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      Gennady Golovkin’s old trainer names fighters who could beat Canelo Alvarez including champ with 100 percent KO ratio

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      GENNADY GOLOVKIN’S former trainer claimed there are only three fighters who can beat Canelo Alvarez. Sanchez twice cornered GGG against the Mexican superstar, with the first ending in a controversial draw in 2017 that many felt Golovkin deserved to win, before losing the rematch a year later.
      Canelo Alvarez is set for a trilogy bout against Gennady GolovkinCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Boxing manager Tom Loeffler, trainer Abel Sanchez and Gennady GolovkinCredit: Getty
      Golovkin has since left the esteemed coach but will fight in a trilogy bout with Canelo this September.
      Sanchez still believes the Kazakh, along with David Benavidez and Artur Beterbiev, potentially have the beating of boxing’s pound-for-pound best.
      He told FightHype earlier this year: “The only people who can be a tough fight for Canelo are Beterbiev, Benavidez, and a well-trained Golovkin.
      “Those are the only people who can beat Canelo. The ones who walk him down. These are the only ones who can threaten him.” 
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      Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions offered Canelo the chance to fight Jermall Charlo, 32, and Benavidez, 25.
      But he opted for Eddie Hearn’s two-bout deal against Dmitry Bivol on May 7 and then Golovkin in September.
      Canelo was stunned by Bivol earlier this year, dropping to just his second career defeat.
      Benavidez has campaigned to fight Canelo but instead faced David Lemieux, the Canadian GGG beat in 2015.
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      Light-heavyweight Beterbiev is the sport’s only champ with a 100 per cent knockout ratio, standing at 18-0.
      But Canelo opted to fight Bivol instead, returning to 175lb for the first time since knocking out Sergey Kovalev in 2019.
      Alvarez and Golovkin will collide for a third time on Saturday, September 17 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
      The Mexican and Kazakhstan warriors were once friends but are now bitter enemies – although they kept a lid on their bad blood at the pre-fight press conference.
      Canelo Alvarez won his 2018 rematch with Gennady Golovkin after a controversial draw in the first fightCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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      Mike Tyson reveals tactics he would use to beat Tyson Fury after Gypsy King claimed he would defeat his hero in fight

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      THE self-styled invincible vs the self-proclaimed greatest of all-time.Mike Tyson, heavyweight boxing’s most dangerous whirlwind, has explained how he’d take on Tyson Fury, the prince of stylists, in a dream match-up across the eras.
      Mike Tyson, knocking out Frank Bruno, says he would need to stay on the front foot against bigger man Tyson Fury – and keep movingCredit: AFP – Getty
      Fury claims he is the best fighter from any generation – but is reluctant to give details on how he would taken on a boxing legendCredit: Reuters
      Iron Mike says at his explosive peak he felt “invincible” for any time “since the beginning of God” – while unbeaten two-time champ Fury insists he would beat anyone as the “greatest fighter that’s ever lived”.
      And although Fury was unwilling to “directly” talk about taking on one of his “heroes,” Tyson has readily gone into details about tactics if the two icons from different eras could meet in their prime.
      The 5ft 10in American believes aggression and mobility would be his main weapons against 6ft 9ins Fury.
      But he still names “morale” as the key factor for any fighter.
      Tyson, 56, told Ring magazine in 2020: “Against someone of Tyson Fury’s size, you’ve got to be aggressive, move your head and be elusive because if you stand still against a man that size, you’re an easy target.
      “You need to attack, use angles and stay away from his punching distance.
      “You need to be close, but you can’t stay at a distance that allows the bigger fighter to get off.”
      Tyson was just 20 when he became the world’s youngest ever world heavyweight champ, knocking out his first 19 opponents with the speed of a middleweight and the power of a man-mountain.
      I thought I was the greatest fighter from Achilles, through the Art of War, since the beginning of God, since the beginning of time.Mike Tyson
      But he added: “Size and style isn’t the most important thing in the ring; it’s the morale of a fighter that leads to victory.
      “His determination, his will to win, his desire is what makes him a champion.
      ‘But at my best, I thought I was the greatest fighter from Achilles, through the Art of War, since the beginning of God, since the beginning of time – I was invincible.”
      WBC champ Fury, soon set for a reunification showdown with Anthony Joshua, was coy about revealing how he would take on his fellow legend.
      The heavyweight said: “I don’t like to pit myself against boxing heroes in a virtual reality fight, because I find it disrespectful.
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      “But my answer is that I’ll beat any man born from his mother. I just wouldn’t say that directly about any of the heroes from the past.
      “But, deep down, I don’t believe that any fighter from the past can beat me.
      “I think I’m the greatest fighter that’s ever lived – from any generation.” More

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      ‘Best clip I’ve ever seen’ – Mike Tyson and WWE legend Ric Flair smoke a joint together leaving fans in stitches

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      MIKE TYSON was filmed smoking a joint with WWE legend Ric Flair in a moment described by fans as the “best clip ever”.The heavyweight legend, 56, has made it no secret that he regularly enjoys smoking marijuana for recreational use.
      Flair was filmed lighting a joint alongside TysonCredit: Instagram ricflairnatureboy
      The pair smoked together on the street as they enjoyed each other’s companyCredit: Instagram ricflairnatureboy
      Tyson, a boxing legend, was seen laughing with the Nature Boy – a WWE iconCredit: Instagram ricflairnatureboy
      And in the latest video of Tyson taking the drug, he was joined by wrestling icon Flair.
      They lit their joints, before 73-year-old Flair said: “Ric Flair drip. Mike Tyson 2.0.”
      He then exclaimed his WWE catchphrase “Woo” before taking another drag.
      And Tyson finished the video by joking: “You think we’re going to get cancelled?”
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      Speaking on Instagram after sharing the clip, Flair said: “Smokin’ That Ric Flair Drip All Night Long With @miketyson! WOOOOO!”
      And social media loved the clip of Tyson and Flair as they reacted to the incredible exchange.
      One fan said: “Man if this ain’t the coolest thing on social media right now. The Nature Boy and Iron Mike blazing together 😂.”
      Another added: “Legends!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥 So cool, my childhood is complete 😂.”
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      And a third simply said: “This might be the best clip I’ve ever seen.”
      Last year, Tyson launched his own weed business titled “Tyson 2.0” – which is what Flair was referencing in the clip.
      The ex-boxing champ has been selling cannabis products since 2016 through his Tyson Holistic label.
      He is believed to earn around £500,000-per-month through his business that offers premium marijuana strains, edibles and extracts, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
      Read More on The Sun
      Tyson is also building a 418-acre weed-themed holiday resort he hopes will be home to a music festival to rival Coachella, as well as the world’s longest lazy river.
      And aside from a luxury hotel and the lure of “glamping” tents, there will be a Tyson University on site that will aim to teach cannabis cultivation tips to wannabe farmers. More

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      Biggest release clauses in football as Gavi becomes fifth player protected by one BILLION Euros loophole

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      FOOTBALL clubs today will do anything to keep hold of their prized possessions.So they hand their stars huge contracts with hefty release clauses inserted in them to put off any potential buyers and/or get a massive transfer fee.
      Former Chelsea star Andreas Christensen has an instant £430MILLION release clause in his contract at new club BarcelonaCredit: PA
      But who would be the most costliest?
      It certainly isn’t Andreas Christensen the Barcelona new boy who has had a whopping £430million release clause slapped onto that deal. He doesn’t even feature in the top ten!
      10. Brahim Diaz, Real Madrid, £641m
      The Spanish midfielder, 22, spent his youth career at Malaga and then Manchester City, who he made his debut for in 2016.
      But, with competition for places fierce, Diaz was bought by Real Madrid for £16m.
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      However, he’s flattered to deceive and his £641m release clause certainly doesn’t appear to be justified.
      The last two seasons have been spent on loan at AC Milan, where he just won Serie A.
      Real Madrid flop Brahim Diaz has been with AC Milan on loan, but they won’t pay his release clauseCredit: Getty
      9. Luka Modric, Real Madrid, £641m
      The former Ballon d’Or winner is getting on a bit at 36, so you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone willing to pay £641m for his services – despite his quality.
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      Modric has committed his future to the club, recently signing a one-year extension.
      The Croatian legend is a proven winner – having lifted the Champions League trophy five times.
      Serial winner Luka Modric recently extended his stay at the Bernabeu until next yearCredit: Getty
      8. Federico Valverde, Real Madrid, £641m
      A key man in the middle of the park for the LaLiga giants, the Uruguayan’s worth is obvious to Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
      Mind you, £641m for a tough-tackling defensive midfielder would be an extortionate amount to pay.
      An extension he signed in 2021 will keep him at the club until 2027, when the 23-year-old’s release clause might just rise.
      Federico Valverde has become one of the first names on the team sheet at Real MadridCredit: Reuters
      7. Antoine Griezmann, Barcelona, £685m
      The French forward’s future is up in the air, as is the fee that could be paid for him.
      Barcelona loaned Griezmann out on a two-year deal to former club Atletico Madrid, who have a £34m option to make the move permanent for the 31-year-old next summer.
      That’s far less than the £685m release clause Barca insisted upon in his contract, when they signed him from Atletico for £108m in 2019.
      Antoine Griezmann has been on loan at Atletico Madrid, who have an agreement to buy with Barcelona for far less than his release clauseCredit: Getty
      6. David Alaba, Real Madrid, £726m
      The Spanish champions snapped up Alaba in 2021 on a free transfer – giving the 30-year-old a five-year contract worth around £17m a season.
      They then protected their investment by slapping a £726m clause in the deal, that doesn’t expire until 2026.
      Previously with Bayern Munich, Alaba enjoyed a successful first season with the club – winning LaLiga and the Champions League.
      David Alaba could cost as much as £726m, according to his release clauseCredit: Getty
      5. Ronald Araujo, Barcelona, £846m
      The future of Uruguayan defender Araujo, 23, was anyone’s guess until this summer, when he finally penned a new deal with the Catalans.
      Astonishingly, they insisted on a £846m release clause that deterred interested parties, including Liverpool, Man City and Man Utd.
      “FC Barcelona and the player Ronald Araujo have reached an agreement to renew his contract until 30 June 2026. The buyout clause stipulated is set at €1bn,” the club revealed.
      Ronald Araujo was a Premier League target until penning a new deal at the Camp NouCredit: Getty
      4. Karim Benzema, Real Madrid, £846m
      Arguably the best player in the world right now, Benzema signed a new deal with Real Madrid in 2021 that will see him stay at the Bernabeu until 2023, when he will be 35.
      But, if he’s still scoring like he is at the moment – at the rate of 44 goals a season in a Double-winning campaign – that will surely be extended again.
      Will it dwarf the £846m current release fee? Don’t bet against it.
      Karim Benzema has a whopping £846m release clause in his deal that expires next yearCredit: Getty
      3. Pedri, Barcelona, £846m
      The future is bright for Barcelona, who recently tied up teen superstar Gavi with a £86m release clause in his deal.
      Before that, it was Pedri who inked an astonishing contract last year at just 18 – that will keep him at the club until 2026.
      That is, unless, someone wants to pay £846million to buy him.
      Seeing he’s on a reported £38,000-per-week, you could say Barcelona are winning the club versus player battle.
      Barcelona wonderkid Pedri is one of the most talented youngsters in the gameCredit: Getty
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      2. Ansu Fati, Barcelona, £846m
      In 2021, the jewel of Barcelona’s La Masia academy – Fati – agreed a mega six-year contract.
      Like Pedri, he became the second player at the club to have a ridiculously inflated price tag put on his head.
      However, he’s struggled for injuries ever since – after inheriting Lionel Messi’s No10 shirt.
      Considered one of the best young players in the world, at 19 he has the world at his feet.
      Ansu Fati has struggled for form since signing his mega six-year contract with a staggering £846m release clauseCredit: Getty
      1. Gavi, Barcelona, £846m
      The 18-year-old wonderkid joined Barcelona team-mates Pedri, Fati and Araujo to become the lastest star with a €1billion buyout clause after signing a new four-year deal.
      Barca were keen to insert a massive release clause in his contract after the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool showed interest.
      All three clubs wanted to take advantage of Gavi’s previous buyout clause which was just £42m.
      Gavi joins Fati, Aruajo and Pedri in boasting a €1billion release clauseCredit: Getty More

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      Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez went from friendly sparring partners to fierce enemies as trilogy bout awaits rivals

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      GENNADY GOLOVKIN and Canelo Alvarez were once friendly sparring partners… now they are bitter enemies on the verge of an epic trilogy. The former middleweight opponents have already produced 24 classic rounds together and will renew their rivalry for a third time.
      Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez were once sparring partners
      Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez sparred in 2011 before going on to meet twice in the ring
      But their history dates back over a decade, when a 20-year-old Canelo travelled to Big Bear California for sparring with Golovkin, who was 28 at the time.
      Both were world champions, but it was a year before GGG’s Stateside debut and Canelo was still largely unproven.
      Golovkin, now 40, tells SunSport: “We had very good sparring sessions back then. Those were exciting spars to watch.”
      The pair would pose for pictures arm in arm and compliment each other, not knowing they would later share an iconic rivalry.

      But as the years went on, and an inevitable fight grew ever closer, the relationship soured with egos at an all-time high.
      Golovkin recalls: “We had a normal relationship. But he then felt too much of himself.
      “He’s now a big star so the consequences of that was probably a side effect of him shooting to fame.”
      Golovkin never forgave Canelo for vacating the WBC title in 2016 when the Kazakh was mandatory, meaning talks between them collapsed.

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      But a year later GGG did get the Mexican in the ring – only to leave it with more frustration.
      Canelo was deemed fortunate to walk away with a disputed draw, setting the scene for a blockbuster rematch 12 months later.
      Again for Golovkin, he felt hard done by after being on the end of a majority points loss, conceding bragging rights to his old gym pal.
      It helped launch Canelo to new heights, the heir to the pound-for-pound throne Floyd Mayweather left in retirement.
      But as the time passed, and with a trilogy not forthcoming, Alvarez’s hate for GGG only grew stronger, despite the win on his record.
      Whereas Golovkin, who controversially lost in the eyes of many ringside, remained indifferent from the animosity.
      Canelo has even said the feud is “personal” – something Triple-G was quick to distance himself from.
      He explains: “I don’t feel any hatred towards him. To me, he’s just an athlete, just another human being. Just a boxer.
      “I guess that’s how he as a human being decided to behave and decided to think of himself, love himself and position himself.”
      Gennady Golovkin drew with Canelo Alvarez in 2017 in a contested resultCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Canelo Alvarez narrowly beat Gennady Golovkin in their 2018 rematchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Canelo, 32, went on to become a four-division champ after his rematch win over Golovkin, who remained at middleweight.
      But the 160lb legend will move up to super-middleweight for the first time in his career to challenge for Canelo’s undisputed crown.
      The third instalment of their fight collection appears, from the outside at least, to be the most intense.
      But Golovkin insists he acknowledges no difference in the man he has twice gone the distance with – mainly because he chooses not to.
      He says: “I don’t feel like he is any different because I honestly don’t think about him.
      “Too much attention is being placed on him, but he’s not bothering me at all.
      “The way he behaved has shown his true personality, recently.”
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      Canelo has vowed to send Golovkin into retirement by putting a brutal beatdown in Las Vegas over the weekend, live on DAZN PPV.
      But ahead of what could be his final fight, GGG quips: “I’m going to retire soon anyway. With his help or without his help.
      “Let’s face it, I’m 40 years old and nearing my retirement.”
      Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin ahead of their rematchCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Tyson Fury’s boxing record ‘laughable’ compared to Anthony Joshua’s, slams Eddie Hearn ahead of proposed title fight

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      TYSON FURY possesses a ‘laughable’ boxing record in comparison to Anthony Joshua, Eddie Hearn once claimed.The Matchroom boss has been AJ’s promoter since he turned professional in 2013, overseeing fights against the likes of Wladimir Klitschko and Dillian Whyte.
      Anthony Joshua reclaimed his world titles with victory over Andy Ruiz Jr last yearCredit: PA
      Tyson Fury knocked out Deontay Wilder to win his WBC belt in FebruaryCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Joshua is currently licking his wounds following another defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, going down by split decision in Jeddah.
      But back in 2020 – before Joshua won back his belts against Kubrat Pulev – Hearn was adamant that AJ had faced better fighters than Fury.
      He told Sky Sports: “It makes me laugh when people look at AJ’s resume.
      “Maybe I’m seeing something other people don’t?
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      “I mean Dillian Whyte, Dominic Breazeale, Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Alexander Povetkin, Carlos Takam, Andy Ruiz, Kubrat Pulev.
      “These are consecutive fights. You don’t see Tom Schwarz, Otto Wallin, Sefer Seferi.
      “Who is the other geezer? I can’t even remember his name, the Italian bloke? And then Agit Kabayel.
      “I mean it’s laughable when you compare the two resumes, but it’s in black and white for everyone to see.”
      Both Joshua and Fury have beaten heavyweight legend Wladimir Klitschko, the latter downing the unified champ in 2015 before experiencing personal problems.
      On his comeback, the 34-year-old fought a number of lesser-known opponents before a duel with Deontay Wilder.
      The 2020 rematch victory over the American saw him claim the WBC title.
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      Fury is vowing to finish off Joshua “nice and quickly” in their blockbuster fight, pencilled in for December 3.
      If terms are sensationally agreed, it could end up being the biggest bout in British boxing history, worth over £70MILLION.
      Fury, who we recently revealed is “training like a man possessed”, is not planning on hanging around when the pair step in the ring.
      “Tyson wants to leave win and win in style,” a source close to the Gypsy King said
      “He wants to leave no one in doubt who is the better fighter. He wants an early KO to put the whole debate about who is the better fighter to bed once and for all.”
      Eddie Hearn believes Anthony Joshua has faced far superior boxers than Tyson FuryCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd
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      Floyd Mayweather reveals he didn’t KO Conor McGregor early to make sure mega-money rematch happens

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER insists he decided against knocking out Conor McGregor early so the pair could have a money-spinning rematch.The 45-year-old American came out of retirement to beat the UFC star in ten rounds in 2017 before hanging up his gloves again.
      Floyd Mayweather claims he avoided beating Conor McGregor earlyCredit: AFP or licensors
      McGregor started well, winning some of the opening rounds before the exhausted ring novice was picked apart by Mayweather, who barely shed a sweat until the finish.
      Mayweather – who claimed he only did push ups and sit ups as training for the fight – is adamant he could have ended the bout whenever he pleased.
      But with the possibility of a lucrative rematch taking place afterwards, the multi-millionaire decided to keep the fight competitive.
      He told Drink Champs: “I took it serious, but I wanted to have some fun in the fight and I wanted to entertain the people.
      “You have to give the people a show, so I gave the people a show.
      “If I wanted to go out there and f*** him up and blaze him right out the gate, I could’ve did that. But my thing is this, if I would’ve did that, then it wouldn’t be probably a part two.”
      After Mayweather’s Las Vegas win, he returned a year later in an exhibition bout against Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in Tokyo.

      He is now set to return to Japan later this month to fight MMA fighter Mikaru Asakura.
      He told FightHype: “I got three more exhibitions this year [2022], could be one fight and two exhibitions.
      “But guess what, you better know it’s at least and this is the lowest I’m talking about $200million.”
      Mayweather looks to be taking the test seriously and is already in fight camp.
      Mayweather claimed he barely trained before beating McGregorCredit: Alamy Live News More

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      Top 25 Barcelona youth players from La Masia academy, including Lionel Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Mauro Icardi

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      IN 1979, Barcelona decided they wanted a steady stream of homegrown talents to one day blossom in their first team.They launched their now famed La Masia (Catalan for “The Farmhouse”), a state-of-the-art academy designed to train youngsters the Barca way, and has since produced a slew of top-class footballers.
      Lionel Messi (in the mask), Cesc Fabregas (back row, second right) and Gerard Pique (back row, third left) are Barcelona youth productsCredit: PA:Press Association
      They were schooled at Barcelona’s famous La Masia AcademyCredit: Simon Jones – The Sun
      Many have gone on to become legends at the club, while others have slipped away and grown at pastures new.
      Here are their best 25 best academy trainees.
      25. ALEX GRIMALDO
      The Spanish left-back, 26, is one of the most sought-after defenders in world football at the moment.
      Currently starring at Benfica, he has been linked with a move to Tottenham previously.
      Barcelona let him go for £1.5million in 2015, without playing a game in the first team.
      Originally, he was plucked from Valencia in 2008 – spending four years with the Catalans until he was sold.
      Alex Grimaldo has made his name at BenficaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      24. DANI OLMO
      The Spanish 24-year-old international midfielder, who moved in January 2020 to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, arrived at La Masia aged just nine.
      But in a surprising move, Olmo decided to leave Barca when he turned 16 and signed for Dinamo Zagreb.
      Barcelona were rumoured to be looking at bringing him back to Catalonia before he moved to Germany.
      He has since starred in the Bundesliga and is a regular in the Spain squad.
      Dani Olmo gambled with his career leaving Barcelona aged 16 for Dinamo ZagrebCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      23. NAYIM
      Arsenal fans won’t want to be reminded of Nayim’s most famous moment in his career.
      But before he was lobbing David Seaman from the halfway line, he was a young hopeful at La Masia.
      He joined Barcelona aged 12 – leaving his hometown Cueta.
      But his chances were limited in a team that was managed by Terry Venables.
      He later joined the former Three Lions boss at Spurs.
      Former La Masia product Nayim scored the winner the Cup Winners’ Cup final against ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      22. LUIS GARCIA
      The former Liverpool midfielder had two spells with Barcelona.
      First as a 12-year-old youth player, where he starred in their reserve team.
      But having failed to break into the first team, he was sold to Atletico Madrid in 2002.
      However, after impressing with Atletico, Barcelona exercised a clause in Garcia’s contract to buy him back a season later.
      Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez moved for the playmaker in 2004 – having had him at Tenerife on loan in 2000-01.
      Luis Garcia had two spells at Barcelona but never made the gradeCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      21. ANDRE ONANA
      Another surprise, keeper Andre Onana had a spell at Barcelona from 2010 to 2015.
      He joined the club after starting out at the Samuel Eto’o Academy, but failed to make the grade there.
      Five years ago he signed for the Dutch giants, and has since become their No1.
      He was suspended for 12 months for a doping violation, returning to first-team training last November, but the Cameroon international left Holland for Inter Milan this summer.
      Goalkeeper Andre Onana had five years at La Masia before moving to AjaxCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      20. ALBERT FERRER
      It was right-back Ferrer’s dream to play for Barcelona – having grown up in the city.
      And he appeared in 221 LaLiga games during nine seasons with his boyhood club, after he was signed as a 13-year-old.
      In 1998 he moved to Premier League with Chelsea in a £2.2m deal, where he retired aged 33.
      Albert Ferrer was a local lad who got to represent his boyhood clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      19. PEPE REINA
      The son of former Barcelona goalkeeper Miguel Reina, Pepe was always destined to follow in his father’s footsteps.
      He joined La Masia in 1995, and from 1999 he was playing for their reserve side in the third tier of the Spanish football pyramid.
      Reina was never more than an understudy at the Camp Nou, and was told he could leave in 2002.
      The Liverpool legend is still playing now aged 40 after recently returning to Villarreal.
      Pepe Reina was surplus to requirements to Barcelona in 2002 after being an understudy for yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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      18. GUILLERMO AMOR
      Benidorm-born Amor became one of Barcelona’s most important players under Cruyff in the 1990s.
      He joined La Masia in 1980 – winning five league titles and a European Cup.
      With Barcelona in his blood, it is unsurprising he is now responsible for the club’s youth system.
      Former youth product Amor now manages Barcelona’s youth set-upCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      17. HECTOR BELLERIN
      The Arsenal full-back might speak like a cockney, but he’s Barcelona through and through.
      Bellerin was also eight when he joined the club – but after eight years at La Masia he moved to the Gunners.
      He was vice-captain of the Premier League giants, until moving back to LaLiga with Real Betis on loan last term.
      However, he is now living his dream after re-joining Barcelona in the summer from the Gunners.
      Hector Bellerin left Barcelona for Arsenal and played against his old side several times before returning to the Nou CampCredit: PA:Press Association
      16. SERGI
      The marauding Spanish left-back joined Barcelona in 1988, and went on to become a club legend – appearing 382 times and winning three league titles.
      He was handed his Barca debut by Cruyff in a heated Champions League match away at Galatasaray
      From then on, he became a mainstay before he was sold to Atletico Madrid. He hadn’t lost that nastiness that made him a tricky player to play against either – earning 33 yellow cards in his three seasons there.
      Sergi won three La Liga titles after coming through La MasiaCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
      15. THIAGO MOTTA
      Barcelona never really saw the best of Motta.
      Like Pedro, he was signed late – aged 17 from local side Clube Atletico Juventus – and was assigned to the B side.
      He made his debut in 2001, but his time at Barcelona was robbed from him by a serious knee injury.
      Eventually, he found himself at Inter Milan, where Jose Mourinho got the best out of him – winning the Champions League in 2010 before heading to PSG.
      Thiago Motta never fulfilled his potential at BarçaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      14. IVAN DE LA PENA
      The hype around De La Pena, nicknamed “Little Buddha”, was immense when he was a teen.
      The child prodigy joined La Masia in 1991 from Racing Santander and initially looked to have a big future at the club.
      But fallouts with Cruyff and Van Gaal, who were frustrated with his work-rate, saw his progress curtailed and he had more success with city rivals Espanyol.
      De La Pena had fall outs with Johan Cruyff and Louis Van GaalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      13. ADAMA TRAORE
      Wolves winger Traore has finally shown the potential Barcelona youth managers believed he had.
      He joined the Spanish champions aged just eight, making his debut aged 17, but failed to break into the first team under managers Gerard Martino and Luis Enrique.
      The speedy winger then moved to England, and had an ill-fated spell at Aston Villa before rediscovering himself at Middlesbrough and then starring for Wolves.
      He returned back to Barcelona on loan for the second half of last season but they decided against signing him permanently in the summer.
      Adama Traore moved to England to get first team footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      12. MIKEL ARTETA
      The Arsenal manager is best known for his time in the Premier League playing for both the Gunners and Everton.
      But before he made it in England, Arteta dreamt of becoming a pro in San Sebastian playing football on the beaches with childhood friend Xabi Alonso.
      He joined Barcelona aged 15, but struggled to break into the first team – joining PSG on loan before starring at Glasgow Rangers and returning to play for Real Sociedad with Alonso.
      Mikel Arteta struggled to break into the Barcelona first team
      11. VICTOR VALDES
      Valdes is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history – having played 535 games and winning 21 major titles, including LaLiga six times and three Champions Leagues.
      But it looked like his time at the club had come to an end in 1995 when his family moved to Tenerife.
      However, Barca re-signed him and quickly progressed through the youth teams – making his debut aged 20.
      Victor Valdes left La Masia academy only to return three years laterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      10. PEDRO
      The ex-Chelsea winger was a late-comer when it came to joining La Masia.
      Pedro arrived from Canary Islands team CD San Isidro aged 17 in 2004.
      But soon, he became a key member of the first team once he was promoted by Pep Guardiola.
      In the 2018-19 season Pedro became the first player to score in six different club competitions during a single season and in the same year.
      Pedro was a late-comer to La Masia, joining aged 17Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      9. MAURO ICARDI
      Argentina striker Icardi, 29, had a spell at La Masia from 2008-11, after rejecting overtures from Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool.
      But the poacher failed to show his class in Spain and was shipped out on loan to Sampdoria in 2011, which became a permanent move six months later for just £400,000.
      He has since become one of the most sought-after strikers in European football, boasting a remarkable goalscoring record.
      Icardi always stood by his decision to leave Barca, because it ultimately benefited his career, although he is now on loan at Galatasaray after falling out of favour at PSG.
      Super poacher Mauro Icardi failed to impress at La MasiaCredit: FC Barcelona
      8. GERARD PIQUE
      Another one that got away, but returned to become a hero.
      Pique, 35, played in the same youth teams as Messi and Fabregas from 1997, although he was deployed as a defensive midfielder in his early years.
      Manchester United snapped him up in 2004 on a pro-contract, without having to pay a fee.
      In 2008, he returned to Catalonia for a fee of £5million and has gone on to play over 500 times for the club and is still at the Nou Camp now.
      Pique returned to Barcelona after a spell at Man Utd and bagged a celebrity missus in ShakiraCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      7. SERGIO BUSQUETS
      One-club man Busquets has become one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his generation.
      At youth level though he bounced around a few teams playing for the likes of Badia, Barbera Andalucia, Lleida, and Jabac Terrassa, before settling at Barcelona in 2005,
      Guardiola promoted Busquets to his first team in 2008, but it’s his former international manager Vincente del Bosque who provided this accurate quote about his abilities.
      He said: “If you watch the whole game, you won’t see Busquets – but watch Busquets, and you will see the whole game.”
      Sergio Busquets has established himself as the best defensive midfielder of his generationCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      6. CESC FABREGAS
      Fabregas trained at La Masia for six years before making the bold move to Arsenal in 2003, believing his chances would be limited at the Nou Camp.
      With the Gunners, he soon established himself into one of the Europe’s most promising players – replacing Patrick Vieira in the heart of their midfield, before eventually being named captain.
      In 2011 he returned to Barcelona for £35m, and in three seasons played 96 times for them before moving to Chelsea for £30m in 2014.
      Cesc won the World Cup and the Euros twice, and has been capped 110 times by Spain.
      Fabregas returned to Barcelona after making his name at ArsenalCredit: Action Images – Reuters
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      5. PEP GUARDIOLA
      Johan Cruyff called the Man City boss one of the best midfielders of his generation, and it’s hard to argue with that seeing he was a major influence in playing style of the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas.
      Guardiola joined La Masia at 13, and within six years the deep-lying playmaker made his debut against Cadiz.
      In 1998, Louis van Gaal made him captain, but in 2001 he left for Serie A side Brescia after years of injury problems with a troublesome calf.
      Pep Guardiola became Barcelona captain after making it through their youth ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      4. CARLES PUYOL
      Arguably the most un-Barcelona-like player.
      But Puyol became a cult hero as an inspirational captain with his uncompromising style of defending.
      He joined La Masia in 1995, playing as a defensive midfielder before converting to full-back and then centre-half.
      But Puyol almost left the club three years later when Barca accepted an offer from Malaga after deeming him surplus to requirements.
      However, seeing Xavi getting a chance in the first team encouraged Puyol to stay, and the rest is history.
      Puyol became a cult figure at Barcelona but nearly left the clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      3. ANDRES INIESTA
      Plucked from Albacete at the age of 12, Iniesta never looked back.
      He steadily climbed up the youth ranks, making his debut aged 18 in 2002.
      Iniesta would go on to become the most-decorated Spanish footballer in history – winning 35 trophies, including nine LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.
      Famously, he helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup – scoring the winner against Holland.
      Iniesta joined La Masia as a 12-year-oldCredit: Rex Features
      2. XAVI
      The greatest playmaker of his generation, and the embodiment of their tiki-taka passing style, Xavi joined La Masia at 10.
      At that age though it wasn’t Michael Laudrup he idolised, but in fact British-based stars like John Barnes, Paul Gascoigne, and Matt Le Tissier.
      “I’ve been lucky enough to be brought up on the Barcelona ethos,” he once revealed.
      “Which has taught me the value of being part of a team. ‘Today for you, tomorrow for me.’ Those qualities are essential for life in general.”
      After a spell in the Middle East, Xavi returned to the Nou Camp in November 2021 to take over as manager.
      Xavi idolised Paul Gascoigne, Matt Le Tissier and John Barnes growing upCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      1. LIONEL MESSI
      Without doubt the best youngster to come from Barcelona’s youth set-up, and the best to ever play for the club.
      Messi joined the LaLiga giants in 2001 from Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, who he had trained with since the age of six.
      Realising they had such a prodigious talent on their hands, Barcelona agreed to pay for his treatment after he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency.
      However his love affair with the club came to an end in the summer of 2021 as he moved to French giants PSG amid Barca’s financial difficulties.
      Messi graduated from La Masia to become Barcelona’s greatest ever playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty More