Hello, Football fans! If you love following the Football and admire world-class, Gavi is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Gavi, officially known as Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, has emerged as one of modern football’s most exciting young talents. The Spanish midfielder has captivated fans worldwide with his technical brilliance, attacking prowess, and competitive intensity since breaking into Barcelona’s first team in 2021. Despite his youth, Gavi has already achieved milestones that took many legendary players entire careers to accomplish, and his journey from the dusty pitches of Andalusia to becoming a cornerstone of FC Barcelona and Spain’s national team represents one of football’s most compelling modern success stories.
Gavi’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Pablo Martín Páez Gavira |
| Nickname | Gavi |
| Date of Birth | August 5, 2004 |
| Age | 21 years old |
| Birthplace | Los Palacios y Villafranca, Seville, Andalusia, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Height | 173 cm (5’8″) |
| Weight | 68-70 kg |
| Religion | N/A |
| Turned Professional | September 2020 |
| Current Club | FC Barcelona |
| Jersey Number | 6 |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Playing Position | Central Midfielder / Attacking Midfielder |
| Net Worth | Estimated $30 million USD |
| Annual Salary | €9.3 million |
| Relationship Status | Girlfriend |
| Rumored Girlfriend | Ana Pelayo |
| Children | None |
| @pablogavi |
Early Career
Gavi’s football journey began in his hometown at La Liara Balompié, where he spent two seasons between 2010 and 2012 playing youth football. His exceptional talent caught the attention of Real Betis, one of Andalusia’s most prominent clubs, and he joined their youth academy at age 11. During his two seasons at Betis, Gavi developed his technical foundation and competitive drive, scoring an impressive 95 goals for the club’s youth teams.
His performances didn’t go unnoticed by the biggest clubs in Spain. In 2015, at just 11 years old, Gavi earned a move to Barcelona’s world-renowned La Masia academy, where he progressed through different age categories before signing his first professional contract with Barcelona in September 2020. He was quickly promoted from the under-16 team to the under-19 squad, demonstrating the extraordinary potential that would soon capture the football world’s attention.
Professional Career
Gavi’s senior career ignited with remarkable speed and impact. Following strong performances in pre-season friendlies during summer 2021, manager Ronald Koeman decided to include him with Barcelona’s first team squad ahead of the 2021-2022 campaign. His official La Liga debut came on August 29, 2021, against Getafe, where he replaced Sergi Roberto in the 73rd minute—marking his entry into top-flight football at just 17 years and 24 days old, making him the fourth youngest La Liga debutant for Barcelona in history.
He scored his first goal for the club on December 18, 2021, in a 3-2 home victory over Elche. The midfielder’s trajectory accelerated impressively throughout the 2021-2022 season, and by the 2022-2023 campaign, he had established himself as a regular starter. His crowning moment came on January 15, 2023, when he scored a goal and provided two assists in Barcelona’s 3-1 Supercopa de España victory over Real Madrid, earning man of the match honors in a high-stakes encounter against the club’s fiercest rivals. Across his career, Gavi has accumulated 173 total appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 15 assists.
In La Liga specifically, he has played 110 matches with 6 goals and 12 assists, demonstrating his value as both a creative and somewhat goal-contributing midfielder. His Champions League statistics show 24 appearances with 1 goal and 8 assists across all European competitions, while he has earned over 30 international caps for the Spanish national team, further cementing his status as one of Europe’s most promising midfield talents.
Girlfriend
Gavi has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his rising fame and massive social media following. As of early 2026, his official relationship status remains unconfirmed by the player himself. However, Spanish media has linked him romantically with Ana Pelayo, an 18-year-old Spanish student, after the two interacted on social media. While there is no definitive public confirmation of a romantic relationship between them, Ana Pelayo has shared photos with Gavi’s family members on her private social media accounts, fueling ongoing speculation about their connection.
Earlier rumors in 2024 had even linked Gavi to Spain’s Princess Leonor of Asturias, though these were never substantiated. Gavi has no known children and prioritizes his football career above all else at this stage of his life. His Instagram account (@pablogavi) boasts over 19 million followers, where he regularly shares content related to his football career and training.
Gavi’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Gavi’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $30 million USD. This figure reflects his salary earnings from FC Barcelona, accumulated career income, and potential endorsement deals. His current annual salary of €9.3 million (approximately $10.2 million USD) represents a significant component of his net worth. However, his overall wealth is moderated by his relatively young age and injury setbacks during the 2024-2025 season, which have impacted his market value. Considering market value fluctuations, his transfer valuation has decreased from €94 million in mid-2024 to approximately €40-50 million as of January 2026 due to his recent knee surgery and ongoing rehabilitation. Nevertheless, his long-term earnings potential remains substantial given his extended contract with Barcelona and bright future prospects.
Contract Details
On January 31, 2025, Gavi signed a new long-term contract extension with Barcelona that represents a significant commitment from both player and club. The new agreement keeps him at the Camp Nou until June 30, 2030, providing five additional years of security. His weekly salary increased to €180,385 (approximately €9.3 million per year or $10.2 million USD annually), making him one of Barcelona’s highest-paid young players alongside Pedri.
Most notably, the contract includes a remarkable €1 billion release clause, which effectively makes him unsellable in the near term and signals Barcelona’s faith in his long-term potential. This release clause is one of the highest in world football and demonstrates the club’s determination to keep Gavi at Barcelona during his peak years. The contract also includes performance-related bonuses that can increase his total annual compensation.
Career Earnings
| Season | Club | Position | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Estimated Annual Earnings |
| 2020-2021 | Barcelona B | Professional Contract Begins | 3 | 0 | 0 | €250,000 (approx.) |
| 2021-2022 | Barcelona | Midfielder (Promoted to First Team) | 57 | 4 | 5 | €500,000 |
| 2022-2023 | Barcelona | Midfielder | 62 | 5 | 6 | €5.7 million |
| 2023-2024 | Barcelona | Midfielder | 15 | 2 | 1 | €5.8 million |
| 2024-2025 | Barcelona | Midfielder (Injured) | 46 | 6 | 3 | €5.6 million |
| 2025-2026 | Barcelona | Midfielder (Returning from Injury) | Limited | – | – | €9.3 million |
| Career Total Estimated | – | – | 173+ | 12+ | 15+ | €27+ million |
Endorsements & Brand Partnerships
- Nike — Barcelona’s official kit and apparel partner; Gavi wears Nike football boots and training gear as part of the club’s collective sponsorship arrangement
- Barcelona Ecosystem — Benefits from the club’s major partnerships with Spotify, Estrella Damm, Cupra, Bimbo, PRIME hydration, and other official FC Barcelona sponsors
- Social Media Presence — His substantial Instagram following (19M+ followers) creates significant potential for influencer collaborations and brand partnerships
- Reported Interest — Various European luxury and sportswear brands have reportedly approached his representatives, though specific contracts remain undisclosed
- Future Opportunities — As he matures and recovers from his current injury, his endorsement market value is expected to increase substantially
Career Records
| Record/Achievement | Details | Date/Context |
| Youngest Spain International | 17 years, 62 days (previously stood since 1936) | October 2021 vs Italy |
| Youngest Spanish Goalscorer | 17 years, 304 days | June 2022 vs Czechia |
| Youngest Spanish World Cup Scorer | 18 years, 110 days | November 2022 vs Costa Rica (Pelé record: youngest since 1958) |
| Fourth Youngest Barcelona La Liga Debutant | 17 years, 24 days | August 2021 vs Getafe |
| Youngest to 100 Barcelona Appearances | Surpassed even Lionel Messi | Early 2024 |
| Supercopa de España Performance | Goal + 2 assists, Man of the Match (3-1 vs Real Madrid) | January 15, 2023 |
| 2022 Golden Boy Award | Youngest winner at 18 years, 77 days (second all-time) | October 2022 |
| 2022 Kopa Trophy | Best player under 21 by France Football | 2022 |
| La Liga Appearances | 110 matches, 6 goals, 12 assists | Career to date |
| Champions League Statistics | 24 appearances, 1 goal, 8 assists | Career across European competitions |
| International Caps | 30+ caps for Spain national team | Career to date |
| Trophies Won | 5 major trophies including La Liga (2x), Supercopa de España (2x), Spanish Cup | 2021-2025 |
| Pass Completion Rate | Consistently around 90% | Career average |
| Ball Recoveries | Average 5+ per match | Career average |
FAQs
1. What is Gavi’s current injury status and expected return date?
Gavi underwent ACL surgery in September 2024 and subsequently required a second knee procedure in September 2024 to address meniscus issues. Following a rigorous rehabilitation program at Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva, he is expected to return to full training and competitive action around February-March 2026. His recovery is progressing on schedule, and both he and the club are taking a cautious approach to ensure complete healing before his return.
2. How does Gavi compare to Barcelona legends Xavi and Andrés Iniesta?
While Gavi is frequently compared to Barcelona’s all-time greats due to his technical quality and midfield prowess, analysts suggest he represents a different breed of midfielder. His teammate Pedri is more frequently compared to Xavi and Iniesta due to his calming presence and ball circulation. Gavi’s style is more aggressive and dynamic—he presses opponents more intensively, makes forward runs into the attacking third, and shows greater physicality than his legendary predecessors. He’s perhaps better compared to Marco Verratti or a more aggressive version of Gündogan in terms of playing style.
3. What are Gavi’s key strengths as a footballer?
Gavi’s primary strengths include exceptional technical ability with the ball, strong press resistance and composure under pressure, aggressive attacking contributions with willingness to shoot and score, high ball recovery rate (5+ per match) demonstrating defensive intensity, progressive passing that breaks opposition lines, and impressive work rate covering both defensive and offensive phases. His 90% pass completion rate reflects his decision-making and technical security.
4. Why did Gavi sign a €1 billion release clause with Barcelona?
Barcelona inserted the €1 billion release clause into Gavi’s contract extension in January 2025 to effectively make him unsellable and signal the club’s long-term commitment to building their midfield around him. The exceptionally high figure ensures that even wealthy clubs cannot realistically approach Gavi’s transfer, allowing Barcelona to retain their most promising young talent during the most important years of his development.
5. How much does Gavi earn at Barcelona per week and year?
Following his January 2025 contract extension, Gavi earns €180,385 per week, which equates to approximately €9.3 million per year (gross salary). This represents a substantial increase from his previous contract and places him among Barcelona’s top earners, reflecting his importance to the club’s present and future plans.
6. What is Gavi’s playing position and tactical role?
Gavi primarily operates as a central midfielder in a box-to-box role, though he has occasionally been deployed as an attacking midfielder or on the left side of midfield depending on Barcelona’s tactical setup. He functions as both a ball carrier and a playmaker, contributing defensively while also supporting offensive phases with progressive passes and forward runs.
7. How many international caps does Gavi have for Spain?
Gavi has earned over 30 caps for the Spanish national team at senior level, becoming one of Spain’s most important young players. He was the youngest ever player to represent Spain at 17 years, 62 days old, breaking a record that had stood since 1936. He also became Spain’s youngest goalscorer and made an impact at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
8. What trophies has Gavi won in his career?
Gavi has won five major trophies during his Barcelona career: two La Liga titles (2022-23, 2023-24), two Supercopa de España titles, and one Copa del Rey. He was also part of Spain’s UEFA Nations League runner-up squad in 2020-21. Additionally, he won prestigious individual awards including the 2022 Golden Boy and 2022 Kopa Trophy.
9. What is Gavi’s market value and why has it fluctuated?
Gavi’s transfer market value has experienced significant fluctuation, peaking at €94 million in mid-2024 but declining to approximately €40-50 million as of January 2026, primarily due to his extended injury absence from ACL surgery and subsequent knee procedures. His valuation is expected to recover as he returns to full fitness and competitive action, though his Barcelona contract with its €1 billion release clause makes any potential transfer virtually impossible.
10. How has Gavi performed specifically in El Clásico matches against Real Madrid?
Gavi has delivered impressive performances in Barcelona-Real Madrid Clásico encounters. In his first Clásico at senior level on October 24, 2021, at just 17 years, 79 days old, he became Barcelona’s youngest player ever to feature in this historic rivalry. His standout performance came in the January 15, 2023, Supercopa de España final when he scored a goal, provided two assists, and earned man of the match honors in Barcelona’s 3-1 victory, demonstrating his ability to perform in the highest-pressure matches against the club’s fiercest rivals.