Sep 9, 2026
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Spain midfielder Dani Olmo discusses the impact of winning the World Cup and his focus on helping Barcelona secure the Champions League title.

ManyPress

ManyPress

ManyPress Editorial

3 min readSource:Guardian Football
Dani Olmo Reflects on World Cup Victory and Barcelona's Champions League Ambitions

Key facts

  • Dani Olmo rejoined Barcelona in 2024 after previously playing for Dynamo Zagreb and RB Leipzig.
  • Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final on July 19 in New Jersey.
  • Barcelona's last Champions League title was won in June 2015.
  • The team's upcoming Champions League campaign begins against Feyenoord at Camp Nou.
  • Rodri has joined the Barcelona squad from Manchester City.

Following Spain's World Cup victory in New Jersey on July 19, midfielder Dani Olmo has returned to Barcelona to begin the new European season. Olmo, who rejoined the club in 2024, believes the experience of winning the tournament will provide his team with extra confidence. He is now preparing for Barcelona's upcoming Champions League campaign, which begins with a match against Feyenoord at Camp Nou.

By the numbers

23.18
average age of Barcelona's youngest starting XI
11
years since Barcelona last won the Champions League

Reflecting on World Cup Success

Olmo described the World Cup win as a life-changing event that places the current squad among a select group of legends. He noted that the victory was the culmination of a successful year for the players involved, reinforcing the team's commitment and competitive spirit. The triumph has provided the players with a sense of belonging to a historic generation of Spanish football.

Barcelona's European Ambitions

Barcelona has not won the Champions League since 2015, a drought Olmo and his teammates are eager to end. Despite past exits in the semi-finals and quarter-finals, Olmo believes the squad has gained the necessary experience to handle the small details that decide high-stakes matches. The team continues to emphasize a high-pressing, attacking style under coach Hansi Flick, while focusing on defensive discipline to avoid being left exposed.

Squad Development and New Signings

The Barcelona squad remains young, with a recent starting XI averaging 23.18 years of age. Olmo highlighted the importance of new arrivals such as Rodri, whom he describes as a player who brings balance and structure to the team. While the club has seen departures, Olmo expressed confidence in the current roster's ability to adapt and compete for the highest prizes.

Timeline

  1. June 2015
    Barcelona last lifted the Champions League trophy.
  2. July 19
    Spain defeated Argentina to win the World Cup in New Jersey.
  3. June 5
    The date of the Champions League final at the Metropolitano in Madrid.

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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian Football.

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