Just a few weeks before the kick-off of the 2026 World Cup, Gavi was proud to be able to play in his second World Cup at the age of 21. In an interview with GQ Spain, the Barcelona midfielder detailed his recovery from his serious injury, outlined his expectations for the competition and opened the door behind the scenes of the Spanish National Team's concentration.
"I feel better than ever. I feel better than before the first injury. You're maturing, learning to take care of yourself even more, to have your routines, you know yourself more and more and it shows", he began saying. "When I went into surgery to be out for five weeks and then five months, it was a very hard blow. But I knew that, if I recovered well and played for Barça at a good level, I could return to the national team. It's a pride and a dream to be able to play in my second World Cup at 21 years old and represent my country's team."
Asked about Spain's status in the competition, Gavi was direct: "We are, for sure, one of the favorites. After all, Spain is the current champion of Europe and the group is the same, very similar, with some changes, as is normal, but the style, the coach and the family feeling within the group make us one of the favorites. But of course, then there are great teams like Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany..."
Regarding the coexistence in the dressing room, the Spanish international highlighted the good atmosphere and daily competitiveness: "I would say that I get along with everyone at Barça, but also with the rest. I try to maintain a good atmosphere among everyone, although when it comes to training and competing I want to be the most competitive in the group. Resting, taking care of myself, spending time with my teammates playing video games... and I'm a big fan of watching films and series; I have to decide what I'm going to watch during this training camp."
Pilar to Luis de la Fuente, Gavi recalled his world championship debut as a teenager: "In my first World Cup I was very young, 17 years old... imagine. But I've always been one to give everything, no matter if you're 17, 18 or 21. You have to follow the game plan that the coach gives us and always have that point of luck necessary to get through the rounds, as well as playing well and deserving."