From La Masia to Camp Nou. Barça B’s Ilaix Moriba made his first team debut in Barça’s Copa del Rey victory over Cornellà on Thursday, playing 73 minutes just two days after turning 18 years and eventually being replaced by Sergio Busquets.
During his time on the field he made 39 successful passes and won the ball back seven times. In the second half he had a chance to mark his debut with a goal with an effort from the edge of the box.
A message to #Culers from Mr. Debut, @IlaixMK! ✌️ pic.twitter.com/GCqjiCsxKm
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 21, 2021
Ten years at the club
Born in Conakry (Guinea), he joined Barça in 2010 at the age of seven, having previously played at Espanyol. He rapidly rose up through the different age categories, usually playing in a year above his natural level, and played a starring role in Barça’s victory at the LaLiga Promises Internacional in 2015.
In 2019/20 he made his big break by getting named for the U19A team, and then getting calls ups from Garcia Pimienta to play eight games with Barça B.
He also featured in the reserve team’s three promotion play-offs in the summer of 2020, and is now a regular in the team, whenever he hasn’t been called up for the first team squad.