WELCOME TO GAVI'S WORLD

Being called for the World Cup

Your reaction — recorded by Lamine — after making the 26-man roster went viral. What was behind that explosion of emotion?

Well, in that moment I thought about how tough everything had been. These last two years with injuries were brutal, and when the reward is a World Cup — earned through work and sacrifice — you get incredibly happy. In that moment, I was the happiest kid in the world.

We heard you’re wearing No. 9 because it was the first number you were assigned, and you’re not changing it. Maybe you feel like a No. 9…

(Laughs) No, no. I debuted with the No. 9, and I’ve always loved wearing it. I get why people think it’s weird (smiles), but I love it. I’ll keep it unless someone with more caps than me asks for it.

“I hope De la Fuente stays for many more years”

De la Fuente made you a starter in the Nations League Final Four, called you for the Euros, and now started you in the World Cup opener. What does he mean to you?

You can see it on the field. He’s always trusted me, and I’ve always given that trust back. Since he took over the senior team, we’ve been together. We won the Nations League, we won the Euros, reached another Nations League final, and now we’re at the World Cup. I’m grateful. He’s always gone all-in for me, and I’ll do the same for him. I hope he stays for many years.

Nicknames, trust, and the locker room

Xavi called you “a heart with legs.” De la Fuente said you’re “a toy.” Which one do you prefer?

(Smiles) I don’t know, people can call me whatever they want. I see myself as someone very natural, who’s straightforward with everyone, and who goes all-in for his people. And I’m grateful to both Xavi and De la Fuente. They’ve always shown me a lot of love. I always go all-in for my people.

Not just them — Koeman, Luis Enrique, Flick… all trusted you. What does Gavi have?

Like I always say, beyond football, I go all-in for my people and defend them to the death. That matters a lot in a team and in a locker room. People talk a lot from the outside. When things go wrong, the ones who need to stay united are the ones inside. That’s how you grow. They love me because of who I am in the locker room. Always with my people. No matter what.

Scars that made him sharper

You said this injury was tougher than the previous one. Was it more mental or physical? Did you feel stuck in a tunnel?

Yeah, like I’ve said before, this one was harder. When it’s your second or third injury, it’s tougher to recover. The process is slower. But I’ve come back better than ever. I feel better than ever. I improved a lot. I can play in many positions — some better than others — but I’m here for the team. One thing I improved: in my early years I committed a lot of dumb fouls. Now I commit way fewer. With the ball, my mind used to race. Now I think more about the game. I feel comfortable anywhere.

Who helped you through that process?

Myself. When you’re injured, you’re alone. You have a lot of time to think. I watched a lot of my own games. I’m the type who watches himself a lot. You can improve a ton that way — with and without the ball.

Do you feel like you’re always at the center of the debate? Does it bother you?

Honestly, I’ve been used to criticism since I debuted at 17. And if I’m being honest, I like it. I like having the spotlight on me. It’s good. And like I say, I go all-in for my people. I don’t care what’s said outside. On the field, I’m the one playing. I’ve always been criticized, and I like it — it motivates me. I don’t crumble.

Cabo Verde, Lamine, and Spain

On the Cabo Verde match: It was a tough game. We knew what we were facing. Just because they’re called Cabo Verde doesn’t mean they’re a weak team. Physically, every national team is strong and anyone can embarrass you. We weren’t as good as we wanted to be — slow circulation, sloppy passes. But I’d rather struggle early than in the Round of 16. We can do much better.

How do you see Lamine? The team looked different when he came on against Saudi Arabia.

I’ve always said Lamine Yamal is the best — the No. 1. When he comes in, the team improves because he’s incredible one-on-one. Others are better inside, but the other day was tough — they defended with five, and we weren’t sharp with passes or movement. Obviously, with Lamine on the field, he gives us more than I do in that situation…

You’ve always said Barça is the best club in the world. Is Spain the best national team?

As a national team, maybe not individually. But if we’re all locked in, then yes, without a doubt. But you have to prove it on the field. Being a favorite means nothing if you don’t show it. You have to put it into practice.

You once said you didn’t want Barça signing players who act like stars. Are there any “divas” in the national team?

No, honestly, there are no divas here. We’re strong when we’re united. If not, anyone can embarrass us. Everyone has to be at 100 percent, attacking and defending as a team.

World Cup bet, fame, and the spotlight

Pedri said he’d dye his hair platinum. Others talk tattoos. You’ve changed your hair before… What would you do if you win the World Cup?

In an interview I said I’d dye it pink, but bah (laughs). I don’t know. I’d have to think about it. But I’d do anything to be world champion. If we win the World Cup, I’d do whatever.

What’s the price of fame when you debut so young?

These years flew by. I barely noticed. I don’t think about it much, but yeah, I get overwhelmed by crowds. At 17 or 18, going to public places stressed me out. I’m paranoid — nobody on my team likes going out with me! If we go out partying or whatever, the moment I see a phone, I think they’re recording me (laughs). Now I care less. And I’ll handle it better as I get older.

The call-up

The midfielder will now compete at his second FIFA World Cup, having made his tournament debut in Qatar.

"To be honest, I was very nervous. I didn't even want to watch the video because I get nervous in those situations. Lamine Yamal told me to watch it with him, and when I heard my name, it was an incredible feeling," he recalls.

The road back

For the Spain international and FC Barcelona player, the journey back has been anything but straightforward. At only 21 years old, he has already endured a difficult period marked by serious injury. After suffering an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, he later sustained a radial tear of the medial meniscus in the same knee, beginning another demanding rehabilitation process that required patience, resilience and determination.

"I thought I would be out for four or five weeks, but the doctor told me it would be four or five months. I remember he even had to leave the room because I was about to explode," Gavi admits. "But I always had the ambition and the dream of coming back."

His determination has been a defining characteristic throughout his career.

A record that still stands

At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Gavi became the youngest Spanish player ever to score at a World Cup, finding the net at 18 years and 110 days old — a record he still holds today.

Luis de la Fuente

Throughout his recovery, the support and confidence of head coach Luis de la Fuente have also played a significant role. The Spain manager has consistently backed the Andalusian midfielder.

"I have a lot of affection for him. He has always believed in me and trusted me, and I'm very grateful for that," Gavi explains.

The injuries

I have suffered a lot unfortunately in these last two years. It's football. There are serious injuries and you have to be mentally strong. I have been. That is one of my strengths. I am at this level because of the mentality I have. It is not easy to play at this pace coming back from two serious injuries. I have done it and I am proud.

The relationship with Flick

Luckily, the coach trusts me a lot. He is like a father to me. I am very grateful to him. It is not easy to put me out there to play after this injury. He knows about my talent and mentality and that it is important for the team. He trusts me blindly.

The match

We didn't want to lower the tempo but we wanted to go for the third. We could have scored more but it stayed at 2-0, which is good.

What he brings

I know that for the team my mindset and my talent are important. Flick has always had a lot of confidence in me.

The national team

De la Fuente has always trusted me. I know that. I got injured with Spain in that match and I had started every game under him. I was coming back last season and he called me up. If I am at my highest level, the coach decides and will decide what is best for Spain. I am more than ready and I see myself better than ever.

Clash with Vinícius

What happened with Vinicius is football. What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. He is a hot-headed player like me. Vinicius is a tremendous player. I told him to shut up and that's it. One thing is on the pitch and another is off it. On the pitch I defend my colors and go all out. Off it I am totally different, even if it may not seem like it.

His relationship with Dembélé

Ousmane is my brother. Ever since I arrived here he has always been my brother. He is a very good friend of mine. We are in close contact, we always talk, and I'm very happy for him because he is being one of the best in the world, if not the best along with Lamine.