The strange pre-match ritual of Yamal, Cubarsi, and Bernal – Coincidence or Superstition? | OneFootball

Barcelona’s opening La Liga match of the 2024/25 season against Valencia was a memorable occasion, not just because of the 1-2 victory, but also because it marked the arrival of several young talents into the team.

Lamine Yamal, Marc Bernal, and Pau Cubarsi, all products of the famous La Masia, were given a chance to shine in the playing XI.

Among the trio, Bernal had the added distinction of making his debut for the senior team, a milestone that undoubtedly made the night even more special for the youngster.

Superstition or coincidence?

Before the match kicked off, the three youngsters lined up with their more experienced teammates for the traditional pre-match photo.

This image captured a significant moment in their careers, as they had grown up together at La Masia and now stood side by side, ready to represent Barcelona at the highest level.

What made the team photo even more interesting was how it mirrored an earlier moment from their youth.

The trio posed in exactly the same manner as they did in a team photo from the 2018/19 season, back when they were just children starting their journey in the youth ranks. In both photos, Bernal and Cubarsi stood tall at the back, while Lamine crouched in front.

This consistency in their poses over the years hints at a possible superstition or ritual that the three have maintained every time they find themselves in the starting XI.

Resemblance with the legends

Yamal, Cubarsi, and Bernal represent the latest wave of talent to emerge from La Masia. A promising winger, centre-back, and central midfielder, respectively, two of them have already established themselves as key players for Barcelona.

Their journey draws a parallel to that of another famous trio who came through La Masia – Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas, and Lionel Messi.

Like their predecessors, Yamal, Cubarsi, and Bernal have the potential to form a golden generation for Barcelona, with each player bringing unique qualities to the team.