati's limited starts—often overshadowed by the emergence of Lamine Yamal on the left wing and Raphinha's established presence—highlighted stalled progress in reclaiming a starting berth.[45] In June 2025, amid frustrations over his peripheral role, Barcelona agreed to loan him to AS Monaco for the following season, a move aimed at revitalizing his career. Prior to the transfer, Fati extended his contract with Barcelona until 2028, including provisions that facilitated the loan while retaining future options for the club.[46][42]Loan to AS Monaco (2025–present)
On 1 July 2025, Ansu Fati joined AS Monaco on a one-year loan from FC Barcelona, set to run until June 2026, with the Ligue 1 club holding an option to purchase the forward for €11 million.[47][48] The move allowed Fati, who had extended his Barcelona contract prior to the loan, to seek regular playing time in France after limited opportunities in his previous stint back at the Camp Nou.[46] Fati marked his debut for Monaco on 18 September 2025 in a UEFA Champions League league phase match against Club Brugge, scoring a consolation goal in the 90+2nd minute during a 4-1 loss, demonstrating his clinical finishing despite the team's defensive struggles.[49] In the 2025–26 Ligue 1 season, Fati quickly integrated into the squad, making 8 appearances and scoring 5 goals in Ligue 1 (6 goals in 10 matches across all competitions) as of November 15, 2025, often as a substitute turning games in Monaco's favor.[50] His contributions have been instrumental in Monaco's strong start, with the club sitting 6th in the league table as of November 15, 2025.[51] Fati's goals, including a brace against Metz in a 5-2 victory, highlighted his resurgence as a dynamic winger capable of exploiting spaces in transition.[52] Fati has exhibited marked improvements in fitness and confidence since arriving in Monaco, enabling him to handle the league's high-intensity pace and maintain consistent performances without the injury setbacks that plagued his earlier career.[53][54] He has adapted effectively by forming productive on-field partnerships with attacking midfielders like Aleksandr Golovin, whose creative play has complemented Fati's movement off the ball and direct runs into the box.[55] This synergy has enhanced Monaco's forward line, allowing Fati to focus on his strengths in one-on-one situations and goal-scoring instincts. Looking ahead, Fati's loan includes provisions for a potential permanent transfer, though Monaco's sporting director Thiago Scuro indicated in October 2025 that the club is deferring any decision until the season's end to assess his long-term fit.[48] Alternatively, strong performances could prompt a recall to Barcelona, where he remains under contract until 2028.[56] His revitalized form has also boosted his prospects for a Spain national team recall, with coach Luis de la Fuente monitoring his progress ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.[57]International career
Youth international career
Ansu Fati, born in Guinea-Bissau to Bissau-Guinean parents, relocated to Spain with his family at the age of six and developed through FC Barcelona's La Masia academy, which influenced his decision to represent Spain internationally over his country of birth.[3] He obtained Spanish citizenship in September 2019, making him eligible to play for La Roja at all levels.[58] Fati's youth international career began with a call-up to the Spain U21 squad in October 2019, bypassing lower age groups due to his rapid progression to Barcelona's senior team. He was considered for the Spain U17 team but not selected for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup.[59] He made his debut on 15 October 2019 as a substitute in a UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Montenegro, which Spain won 2–0, becoming the second-youngest player to feature for the team at 16 years and 349 days old.[60] Fati appeared once more for the U21s on 19 November 2019 in a 3–0 friendly victory over Austria, earning a total of two caps without scoring.[61] Spain's youth coaches opted not to include him in the U17 squad for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup, prioritizing his integration into higher levels amid his breakout senior performances.[59]Senior international career
Ansu Fati received his first senior call-up to the Spain national team in August 2020 for the UEFA Nations League matches against Germany and Ukraine. He made his debut on 3 September 2020, coming on as a substitute in a 1–1 draw against Germany, becoming Spain's youngest debutant since 1936 at the age of 17 years and 307 days.[62] Three days later, on 6 September 2020, Fati started his first match for Spain against Ukraine and scored the third goal in a 4–0 victory, establishing himself as the youngest goalscorer in the nation's history at 17 years and 311 days.[63] Fati earned additional caps in 2020 during the Nations League, appearing as a substitute against Switzerland on 17 November. After a prolonged absence due to injuries, he returned in November 2022, scoring his second international goal in a 3–1 friendly win over Jordan. He was included in Spain's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he made substitute appearances totaling 37 minutes across two matches: 22 minutes against Japan in the group stage and 15 minutes against Morocco in the round of 16.[64] In 2023, Fati featured in the UEFA Nations League finals, playing limited minutes as a substitute against Italy and Croatia, helping Spain win the tournament; he also appeared against Norway in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, bringing his total to 10 caps and 2 goals as of November 2025.[65] Following a period sidelined by injuries and club form challenges, Fati's strong performances on loan at AS Monaco in the 2025–26 season have reignited discussions about his international future. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has publicly praised Fati's resurgence, indicating he is back in contention for the national team and potentially for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.[66]Playing style and reputation
Playing style
Ansu Fati primarily operates as a left winger or forward, demonstrating versatility across the front line, including roles as a right winger, central striker, or attacking midfielder. His adaptability allows him to hug the touchline to provide width or cut inside to exploit central spaces, making him a flexible asset in various tactical setups. This positional fluidity has been highlighted by scouts for enabling coaches to adjust formations dynamically without compromising attacking threat.[67] Fati's key strengths lie in his explosive dribbling and quick acceleration, which enable him to beat defenders in tight spaces using feints and a low center of gravity. He possesses precise right-footed finishing, complemented by competence with his left foot, allowing for powerful and placed shots from various angles, often exploiting runs in behind defenses. Off the ball, his high work rate stands out through aggressive pressing and tracking back, contributing to team transitions and suiting high-intensity systems. These attributes have been praised for their intelligence and unpredictability in the final third.[68][67][69][70] However, Fati's consistency has been hampered by injury proneness, particularly recurring knee issues that have interrupted his development and limited his match fitness. He has also shown occasional lapses in decision-making under pressure, such as holding the ball too long or making suboptimal choices in possession, leading to turnovers.[68][67][69] Statistically, Fati exhibits high progressive carries, averaging over 3.5 per 90 minutes in his peak seasons at Barcelona, reflecting his ability to advance play through the flanks. This trait aligns him with agile wingers like Neymar, emphasizing flair and directness in one-on-one situations. At Monaco, he has adapted these qualities to a pressing-oriented system, maintaining his carry volume while enhancing goal contributions.[25][68][71][67]Public perception and comparisons
Following his debut for Barcelona in August 2019, Ansu Fati quickly emerged as one of the most hyped young talents in world football, often compared to Lionel Messi due to his precocious skill and La Masia pedigree.[72][73] Barcelona legend Carles Puyol praised Fati's potential early on, stating that the teenager could make a significant impact in high-stakes matches and emphasizing the need to protect his development.[74] This "next Messi" narrative propelled Fati into the spotlight, with media outlets like Marca featuring him prominently on front pages as Barcelona's future star.[75] However, recurring injuries from 2020 onward shifted public perception, transforming Fati from an untouchable prodigy into a figure often labeled as injury-prone.[76] His extensive injury history, including multiple muscle and knee issues that sidelined him for months at a time between 2023 and 2025, fueled doubts about his reliability and long-term viability at the elite level.[6] Spanish media, including AS and Marca, reflected this narrative in coverage that highlighted his setbacks alongside his earlier promise, contributing to a more cautious fanbase view.[77] Fati's loan move to AS Monaco in 2025 has begun to revive optimism, with his early-season form as of October 2025—including six goals in five appearances—prompting renewed discussions of a career resurgence. However, as of November 2025, Fati has not scored in his last five appearances, tempering some optimism about his sustained resurgence.[78][79] This performance has caught the attention of Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente, who confirmed Fati remains on the radar for potential recall, praising his familiarity and current contributions.[80] Fati's social media presence, boasting over 11 million Instagram followers, amplifies this evolving image, where fans engage in debates about his Barcelona future amid reports of his frustration with limited opportunities there.[81][82]Career statistics
Club statistics
Ansu Fati has made a total of 161 senior club appearances across all competitions, scoring 39 goals and providing 11 assists, as of November 2025.[83] His club career spans FC Barcelona (2019–2025), Brighton & Hove Albion (loan, 2023–2024), and AS Monaco (loan, 2025–present). Cumulative statistics by club are as follows: 123 appearances, 29 goals, and 10 assists for Barcelona; 27 appearances, 4 goals, and 1 assist for Brighton; and 11 appearances, 6 goals, and 0 assists for Monaco.[8] He has received 13 yellow cards and 1 red card (via second yellow) in his senior career, with no direct red cards.[25] The following table provides a seasonal breakdown of Fati's club statistics across major competitions, including appearances, goals, assists, and minutes played (where available). Data excludes youth-level matches.| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | Barcelona | La Liga | 24 | 7 | 1 | 1,027 |
| 2019–20 | Barcelona | UEFA Champions League | 5 | 1 | 0 | 112 |
| 2019–20 | Barcelona | Copa del Rey | 3 | 0 | 0 | 237 |
| 2019–20 | Barcelona | Supercopa de España | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2020–21 | Barcelona | La Liga | 7 | 4 | 1 | 435 |
| 2020–21 | Barcelona | UEFA Champions League | 3 | 1 | 3 | 161 |
| 2021–22 | Barcelona | La Liga | 10 | 4 | 1 | 331 |
| 2021–22 | Barcelona | Copa del Rey | 1 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
| 2021–22 | Barcelona | Supercopa de España | 1 | 1 | 0 | 54 |
| 2021–22 | Barcelona | UEFA Champions League | 3 | 1 | 0 | 154 |
| 2022–23 | Barcelona | La Liga | 36 | 7 | 4 | 1,382 |
| 2022–23 | Barcelona | Copa del Rey | 5 | 2 | 0 | 133 |
| 2022–23 | Barcelona | UEFA Europa League | 2 | 0 | 0 | 38 |
| 2022–23 | Barcelona | Supercopa de España | 2 | 1 | 0 | 35 |
| 2022–23 | Barcelona | UEFA Champions League | 6 | 0 | 0 | 239 |
| 2023–24 | Barcelona | La Liga | 3 | 0 | 0 | 47 |
| 2023–24 | Brighton | Premier League | 19 | 2 | 0 | 511 |
| 2023–24 | Brighton | UEFA Europa League | 6 | 2 | 1 | 368 |
| 2023–24 | Brighton | FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 70 |
| 2023–24 | Brighton | EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 45 |
| 2024–25 | Barcelona | La Liga | 6 | 0 | 0 | 232 |
| 2024–25 | Barcelona | UEFA Champions League | 4 | 0 | 0 | 38 |
| 2024–25 | Barcelona | Copa del Rey | 1 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
| 2025–26 | Monaco | Ligue 1 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 347 |
| 2025–26 | Monaco | UEFA Champions League | 3 | 1 | 0 | 161 |
- Barcelona: 123 appearances, 29 goals, 10 assists, 4,321 minutes.[83]
- Brighton & Hove Albion: 27 appearances, 4 goals, 1 assist, 994 minutes.[83]
- AS Monaco: 11 appearances, 6 goals, 0 assists, 508 minutes.[83]
International statistics
Ansu Fati had a limited youth international career with Spain, accumulating 2 caps and 0 goals across various age groups before transitioning to the senior team.[61] At the senior level, Fati has earned 10 caps for the Spain national team, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist as of November 2025. His debut came on 3 September 2020 against Germany in the UEFA Nations League, making him Spain's youngest debutant since 1936 at the age of 17 years and 307 days.[84] He did not feature in Spain's 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign. Fati's goals came against Ukraine in the 2020 UEFA Nations League (his first international goal) and against Jordan in a 2022 friendly.[84] The following table summarizes Fati's senior international statistics by competition:| Competition | Caps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| UEFA Nations League | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| UEFA European Championship Qualifiers | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Friendlies | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 10 | 2 | 1 |