One of the main attributes that has characterized FC Barcelona in recent years is the fact of having La Masia, an incomparable mine of prodigious players, a practically inexhaustible source of talent that constantly raises the question: what will be the next great 'jewel' to come out of the Culé youth academy? It's a truly uncertain question, but there are some names that are gradually showing their potential as future stars of the club, a role that currently stands out for Lamine Yamal.
In this sense, a name is beginning to emerge whose sporting performances, despite his young age, position him as a promising talent in the Blaugrana academy and a strong candidate to be part of the first team in the near future. This player is Ruslan Mba Hernando, a 14-year-old left-footer, whose wide range of virtues makes him a player to watch closely in the lower categories of the Catalan team.
The Spanish-Equatoguinean currently plays for FC Barcelona's Cadet B team. Recently, his name has gained prominence after his outstanding performance in the Porsche Fussball Cup, where Barça was crowned champion with him as one of the standout figures offensively, how could it not be? Being the top scorer of the tournament with a total of four goals and three assists.
The tournament that put Ruslan Mba on the international football radar
Ruslan Mba had an outstanding performance in this tournament, especially in the second match against Bayern Munich's youth team, where he led the Catalan team with a hat-trick and two assists in a resounding 8-1 victory. The captain of the Culé team proved to be an asset with a remarkable finishing ability, standing out for his speedy runs, innate dribbling skills, and precision in shooting from medium and short distances, showcasing his mastery with both his left and right foot.
In addition to his skill, this young Culé promise is versatile and can play in various positions in the attacking front, whether as a winger on both sides, center forward, or attacking midfielder. In the final of the Porsche Fussball Cup, he once again left his mark by scoring a goal against Borussia Mönchengladbach's youth team.
In a burst of footballing madness, Ruslan Mba took the ball from the midfield and embarked on a frenzied run towards the opposition's goal, displaying notable power. None of the opponents who tried to stop him could resist, culminating in a fantastic goal with a right-footed shot to make the score 1-3.
Barcelona has 'shielded' this new Culé 'jewel'
So far, the winger, recognized for his impressive physique and athletic abilities, which he employs with great skill to create advantages, has become one of the main prospects of FC Barcelona in La Masia. At this point, it's worth remembering that this player was close to joining one of Barça's classic rivals, RCD Espanyol, if it weren't for the intervention of Albert Puig Alcaide, current member of Aris Thessaloniki's coaching staff, who convinced Ruslan Mba's family that the Blaugrana was the best choice.
Now, it remains to be seen if the forward continues with the meteoric progression he has shown so far and when he can contribute to the Culé first team, with a contract until 2026, offering him the longest possible contractual bond for a player under 18 years old. If Ruslan Mba continues to develop in this way, this union will likely extend even further, especially considering his performance in the youth categories of the club. Additionally, if he maintains this level, the winger could become the left winger that the Blaugrana team needs in the near future.