In the twilight of 2025, a year of profound significance for both himself and FC Barcelona's recent narrative, Fermin Lopez granted an interview to 'Sport'. Under the stewardship of Hansi Flick, the Catalan giants not only clinched the league title but also captivated audiences with their attractive and convincing brand of football. The Champions League, however, remained just out of reach, denying them the coveted ultimate prize.

The forward vividly recounted the bitter disappointment of their Champions League semi-final elimination at the hands of Inter: "That day in Milan was brutal, and the aftermath proved equally challenging. Hopes were incredibly high – amongst the players, the club, and the fervent fanbase... To witness the opportunity of a Champions League final vanish so swiftly was, unequivocally, a deeply painful experience for us all."

"We were mere seconds away from reaching the final, a final we genuinely believed we could have won. That realisation, despite the immediate difficulty, also instilled a renewed sense of strength, confirming our capabilities and igniting a determination to try again. Is it the pinnacle of club football? I'm not certain, but it undeniably possesses a unique allure that every player yearns for. The club has endured a lengthy drought without this prestigious trophy, making it a collective dream shared by everyone connected with Barcelona. The unwavering belief from our fans, who see us as capable of winning it, is a tremendous source of encouragement. We will certainly pursue it in 2026," he affirmed, referencing the ongoing competition.

A "Slightly More Mature" Fermin

Turning his attention to his personal journey, Fermin also delved into his current situation. He first made his long-term commitment abundantly clear, offering an emphatic response when questioned about his future being inextricably linked to Barcelona: "Yes, I hope so." Reflecting on his personal progression throughout 2025, he observed: "On a personal level, I believe I'm a bit more mature. I'm still young, with so much left to experience, but life has accelerated at such a pace that I feel I've been compelled to mature ahead of schedule."

The Huelva native confessed to scarcely having the time to fully comprehend the profound transformation his life has undergone: "It's challenging because everything unfolds with such rapidity, and so much transpires... It's not a lack of appreciation, but rather a lack of time to truly savour it, as you rarely pause to reflect on the events unfolding or the milestones you're achieving. Occasionally, when I'm at home, I do find myself reflecting on everything that has occurred and realise that I've fulfilled my dream."

He also elaborated on his relationship with Hansi Flick and the specific demands the German coach places upon him on the pitch. Flick, he explained, "asks for intensity, pressing, verticality, composure on the ball, not losing possession, getting into the box, shooting... It's precisely the style of game I've always endeavoured to play." He instills that confidence in me, and I feel immensely comfortable working under his guidance. As for my preferred position? "Honestly, just playing is enough... Right winger, striker as I was the other day, on the left, attacking midfielder... But yes, where I feel most comfortable is as an attacking midfielder; that's where I can best utilise my qualities."

His Best Moment of 2025

Fermin singled out the league title celebration as one of his most cherished personal highlights of the year: "I really enjoyed the parade. For me... I can't even describe it. I went wild, I couldn't stop singing, jumping... I saw people crying, overcome with the joy of winning three titles after years without such success. And honestly, it was undoubtedly one of the best moments of 2025."

He deliberately steered clear of comparisons or focusing on Real Madrid. "I don't like this talk of favouritism or comparing ourselves with other teams," he stated. "We don't concern ourselves with others; our focus remains squarely on executing our own game effectively. While Real Madrid are undeniably our biggest rivals, if we maintain our high standards and perform consistently well, the results will naturally follow at the close of the season."

Concluding the interview, after expressing his aspirations for "many titles, the Champions League, and the World Cup" in 2026, he addressed the fluctuations in form Barcelona experienced this year: "You can't be at your peak all the time... Of course, we strive for it, and that's our ambition, but there's always a match where you're not quite at your best, or things simply don't go your way. Consider last year in November; we endured a spell where our performances dipped, yet we ultimately triumphed in the League, the Cup, and the Super Cup. Such fluctuations are an inherent part of any season. The crucial aspect, when they occur, is to stay united and bounce back with resilience."

Fermín López

Achievements