Fermín López makes history in football: Gold medal, MVP and record goalscorer

The summer of 2024 will certainly be one that Fermín López will never forget. The midfielder's great end to the season at FC Barcelona led him to form part of Luis de la Fuente's Spain that won the Euro 2024 title in Germany. Although he did not play a very decisive role in the continental tournament, it was at the Paris Olympic Games where the footballer showed that he is touched by a 'magic wand'.

The Barça star was fundamental for the team led by Santi Denia to win the gold medal. In the six games played in the tournament, the Andalusian celebrated 6 goals and provided an assist, achieving a historic mark by becoming Spain's top scorer at the Olympic Games, surpassing Kiko Narváez, who held the record with five goals. And, although it is not yet official, it is taken for granted that he will be chosen MVP.

Fermín López, along with Álex Baena, have also made football history by equalling the 1984 record set by Frenchman Albert Rust as the only players to win the European Championship and the Olympic gold medal in the same summer. Until now, only seven players had won a continental tournament and an Olympic gold medal in their honours, other than in the same year: Argentines Leo Messi, Kun Agüero and Ángel Di María and Brazilians Marquinhos, Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison and Dani Alves.

The spectacular 2024 of Fermin Lopez

• Gold Medal, Paris 2024 Olympic Games
• MVP, Paris 2024 Olympic Games
• Top Spanish scorer in the history of the Olympic Games
• 6 goals and 1 assist in 6 games at the Olympics
• Euro2024 champion with Spain
• 18 goals with Barça and the national team in his first season

His performance in the knockout stages of the tournament will be remembered. Against Japan, he was the main person responsible for the team's victory with a couple of goals that will remain in the memory of all football fans, while against Morocco he equalised the score when things were going south for La Rojita, who would later turn the score around to play in their second consecutive Olympic final.

In the gold medal match against France, the Blaugrana star was once again the hero with a double to turn the result around in the first half, after the French had taken the lead after 10 minutes of play. His drive, hierarchy and quality led the Spanish team to the title, achieving the second gold medal in football in the history of Spain.

A 'problem' for Hansi Flick

The tremendous level shown by Fermín this summer is a nice 'headache' for Hansi Flick. The Andalusian's performance this season, in which he finished with 18 goals in all competitions, gives him enough arguments to fight for a place in the German's starting eleven. Although, in principle, players like Gündogan, Pedri and Olmo, awaiting the recoveries of Gavi and Frenkie, have an advantage, El Campillo has made a statement and is presenting himself as one of Barça's best 'weapons' at the moment.