Dani Olmo looks like a man who’s been waiting for this. The Barcelona playmaker sat down for a wide-ranging interview ahead of what could be Spain’s deepest World Cup run in years, and he didn’t hold back. After a frustrating draw in Spain’s opener, Olmo got the start against Saudi Arabia and the attack finally clicked. Now he’s talking like a guy who knows this might be the window.
Olmo left Barcelona at 16 to play abroad. That part of his story is well known. But when asked if he actually cried to his agent about it, he laughed it off. “I don’t know if I cried or not,” he said. “But it was certainly tough. Leaving at 16 for a new country and a new club is no easy thing.” He still sees himself as that same kid with the same dreams. Just more experienced. And maybe a little better, he added with a laugh.
Does he think he’s at his peak right now? No, he said. There’s always room to improve. When he left Barcelona back then, his dream was to return one day. That happened. But he doesn’t see it as a closed circle. He sees it as a new one beginning.
Reading the game and the coaches who helped
Olmo talked about how he studies the game off the field. He watches open spaces, figures out where to position himself, tracks how the team drops back to defend. It’s something he’s done since he was young, training with his father and brother. He credited Luis Enrique for giving him freedom on the wing, especially in that triangle he formed with Pedri and Jordi Alba. Now with Luis de la Fuente, he plays more in depth and gets the space to show what he’s got.
That 2021 stretch after the Euros and Olympics? Brutal. Olmo called it a tough year full of injuries that kept him from doing what he loves. But those injuries taught him something about his body. He and Pedri both came through it. And playing together now, Olmo said, is easy. They haven’t had much time with the national team in recent years but the last match proved they’re still in sync. Same at Barcelona.
Bike rides, registrations and Yamal
One of the more human moments came when Olmo was asked about celebrating a title with Barcelona by riding a bike through the city. That was spontaneous, he said. He was with Inigo, Pedri and Eric. Ferran couldn’t make it so they rented bikes to go see him. The streets were full. “We are ordinary people,” Olmo said. “I love doing everyday things like having coffee or going out for a walk.” Would he do the same after winning the World Cup? He hopes so. He sees himself there. And he’ll motivate his teammates.
Then there was that weird period after he joined Barcelona when his registration was in doubt. Olmo admitted it was strange and difficult. But he had confidence the club would find a solution. They did. He never doubted it, but there was always the question of when it would get resolved.
On Lamine Yamal, Olmo said they don’t talk much about their connection. They just understand each other through looks. He knows what Yamal likes and what motivates him. He tries to give him space and support. Does Yamal ever ask about Spain’s No. 10 shirt? No, Olmo said. He thinks he deserved that number anyway. He wore it when Spain won the Euros and sees no reason to change. But he called Yamal world-class. No doubt about it.
Julian Alvarez, titles and the World Cup
Olmo had high praise for Julian Alvarez, the Atletico Madrid striker who’s been linked with Barcelona. “A very excellent player,” Olmo said. “World champion. He has great quality and works hard. He is a world-class player.”
When asked what winning titles means to him, he didn’t hesitate. Winning with Barcelona and the national team. He said Spain has been through tough experiences that helped them evolve and win the Nations League and the Euros. They’re ready for anything. Is it time for Spain to win the World Cup again? “Yes,” he said. “It can be said that the time has come to earn the second star.” He believes in the quality they show on the pitch. And the human quality too. It’s an opportunity right in front of them.
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