Just Sunday, a pair of teenagers, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, led Spain to the country’s second-ever men’s World Cup victory. But long before rising to stardom on the international stage, the duo climbed the ranks of FC Barcelona’s renowned youth academy, La Masia.
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It’s likely that N.C. State’s latest recruit, Adriá Muñoz, knows them well as he, too, developed through La Masia.
On Wednesday, the Wolfpack announced the signing of the 19-year-old defender. He will join Marc Hubbard’s squad that made the College Cup final last season, before losing to Washington 3-2 in extra time.
After welcoming three transfers and two freshmen to the team for the spring season, the team went 4-1. On Wednesday, Muñoz was announced alongside two additional freshmen ahead of the fall schedule.
“This spring has been all about growth for our young, inexperienced group as we adjust after graduating a large class and losing three underclassmen to professional contracts”, coach Marc Hubbard said. “Each match showed progress, with players stepping into new roles and building confidence together. We’re excited to see how our returners continue to develop this summer, guided by the strength and direction of our leadership group.”
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According to Transfermarkt, Muñoz previously played for Spain’s under-15 national team. In April, he trained with Barcelona’s first team alongside other youth players.
Barcelona’s youth academy moved to La Masia in 1979, and numerous club legends, like Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, have since passed through it. Yamal and Cubarsí have been touted up as the next of the bunch.
N.C. State will start its fall season on Aug. 20, with a home match against Coastal Carolina.
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