Missing World Cup was the worst summer of my life — Fermin

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has revealed that missing Spain’s triumphant 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign was the “worst summer” of his life, admitting he needed professional help to overcome the disappointment.

The 23-year-old was ruled out of the tournament by injury despite being in top form, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as Spain lifted the World Cup trophy.

Speaking to Catalunya Radio’s Tot Costa  from Barcelona’s pre-season camp in England, Lopez admitted the emotional impact of missing the tournament was overwhelming.

Fermin said: “It’s been the worst summer of my life. I was at my peak, everything was going well, and then the injury happened.

“You learn from these situations, but it’s true that I’ve had a really tough summer.

“I’ve gotten through it thanks to my family, my partner, and my friends.

“I needed help. I already had it before, but my coach has helped me a lot to get through it.”

The Barcelona midfielder revealed he initially could not bring himself to watch Spain’s matches because of the heartbreak of missing the tournament.

He said: “I didn’t watch the first few matches of the Spanish national team in the World Cup.

“I couldn’t. I wanted to be there at the World Cup.

“Let me make it clear that it made me very happy to see my teammates win the World Cup.

“Towards the end of the World Cup, I felt a bit better and decided to go see the final live in New York.”

Lopez is now closing in on a return after months of rehabilitation under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and hopes to feature in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

He said: “I’m feeling better every day. I have no discomfort, which is important.

“If everything goes well, I could play a few minutes in the Gamper Trophy match.

“The intention is to come back from this injury with even more motivation.

“I think I’m very ready.

“I’ve already shown how I can help Barca, and I have to continue doing the same next season.”

Looking ahead to the new campaign, Lopez believes Barcelona have what it takes to compete for Europe’s biggest prize.

He added: “The dream of winning the Champions League is shared by the whole team.

“We’ve closed the last two years.

“This season could be a good one.

“We’ve been playing together for three years and have experienced a lot.

“I feel we’re ready to win the Champions League.

“Winning a third consecutive league title is difficult. It will be a tough year. But if we’re focused on our game and united, we can win a third league title.”

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖