Barcelona midfielder Gavi has had a memorable breakthrough year in 2022. The teenager initially broke through the ranks at the beginning of the 2021/22 season, but really found his rhythm at the start of this year.
He made 47 appearances for the Blaugrana last season, only missing three games for Barca since making his senior debut for them. The best thing about the 18-year-old was his versatility and adaptability to almost any situation he was put in at Barca.
Gavi has shown an impressive ability to play basically anywhere in midfield, as well as the wings if need be. His impressive performances also compelled Spain manager Luis Enrique to give him a national team call-up towards the end of 2021.
After a string of brilliant performances for La Roja, which included him becoming the youngest-ever player to score a goal for Spain earlier this year, Gavi has become a pivotal part of Enrique’s side.
The Spanish gaffer has been left so amazed by the youngster’s ability that he even gave him the no.9 jersey for the World Cup, a rare achievement for a midfielder.
Gavi saw his hard work and heroics of 2022 redeemed when he won the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards recently. This award is awarded to the best young player, as he managed to (somewhat controversially) beat Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala to win the award.
The 18-year-old is not just a fantastic footballer, but he’s also a bit of a chocolate boy among the girls.
When he signed a long-term contract with Barca at Camp Nou earlier this year, Gavi was met with a number of young female fans – some who even wanted to exchange numbers with him and get to ‘know him better’.
Gavi has a lot of ladies swooning over him after his impressive emergence over the year.
But one truly special individual who seems to have fallen in love with him is the Crown Princess of Spain, Leonor of Asturias. She is the elder daughter of Felipe VI, the current king of Spain.
There is still a monarchy in Spain and Leonor is technically in line to be the successor to her father’s throne and become Spain’s first Queen Regnant since 1868.
Leonor is currently pursuing her secondary education in Wales, but according to Spanish outlet AS, the 17-year-old has a huge crush on Gavi.
In fact, it’s also rumoured that the Barcelona midfielder signed a shirt for her when King Felipe visited the Spain national team before the start of the World Cup.
The present was meant for the Spanish king’s daughter. It’s even claimed that Leonor’s school folder is filled with pictures of Gavi and she is absolutely smitten by him right now.
The Spanish midfielder is seemingly single at the moment, as he has not been spotted having a public appearance with any partner since gaining his fame.
Leonor is also apparently single after breaking up with an ex-boyfriend. If Gavi was to take things forward with the Princess of Spain, he could also inherit a royal status in the future.
However, for the time being, the 18-year-old is laser-focused on progressing his football career and keeping his reputation as the ‘best young player’ in shining light as he tries to help Spain win the World Cup.
