Marc Bernal is living one of the best moments of his career. A starter, a goalscorer for FC Barcelona and now called up to Spain’s U-21 side, his rise comes after a long and difficult recovery from a serious knee injury.
Just 18 years old, this is only the start for the La Masia graduate, who is most certainly bound for greater heights in the future.
With the international break underway, Bernal spoke to SPORT earlier today, discussing his ordeal from being injured to now becoming a regular in the team and earning a call-up to Spain U-21.
On the Spain U-21 call-up
Discussing his maiden call-up to the Spanish U-21 call-up, Bernal exclaimed: “I’m really happy; it was a very special moment. I found out from my family; they sent me the call-up on my mobile. Everyone congratulated me, and we also congratulated Joan Garcia.”
On whether the next step is to break into the senior national team, he added: “Yes, yes, I was also surprised when they told me I was on the preliminary squad list for the senior team. It’s a positive thing; it’s a sign that you’re doing things right and a source of pride.”
Teammates with international experience with Spain U-21 were quick to give him advice.
“Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi have told me I’ll have to dance, as it’s my first call-up. And to enjoy it to the full, as it’s something very special and different,” he revealed.
On his injury and the road to comeback
Bernal made his breakthrough for Barcelona in 2024, impressing in pre-season and quickly becoming a starter once the campaign started. However, just into his third official match, an ACL injury sidelined him, ruling him out of action for over a year.
Now, back in action, he is not only a regular starter but has also scored five senior goals for Barcelona already. Reflecting on the journey, Bernal remarked:
“It’s been a long and very tough process, especially mentally, to get back to the same level as before the injury. And now, playing matches at Camp Nou… well, it’s a source of pride.
“All the hard work behind the scenes, which perhaps isn’t visible during the injury and especially afterwards, has paid off; it’s a reward.”
Thinking back to his lowest moments, the contrast was striking, he admitted.
“I’d have thought they were mad, because it’s so surreal. If I can help the team, including by scoring goals, it’s something I’m really proud of.”
The youngster also admitted that there were moments when doubt crept in, particularly early in his recovery.
“Well, you definitely think that at the start – that’s when you’re at your lowest, especially mentally. All sorts of thoughts go through your head: that you won’t be able to be the same again, that things won’t be the same as before,” he explained.
“But there are people who help you, who know what they’re talking about. They’re the rehab specialists, the day-to-day support, the physios. They’ve helped me a lot.”
Going back to the day he got injured and what the initial thought that crossed his mind was, Bernal elaborated:
“Yes, I remember it as a really tough time, mentally. The first thing I thought was that I wouldn’t be playing football for a year or even longer.”
Continuing, he added: “I remember during the match, when I was on the ground, I couldn’t even get up. After my operation, I couldn’t even put on a sock, or get out of bed by myself. That was the hardest part.”
But, along the way, there were also strong moments of hope during recovery, as he revealed:
“I’d say two: the first day I went out onto the pitch to kick a ball around – that was like a little boy being given a ball. And also the day I returned to playing, which was at the Johan against Valencia.”
On his form, goals, and celebration
With already five goals to his name in a short period of time, Bernal found it difficult to choose his favourite strike.
“It’s difficult, eh. The first one is always special, and yes, I’d say the first one I scored for the club of my life, in the match against Mallorca. I felt euphoric at that moment,” he said.
“When I left the pitch, my family, friends, everyone was congratulating me and it was a unique moment.”
Explaining his celebration, where he kisses his forearm and points to the skies, Bernal revealed it was a dedication to his grandparents.
“That celebration is for my grandparents, who died when I was very young and I would have liked to have spent more time with them. They haven’t been able to watch me in person, but I know they’ve been watching me all this time,” he said.
“The arm thing? Because I have the dates of when they died.”
January exit rumours, club idols
Bernal had a chance to leave Barcelona on loan in January, with Girona, in particular, showing an interest.
“From the very start, I knew I wanted to stay. I’ve been here for many years; this is the club of my life, and I’ve made the right decision,” he clarified.
“I wouldn’t have experienced the moments I’m living through now anywhere else. And the trophies we might win feel unique here.”
Bernal renewed his contract with Barcelona until 2029, with the club offering him the extension soon after his injury. On whether he would like to add more time to his deal, he replied:
“Yes. If it were up to me, I’d say yes. And it’s true, as you say, when I got injured and was in hospital, they offered me the contract, and that support from the club meant a lot to me.”
On what it meant for him to be playing and celebrating at Camp Nou, Bernal said: “When you play these matches, you couldn’t even imagine it as a child.
“I remember one day when we walked out hand-in-hand with the players for a Clásico and seeing the atmosphere; it was something I’ll always remember.”
Naming the comeback against PSG and the aforementioned Clasico as his most memorable games as a Barça fan, Bernal also made it clear that he, like many other La Masia jewels, idolised Lionel Messi.
“Messi. That tie… Leo, Neymar, Luis Suárez. All three are fantastic,” he said.
Regarding comparisons with another club legend, Sergio Busquets, the youngster remarked:
“First of all, yes, I have spoken to him. When I got injured, he sent me a message, and it surprised me. It speaks volumes about the sort of person he is. It meant a lot to me; he’s a player I’ve always admired since I was a kid, an idol.
“I think everyone has their own way of being, their own career path. The messages from Andres Iniesta also meant a lot to me.”
On the team and objectives
While Bernal has now become a regular in the team, it could easily change once Frenkie de Jong returns from injury, but it does not faze the wonderkid.
“When you’re in the first team at FC Barcelona, the best club in the world, the competition is exactly as it should be. We’ve got the best players here; our squad goes beyond mere competition, and ultimately, those decisions are made by the manager.
“I have a very good relationship with Frenkie and with everyone else. I felt a lot of warmth and appreciation from my teammates.”
Regarding the areas of game he wants to continue improving upon, Bernal added: “Above all, gaining experience in big matches, and having the right mindset for those games. That’s what drives me the most.”
“Winning more one-on-one duels, although I think I’ve improved a lot in that area,” he added.
With the La Liga title race so tight, the Clasico could be decisive – something he is eager to experience.
“I played in several at youth level, and Clasicos are matches where you give it your all, you give your all in every move, and I’ve got that itch to play in a professional Clásico. I’m really looking forward to it, to be honest,” he said.
Bernal also revealed that inside the dressing room, the belief in achieving Champions League success is strong.
“Yes, in the match against Newcastle we showed who we are, our style of play. The whole team, the whole squad, we’re confident of winning the Champions League,” he stated.
“We need to improve on a few things; as you say, there’s the issue of conceding goals, but ultimately we’ve got our strengths too. We also score plenty of goals.”
Regarding the upcoming UCL quarterfinal tie against Atletico Madrid, who already eliminated Barcelona from Copa del Rey, he added:
“Yes. Well, you’re always keen and you’re left with that niggling feeling of not having made it to the Cup final. It’s an opportunity to make the most of and prove ourselves in the Champions League.
“It’ll be a tough tie… Yes, we’ll have to give it our all in every single move.”
Concluding, he revealed his biggest dream at Barcelona: “The Champions League, without a doubt. I already won La Liga last year… Winning the Champions League would be amazing.”
The post Marc Bernal talks Lamine, De Jong, Busquets, injury ordeal, Spain U-21, CL dream appeared first on Barca Universal.
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