Gavi Silences Golden Boy Award Critics With Real Madrid Demolition Masterclass

Gavi silenced critics that scoffed when he received the Golden Boy award with a masterclass in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.

Scoring the opener against Real Madrid on 32 minutes in a Saudi Arabian installment of El Clasico, the 18-year-old then provided an assist for teammate Robert Lewandowski on the stroke of half time as Barca doubled their lead.

In the second half, there was more as the Spain international set up midfield partner Pedri to make it 3-0 as Barca held on for an eventual 3-1 win to seal the first trophy since Lionel Messi departed in 2021.

Rightfully awarded the Man of the Match award, Gavi’s display was about more than just goals and assists and came complimented with more impressive statistics.

Completing 88% of his passes accurately, he also had 100% accurate crosses, created the most chances and won the most duels against elite opposition which was a slap in the face for those that deemed him unworthy of winning the award for Europe’s best player under the age of 21 in late 2022.

As a “speechless” Xavi explained, Gavi’s winning mentality and hunger for titles has been infectious on the rest of the squad made up by members all older than him.

“He is a kid that excites everyone,” Xavi said in his post-match press conference from the King Fahd stadium. “When you see him compete like that…the heart, soul and character that he plays with are contagious for the rest of the team.

“He’s a born leader, too, that all comes naturally to him – and at the age of 18. He is spectacular. I have said it many times, but I don’t get tired of praising him. He has no ceiling, so don’t slow him down.”

Yet while Gavi has no ceiling, he is evidently keeping his feet on the ground. “I know I can still improve a lot. I want to keep improving,” he explained in his own press conference after the final whistle.

With he and Pedri leading the way, exciting times lay ahead for fans of Barca with the Messi era seeming to have been put to bed by two prodigies eager to succeed.

Both players are tied down in long-term contracts, which have €1bn ($1.08bn) release clauses attached to them meaning their services are secure until 2026 at least.