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SCMP Sport

Young footballer Li Haoyan made history on Wednesday by becoming the first player from China to sign for Barcelona’s La Masia academy.
Currently playing for CF Damm in the Division de Honor Catalana Infantil in Spain, the top-tier regional youth league, the 14-year-old will join Barcelona’s Cadet B, the club’s under-15 side, next season.
Born on January 28, 2012, Li began his journey playing for his father’s Dalian No 8 Football Club, which was aimed at grass-roots youth training.
He joined the China Football Juniors – founded by former football journalist and commentator Dong Lu in 2017 – when he turned 10 years old.

OFFICIAL✍️
Earlier today, Li Haoyan officially signed with FC Barcelona, joining Cadet B (U15) team. This 14 yo🇨🇳FW thus becomes the first Chinese player to sign with Barcelona's La Masia academy.#Barca #FCB #ChineseAbroad #LaMasia https://t.co/h62q63Uy9P pic.twitter.com/5MiQYG8nNy
— HOTPOT FOOTBALL (@HotpotFootball) June 3, 2026

Li spent three years in his native country, won numerous age-group titles and was selected for the national junior under-11 squad in 2023 before opting to play in Spain at the age of 13.
The early days in Spain were not easy as Li faced challenges adapting, both on and off the pitch, due to the language barrier.
He reportedly drew tactics on his palms when he could not remember them and participated in an extra hour of physical and technical training every day.
Originally a left-footer, the young winger has developed into comfortably being able to use both feet and can play on either side of the pitch.
Observers, coaches and Catalonia-based media praised Li for his outstanding explosiveness and speed, and said the Dalian native was “as fast as a bullet” for his ability to effortlessly break through defences.


In the 2025/26 season, Li played for Damm in 28 league matches, contributing 12 goals and 12 assists as his team finished the season with 12 wins, 8 draws and 10 defeats to finish seventh in the 16-team league.
Barcelona U14 finished second, five points behind champions Girona U14.
Known for his agile dribbling, solid individual skills, stable finishing in front of goal and outstanding heading ability, Li was touted as the best player in China born in 2012.
Li’s performance at Damm reportedly attracted interest from other clubs including Espanyol, Villarreal and Real Betis, but Dong revealed a direct phone call from a La Masia director just before Christmas helped close the deal.
The news of Li joining Barcelona went viral on Chinese social media and at one point was the No 2 trending topic on Weibo.
The original post by Dong late last night had earned over 11,000 likes, more than 1,650 comments and over a thousand reposts.
“The dream is coming true! Haoyan, add oil!” said one commenter.
“This is bringing China’s top talents to La Masia,” read another comment.
Another commenter said Li’s achievements were better than getting into Tsinghua University.

China’s Football Kids 2014 team beat Everton’s youth side 5-4 on penalties in the final of Italy’s Sigismondi Cup to win the U12 title. The Chinese team finished the tournament with a perfect seven wins from seven matches. pic.twitter.com/B081QQ1dmV
— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) June 2, 2026

On Tuesday, his former team, the under-12 China Football Juniors, were crowned champions in the Sigismondi Cup ahead of 47 other teams in Italy.
The Chinese boys won all seven of their matches, scoring 20 goals and conceding only once as they beat teams like Florence, Braga and Copenhagen before overcoming Everton 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out to claim the title.


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Young footballer Li Haoyan played for CF Damm in the top-tier regional youth league in Spain. Photo: Weibo

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The 14-year-old Li Haoyan will join the club’s under-15 side next season after attracting interest from other teams like Espanyol, Villarreal


The 14-year-old Li Haoyan will join the club’s under-15 side next season after attracting interest from other teams like Espanyol, Villarreal.


Young Chinese footballer makes history signing for Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The 14-year-old Li Haoyan will join the club’s under-15 side next season after attracting interest from other teams like Espanyol, Villarreal

The 14-year-old Li Haoyan will join the club’s under-15 side next season after attracting interest from other teams like Espanyol, Villarreal