The Unusual Pre-Match Tradition of Yamal, Cubarsi, and Bernal – A Superstitious Link?
Barcelona’s opening La Liga match of the 2024/25 season against Valencia wasn’t just notable for the 1-2 victory that set the tone for the campaign but also for the significant debut of several young talents.
Lamine Yamal, Marc Bernal, and Pau Cubarsi, all hailing from the prestigious La Masia academy, were given the opportunity to showcase their skills in the starting XI.
For Bernal, it was an extra-special night as he made his senior team debut, a milestone in what promises to be a bright career.
What caught the attention of fans and analysts alike wasn’t just the thrilling game or the debutants’ performances but a curious pre-match ritual that has sparked discussions about superstition versus coincidence.
Before the match began, the trio joined their more experienced teammates for the traditional pre-match photo—a rite of passage for every Barcelona player.
This photo was more than just a snapshot; it was a poignant reminder of their journey from childhood to the professional stage.
Cosas que solo pasan aquí#MadeInLaMasia pic.twitter.com/uyGVD4m0DT
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) August 18, 2024
The most striking aspect of the photo was its uncanny resemblance to one taken from their youth in the 2018/19 season.
In both images, Bernal and Cubarsi stood tall at the back, while a youthful Lamine Yamal crouched in front. This mirrored pose has led to speculation about whether this is a superstition or merely a whimsical coincidence.
“It’s amazing to see how we’ve grown but still hold onto that same pose,” Yamal remarked after the game. “It’s like a little tradition for us.”
The ritualistic nature of their pose hints at a deeper connection among the three players, a potential superstition they might uphold whenever they find themselves in the starting lineup.
Bernal, reflecting on his debut, said, “Standing there with Lamine and Pau felt like a full circle moment. Maybe it’s just a habit, but it definitely feels special.”
The trio’s consistency in their pre-match pose parallels the emergence of previous La Masia legends like Gerard Piqué, Cesc Fàbregas, and Lionel Messi.
Just as these icons carved out their own paths in Barcelona’s storied history, Yamal, Cubarsi, and Bernal are poised to shape the club’s future.
Yamal’s flair as a winger, Cubarsi’s solid presence as a centre-back, and Bernal’s creative influence in midfield have already marked them as crucial components of the team.
Barcelona fans and football enthusiasts are now watching closely to see if this ritual will accompany their rise to stardom or if it remains a quirky footnote in their impressive careers.
As Yamal, Cubarsi, and Bernal continue to develop, their pre-match ritual may well become a cherished part of Barcelona folklore, symbolizing the bond and shared history of these emerging stars.
The Unusual Pre-Match Tradition of Yamal, Cubarsi, and Bernal – A Superstitious Link?