Not a lot of players have crossed the divide this century to join Barcelona from their city rivals Espanyol.
Other than Joan Garcia, the only other player to do it is the striker Jonatan Soriano, who joined Barca Atletic in 2009. He made no first-team appearances before leaving for Red Bull Salzburg in 2012.
Garcia, however, has been a gem. Like Wojciech Szczesny before him, his performances in goal last season played a key part in Barcelona’s run to a league title under Hansi Flick.
But the Spain goalkeeper, who returned from the United States this summer a World champion despite not playing a single minute, is not resting on his laurels. He wants more.
“I think it is very clear,” said Garcia. “We have to continue on the path we are on, win La Liga again, also target the Copa and the Super Cup, which are important trophies for us, and of course the Champions League.
“I think we have to set it as an objective and work for it. We are going to demand the maximum from ourselves to try to win it.”
However, Garcia said there was a difference between ambition and putting unnecessary pressure on the group.
“Of course, obsession is always negative,” he said. “What we have to do is approach it with desire, confidence and an understanding that it is the competition that demands the most from you. Nothing more.”
JOAN GARCIA IS INSANE#laligahighlights pic.twitter.com/dEwHsUwRAg
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 16, 2026
At Barcelona, the 25-year-old is the undisputed No 1, backed up by Szczesny, with former No 1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen no longer in the reckoning. But with the Spain team, Garcia has had to sit quietly as third choice behind Unai Simon and David Raya.
Thinking about the team first and foremost, he said accepting that role was important for the dressing room.
“I handled it very well, of course,” said Garcia. “It had to be that way. Anything else would have been a mistake, both for me and for the group.
“Honestly, it was handled very well, and even more so when you keep winning and then win the World Cup. Everything was perfect.”
Garcia added that every member of the squad shared in the achievement regardless of minutes played.
“The substitutes feel just as much like champions as if we had played every minute. In the end, you spend a lot of time with your teammates,” he said.
“We were together for almost 50 days and we all suffered. I think you almost suffer more from the bench than when you are on the pitch, and you feel just as involved and just as much a champion.”
At Barcelona, Garcia has an even more important role than most top-level goalkeepers. With Flick’s high line leaving large spaces in Barcelona’s half and the team always susceptible to counter attacks, it is Garcia who is tasked with a sweeper role.
Joan Garcia can play too. pic.twitter.com/QdJUrYC1Vd
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 28, 2026
But how does he feel about the quality up front, where there will be a Robert Lewandowski-size hole next season? Barcelona would love to fill it with Julian Alvarez but that is looking unlikely this summer.
“I think Julian is very good,” Garcia said. “Anyone who likes football and watches him will immediately realise that he is a very, very good player and that he has a lot of quality.
“It is not my job to assess all of that. Personally, I have a lot of confidence in the club’s sporting department and also in the coach.
“I know they speak a lot with each other, and I am convinced they will build the best possible squad to compete for everything.”
The goalkeeper also expressed support for Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal for Spain at the World Cup but whose future at Barcelona is up in the air.
“Every situation is different,” Garcia said. “I think people often speak without knowing what is really happening. The only person who knows exactly what is going through his mind is the player, and I think what we have to do is respect that.
“We are very happy to have him with us, and hopefully that will still be the case next season.”
A first season to remember. Joan Garcia wins his first Zamora Trophy, the award for the goalkeeper with the fewest goals conceded in La Liga 🏆👏 pic.twitter.com/lbA91ber0c
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 24, 2026
What about those whom Barcelona have brought in? Garcia is thrilled because they addressed areas the squad wanted to strengthen.
“Maybe we have not moved as much in terms of quantity, but I really like what we have signed so far,” he said. “I think both Gordon and Adeyemi will give us a lot. They are the profiles we needed to give us that extra something, and I am very happy they are with us. I am convinced they will help us improve.”
So, what would constitute a successful campaign for Barcelona next season?
“At least the same number we won last season, and obviously we will go for all the others,” Garcia said. “As many as possible.”
