Marc Guiu took just 33 seconds to write his name in the history books of Barcelona as he scored the winning goal on his debut against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.
When Guiu came on as a second-half substitute, even he couldn't have dreamt what came next. He was played through on goal by Joao Felix before sliding the ball through the legs of Unai Simon with his second touch of the game.
The wonderkid was interviewed post-match and as expected, his smile took up the whole of his face. He said: "I can't breathe. I'm just enjoying the moment, I'm still flying. I have been working hard all season to take any chances should they come.
"When I saw the goalkeeper coming off his line, I decided to shoot. Before going on, Xavi told me to just do the same as I do in the youth team. And to take any chances that came my way." He sure did just that. The Sporting News profiles him here.
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Marc Guiu: "It's a dream that sometimes you don't even dream of." pic.twitter.com/FZoEqVingc
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 23, 2023
Who is Marc Guiu?
Guiu is a native of Granollers which is a small Catalan city located just 30 kilometres north of Barcelona. He started his football journey with Sant Celoni Barca, a local Barcelona fan club. His talent quickly caught the eye which led to his inclusion in the Spanish giant's youth system at just seven years old in 2013.
He has been in the Barcelona youth system for 10 years having risen through the ranks of the club’s famous academy, La Masia, and has scored five goals in five games for the under-19 team this season.
During Spain's under-17 Euros campaign in the summer, Guiu scored four goals to make him the joint top-scorer of the tournament alongside his youthful Barca teammate Lamine Yamal.
Guiu then made his senior debut for Barcelona on October 17, 2023 at the age of 17, becoming the club's fifth youngest-ever goalscorer as he bagged the winner in a 1-0 victory over Athletic Club – following in the footsteps of Lamine Yamal, Ansu Fati, Bojan Krkic, and Gavi. He would appear in the Champions League three days later, coming off the bench to replace an injured Joao Felix against Shakhtar Donetsk.
As far as typical strikers for Barcelona go, Guiu isn't built like one. He's 6′1", strong in the air and can also make up ground quickly – which is exactly what he did for his goal.
A fairytale debut for Marc Guiu 😍✨#MadeInLaMasia 💎#LaLigaHighlights 📲 pic.twitter.com/27s3J959gh
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 23, 2023
Youngest Barcelona players to make their debut
While Guiu's performance is one to cherish and appreciate, it isn't quite a record in terms of being the youngest Barca debutant. His current teammate Lamine Yamal most recently took the record off Vicenc Martinez Alama, who was born in Barcelona on January 12, 1925, and made his first-team debut at the age of 16 years, nine months and five days old on October 18, 1941.
Here are the five youngest rookies in the history of Barca.
| Player | Age on debut |
| Lamine Yamal | 15 years, nine months, 16 days |
| Vicenç Martinez | 16 years, nine months, five days |
| Ansu Fati | 16 years, nine months, 25 days |
| Bojan Krkic | 17 years, 19 days |
| Gavi | 17 years, 24 days |
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Time to get to bed you have school tomorrow ✏️ pic.twitter.com/ssa3I2Cbh0
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 22, 2023
Youngest debutant in La Liga history
Luka Romero, at 15 years and 255 days, remains the youngest debutant in La Liga history, with a birthdate of November 18, 2004.
Born in Mexico but nationalised as an Argentine, Romero came on against Barcelona's arch-rivals, Real Madrid, during their 2-0 win over his Mallorca team on June 24, 2020.
