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Laia Cervelló Herrero

@laiacervello.bsky.social
1.4K followers 66 following 96 posts

Journalist | FC Barcelona correspondent at The Athletic

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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
Does Andreas Christensen's injury open the door for Barcelona to sign another centre-back? What did we learn from the match in Villarreal? Hansi Flick weighs in on the club's 2026 presidential elections. All this and more at the link below. www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
nytimes.com
Inside Barcelona: Will Christensen injury lead to new centre-back signing?
After overcoming a slump in form and an injury crisis which lasted until December, Barcelona are back on track
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
‘Death has come for me three times. I have evaded it, but it'll find me’. Julian Calero’s (Levante's coach) story goes far beyond football — from the 11M terrorist attack in Madrid to his work at Levante. One of the most powerful interviews I've ever done. www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
nytimes.com
'Death has come for me three times' - The incredible, harrowing stories of Julian Calero
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The Athletic | Football @theathleticfc.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Last month, Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati collected her third Ballon d'Or in a row at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. By the morning, she was at her favourite cafe in Sant Pere de Ribes, her hometown 40 minutes south of Barcelona. @laiacervello.bsky.social found out what she means to its people.
nytimes.com
Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati and the town that made her – where her name, face and legacy is everywhere
Bonmati is a global superstar after winning the Ballon d'Or for the third time in a row, but it all started in a place called Ribes
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
Barça faces a crucial point in the season. The CL is here, El Clásico is just around the corner, and Flick's team is coming off 2 painful defeats and has lost players to injury. Ask whatever you want in the link below and @polballus.bsky.social and I will answer it. www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
nytimes.com
Barcelona mailbag: Ask our writers Pol Ballus and Laia Cervello Herrero about the season
Hansi Flick's side already find themselves at a crucial juncture two months into the season. How can they improve?
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Aitana Bonmati collected the Ballon d'Or on Monday evening, and on Tuesday morning she was having breakfast in the café in Sant Pere de Ribes, her hometown, where she still lives. We explore her roots and the places that shaped the player she is today. www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
nytimes.com
Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati and the town that made her – where her name, face and legacy is everywhere
Bonmati is a global superstar after winning the Ballon d'Or for the third time in a row, but it all started in a place called Ribes
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
If there is anything close to a footballing Hogwarts, it is probably La Masia. In this piece, we give you the names of the players who could be Barça's next young stars and why you should keep an eye on them. www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
nytimes.com
Who will be Barcelona’s next breakthrough youngster?
Barca's production line never stops. Here, we break down the players looking to emulate Yamal and Co
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Two fellow residents at La Masia were named the best young players for the season: Lamine Yamal and Vicky Lopez. Their friendship and everything that unites them: Dembow, humble roots, uninhibited, cheerful, and both grew up memorising Neymar's moves. www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
nytimes.com
Lamine Yamal and Vicky Lopez, a Barcelona friendship
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The Athletic | Football @theathleticfc.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
Marcus Rashford was left out of Barcelona’s starting line-up to face Getafe on Sunday night after arriving late to training on the morning of the game. Full story from @laiacervello.bsky.social ⬇️
nytimes.com
Marcus Rashford left out of Barcelona line-up after arriving late to training
Hansi Flick has a policy of not selecting players who are late, with Raphinha and Jules Kounde among those to previously be punished.
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
Barça will play their first home game at the Johan Cruyff Stadium. What do we know about the venue? What is it like? www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...
nytimes.com
Barcelona's 6,000-capacity emergency 'home' ground covering for the Camp Nou
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
La Liga is back and Barça will play his 1st match at home this season at their 6,000-seat stadium will hold the game. @polballus and I will be responding anything you want to ask us, so drop your questions in the link below. www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...
nytimes.com
Send in your Barcelona questions for our writers Pol Ballus and Laia Cervello Herrero
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The Athletic | Football @theathleticfc.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
We still don’t know where Sunday’s match against Valencia will take place. @polballus.bsky.social and @laiacervello.bsky.social explain the latest on where will Barcelona's home matches will be played, and much more, in this week's edition of Inside Barca. 🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
Last weekend Liga F debuted FVS, a simpler type of VAR that works on demand. How does it differ from VAR? What advantages and problems did it give on the first matchday? www.nytimes.com/athletic/659...
nytimes.com
Liga F's 'VAR-lite' system and how it works: Two challenges per team, manager cards but long delays
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Oriol Romeu's departure has been made official today. FC Barcelona and the player have reached an agreement to terminate his contract. www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
nytimes.com
Barcelona confirm Romeu departure after contract termination
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Many people are asking what is happening to the Barça women's team these days. The sale of so many players, some surprising ones like Fridolina Rolfo. Here are some answers so you can understand what is going on. www.nytimes.com/athletic/655...
nytimes.com
Why Barcelona only have 17 active player contracts - with more departures expected
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
We are launching a new weekly series of articles to follow throughout the 2025-26 La Liga season. We explain the latest on Barca’s player registration issues, their plans to finally return to the Camp Nou in September and more. www.nytimes.com/athletic/655...
nytimes.com
Inside Barcelona: Your new weekly guide to the biggest talking points and latest info
This week, our writers explain the latest on Barca’s registration issues, their plans to return to the Camp Nou next month and more
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The Athletic @theathletic.com · 16/08/2025
@laiacervello.bsky.social explains what’s happening with the team, why players are leaving and if the financial issues are to be blamed on the men’s team. www.nytimes.com/athletic/655...
nytimes.com
What’s happening at Barcelona?: Only 17 active player contracts and more departures expected
Barcelona Femeni are one of Europe’s elite teams. But despite the accolades, they have already said goodbye to six key players this summer
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Hansi Flick about Fermin Lopez: "I wasn't thrilled with him in pre-season, but he's improved a lot in recent weeks". 🤔
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
FC Barcelona will kick off their season tomorrow at RCD Mallorca, so now is a good time to ask any questions you may have. Write them all here and @polballus.bsky.social and I will answer them shortly. 👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/655...
nytimes.com
Barcelona 2025-26 season preview: Live Q&A with Pol Ballus and Laia Cervello Herrero
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Marc Bernal could be the new breakout of the season. For Flick he is his 2nd choice at defensive pivot after De Jong and he has expectations on him. He was supposed to be the breakout of last season but got injured. Barcelona see him as the new Busquets. www.nytimes.com/athletic/654...
nytimes.com
Barcelona’s breakout star for 2025-26: Marc Bernal looking to put 346 days of injury hell behind him
The 18-year-old La Masia graduate midfielder suffered an ACL injury this time last year. Now, he is back and better than ever
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The Athletic | Football @theathleticfc.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
The world champions may have lost to England in the final but this summer represents a huge step forward for the women's game in Spain. 📝 @laiacervello.bsky.social
nytimes.com
Spain may not have won – but at least this tournament shows how much has changed
For years, Spain's players were hampered by a lack of off-field support. But Euro 2025 showed their fight for elite conditions has paid off
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Michael Cox @zonal-marking.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
Forgot to post this the other day...a profile of Patri Guijarro, probably the most consistent player at Euro 2025. With @laiacervello.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
nytimes.com
Will Patri Guijarro be the next Spain midfielder to win the Ballon d’Or?
In both the men’s and women’s game, Spanish midfielders have a hold over the award. Guijarro could be next in line
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
Spain did not win the final, but this Euro felt different. The soundtrack in the dressing room was 'El principio de algo' (the beginning of something) by La La Love You and this is just what this Euro was. All the changes Spain has made in 2 years. www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...
nytimes.com
Spain may not have won - but at least this tournament shows how much has changed
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Paralluelo is in front of the chance of winning the only title she has yet to win, and at just 21 years old: the Euros. Months ago she had to take a break, her body simply couldn't take any more. I chatted with her about how giving up athletics affected her body. www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
nytimes.com
Paralluelo interview: 'I couldn't give my all because of the pain. I had to stop'
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
One of the secrets of Spain's success is having a core group of players from the same team behind it, and that team is one of the best in Europe, FC Barcelona. How many FC Barcelona players play for Spain? Why is that, and what are the pros and cons? www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
nytimes.com
The Barcelona effect on Spain: The pros and cons of a club dominating the national side
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Aitana Bonmati is in great shape for the final stretch of the Euro and we interviewed her before she faces Switzerland. This is how she experienced the meningitis she suffered days before the start of the Euro. How was her prodigious recovery? www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
nytimes.com
Aitana Bonmati interview: 'I found myself in a situation of suffering. You feel alone'
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
The case of Laia Balleste is an interesting story. She has dual Spanish and Swiss nationality, and decided to play for Switzerland. A Swiss grandfather who had to move to Catalonia due to illness. An emotional debt to her maternal family. www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
nytimes.com
The Spain-born player who earned a last-minute call-up... for Switzerland
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
I keep thinking about Alexia's flick and Athenea's goal. Is it the best goal of this Euro so far? I wrote about it after the match. www.nytimes.com/athletic/648...
nytimes.com
Was Del Castillo's equaliser for Spain the best goal of the Women's Euros so far?
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Barça will return to Camp Nou this season. We explain what the return will be like and the questions that still remain to be answered. www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
nytimes.com
Can Barcelona really return to the Camp Nou next month?
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
One of Barça's most promising young talents is playing this Euro at home: Sydney Schertenleib. We spoke to the scout who discovered her in 2022 and how negotiations began with a DM on Instagram: "You didn’t need a special eye because she stood out so much". www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
nytimes.com
Switzerland's Sydney Schertenleib, an Instagram DM and why Barca wasted no time signing her
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
Plot twist of events: Nico has renewed for Athletic Club for 10 years www.nytimes.com/athletic/644...
nytimes.com
Nico Williams turns down Barcelona transfer, signs eight-year Athletic extension
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Today Spain makes its Euro debut, and it does so without Jennifer Hermoso. Without her, who is the team's next top scorer? Here are my candidates. www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
nytimes.com
With Jenni Hermoso left out, who will be Spain’s star striker at Euro 2025?
Hermoso was key at the World Cup in 2023, scoring three times and winning the Silver Ball award for the second-best player of the tournament
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The Athletic | Football @theathleticfc.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Spain defender Irene Paredes will miss her side’s 2025 European Championship opener against Portugal due to a red card she received 12 months earlier. More from @laiacervello.bsky.social ⬇️
nytimes.com
Why Irene Paredes will miss Spain’s Euro 2025 opener – for a red card received 12 months ago
Paredes, 33, will serve the second of a two-game suspension during Thursday's group stage fixture.
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
And here is the radar of the competition, made by The Athletic's women's football writters. A lot of hard work and a lot of analysis. I leave you the link below 👇🏼 www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
nytimes.com
The Radar - Women's Euro 2025: The Athletic picks 25 players to watch
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
So Euros have officially started. Spain makes its debut tomorrow against Portugal and here is a guide to everything you need to know. www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
nytimes.com
Euro 2025: Spain team guide - have things finally settled for the World Cup winners?
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
I'm back from holiday with some bad news... www.nytimes.com/athletic/645...
nytimes.com
Spain's Bonmati diagnosed with viral meningitis ahead of Euro 2025
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
Barcelona are back on top thanks to a group of players that made the fans believe again. We spoke to some of their first coaches to hear about this group of champions’ early years in football… www.nytimes.com/athletic/638...
nytimes.com
Barcelona's title-winners – by the early coaches who helped shape them
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Barça was the best team in La Liga and the winner of the “honest title”. These are the 5 moments that defined the season: ◾️The Clásico of the offsides ◾️Shit November ◾️The comebacks ◾️Kounde's goal in the CR final ◾️Yamal's blossoming against Inter www.nytimes.com/athletic/635...
nytimes.com
The five moments that defined Barcelona’s La Liga-winning season
It has been a brilliant season for Barca. Here, we chart the ups and downs of their title triumph...
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Barça is out of the Champions League, but they did so to the applause of fans who proudly bid farewell to their European campaign. ‘Where others see the end, we see the beginning of the comeback,’ Iñigo said after the game. And, in fact, we all agree. www.nytimes.com/athletic/633...
nytimes.com
Barcelona lost to Inter, but won back respect – this is ‘the beginning of the comeback’
While Barcelona's treble dreams may have been dashed, this loss is by no means a catastrophe for Hansi Flick's team - there is more to come
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Triplete is one of the most repeated words in Barcelona since the Copa del Rey final. Barça could win it again but that's not all. The club could achieve a treble of trebles in its men's, women's and youth team (already achieved) When could that happen? www.nytimes.com/athletic/632...
nytimes.com
How Barca could win a treble of trebles across men's, women's, youth teams
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
Barcelona has won the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid and taken the first step towards regaining the treble. Kounde, the unexpected hero. ‘Viva la vida’ rang out once again in celebration, the soundtrack to Pep Guardiola's treble. www.nytimes.com/athletic/631...
nytimes.com
Barcelona have taken their first step towards a treble. Can they do it?
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
Leo Román is playing the game of his life. Barça could easily be 4-0 up but they are 1-0 instead.
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
Ansu Fati is a starter against Mallorca.
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 20/04/2025
Lamine Yamal and Gavi are at the Estadi Johan Cruyff watching the women's team play the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals. Club players.
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
Yesterday Flick again chose Fermin over Gavi in Leganes. How is Gavi managing this season after returning from injury? His new role and his special relationship with Hansi Flick. www.nytimes.com/athletic/627...
nytimes.com
Gavi isn't a regular starter for Barcelona right now but is embracing his role
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Lamine Yamal is 17 years old and is already a superstar. A talent that goes beyond figures and statistics. Barcelona are inches away from the Champions League semi-finals, and so is Yamal. His elegant finish in the 4-0 and his game against BD 👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/626...
nytimes.com
Lamine Yamal is a superstar at 17. Barcelona and Flick need to look after him for the run-in
Lamine Yamal shone for Barcelona against Borussia Dortmund as they won 4-0 on Wednesday evening
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
Together with a lawyer, we explain the details of the new sentence for Dani Alves that absolves him of the crime of sexual assault 13 months after being sentenced to 4 years in prison. Why did the sentence make a 180 degree turn? www.nytimes.com/athletic/625...
nytimes.com
Explained: Why a Spanish court overturned Dani Alves' prison sentence for sexual assault
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Gavi has been very involved in the team's needs despite the fact that his prominence has diminished this season. He accept it, he work for the team without losing Flick's trust. What a well-deserved goal!
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
You can feel the excitement in Barcelona. As soon as the referee blew the final whistle in the match that saw Real Madrid lose against Valencia, firecrackers and fireworks were let off in my neighbourhood.
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Hansi Flick arrived in Barcelona to be an oasis of calm in a hectic club. Why has the team changed so much in one season? What has the German brought to it? His adaptation to Barcelona and his changes to the team dynamics down here 👇 w/ @polballus.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/623...
nytimes.com
How Hansi Flick fixed Barcelona's season and put them firmly in the hunt for three trophies
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Laia Cervelló Herrero @laiacervello.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Alejandro Balde is at the top of his game. He has put the physical discomfort of last season behind him. Why is he a key part of Hansi Flick's system? Why wasn't he called up by Luis de la Fuente for Spain? 👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/623...
nytimes.com
Alejandro Balde is nicknamed 'the plane' - his rise has been as rapid
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