Eric Garcia's 'Blow' to the Ballon d'Or

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Barcelona Racing Santander

16/09/26 21:30:00

1.06 14.00 23.00

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Latest news about Barcelona. Eric Garcia, a 25-year-old defender, has emerged as an option for the right-back position ahead of Jules Koundé at the beginning of this season and has discussed Barcelona's season and the Ballon d'Or on 'Què T'hi Jugues'. The player names Lamine Yamal as his favorite to win the award and also includes Pedri and Raphinha in his top three.

Eric Garcia gains importance at Barcelona

Eric Garcia's versatility has allowed him to be part of Hansi Flick's plans as a right-back, in addition to his usual roles as a center-back and midfielder. The Barcelona player himself highlights that during Flick's tenure he has played in these three positions.

In the first four matchdays of LaLiga, the Spanish international started against Athletic Club, Elche, Rayo Vallecano, and Valencia, although against the latter he had to leave the field in the 28th minute after receiving a blow to the nose from Rodri. Koundé took his place at Mestalla.

The injury requires Eric Garcia to wear a mask to protect the broken nose. The defender had been training with facial protection since September 7 and returned to the squad for the match against Levante after missing the Champions League debut due to suspension.

His contractual situation is also not in question. Barcelona renewed Eric Garcia in December 2025 until June 30, 2031, extending his contract for five seasons. The club then confirmed his continuity as a player used in various positions by Flick.

📹🔵🔴 ERIC GARCIA live on #QuèThiJugues!

🌟💥 "The Ballon d'Or podium should be culé. I think Lamine Yamal should win it"#FCBlive pic.twitter.com/xdlHf3w9ec

— Què T'hi Jugues (@QueThiJugues) September 14, 2026

Eric Garcia targets the Champions League and the Ballon d'Or podium

In the interview, Eric Garcia stated that the Champions League is one of Barcelona's top priorities, while also mentioning LaLiga as a competition the team must fight for. Barça kicked off the European competition with a 5-1 victory over Feyenoord, having won their first four league matches.

The defender also joined the Ballon d'Or discussion after the list of candidates was revealed. His choice for the winner was Lamine Yamal, with Pedri and Raphinha completing an exclusively Barça podium. He believes all three should be among the main contenders.

The absence of Pedri and Raphinha among the nominees has also sparked criticism within Barcelona. Joan Laporta had already expressed regret over both absences before the European debut, while Raphinha responded with a brace against Feyenoord and Pedri contributed an assist in that match.

Eric Garcia expanded his personal list by mentioning Fermín López and Dani Olmo as Barcelona players who, in his opinion, also deserved consideration for the award. Fermín had started the season with four goals and two assists after the initial matchdays, while Olmo had provided two assists at Mestalla.

With Barcelona already in the Champions League and Eric Garcia back from suspension, the upcoming phase of the competition will determine whether Flick keeps the defender as the first choice at right-back over Koundé. His contract until 2031 keeps the debate focused on the sporting field as Barça faces the upcoming matches with LaLiga and the Champions League as objectives.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, "Palo" de Eric Garcia al Balón de Oro