Fermín López opens up on ‘worst summer of my life’ after injury and World Cup absence

Barcelona attacker Fermín López has described the summer of 2026 as the worst of his life, revealing that he struggled mentally after a serious injury ruled him out of Spain’s victorious World Cup campaign. In an interview with Catalunya Ràdio’s Tot Costa program, recorded during Barça’s preseason camp in England, the 23-year-old said he needed professional help to cope with the disappointment and is now focused on returning to full fitness.

The worst summer of his life

Fermín admitted that the injury struck at the worst possible moment, just as he was enjoying the best form of his career. “It has been the worst summer of my life,” he said. “I was in the best moment, everything was going well, and the injury came. You also learn from these situations, but it is true that this summer I have had a very hard time. I have come through thanks to my family, my partner and my friends. I needed help. I already had a coach before, but he has helped me a lot to get through it.”

The player did not specify the exact nature of the injury, but it was serious enough to keep him out of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, where Spain eventually lifted the trophy.

Missing the World Cup

Fermín, who had been a regular in Luis de la Fuente’s squad, said he could not bear to watch the opening matches of the tournament. “The first matches of the Spanish national team in the World Cup I did not watch. I could not. I wanted to be there in the World Cup. Let it be clear that it made me very happy to see my teammates win the World Cup. In the final part of the World Cup I was feeling a bit better and I decided to go and watch the final live in New York.”

His decision to attend the final in person, despite the pain of missing the tournament, reflects a gradual improvement in his mental state. The experience of watching his teammates lift the trophy from the stands, while bittersweet, appears to have provided a measure of closure.

Mental health and support

Fermín’s openness about needing help is notable in a sport where mental health struggles are often kept private. He credited his personal coach, family, and partner for helping him navigate the most difficult period of his career. The acknowledgment that he “already had a coach before” suggests that he had been working on mental resilience even before the injury, but the setback required extra support.

The interview adds to a growing trend of elite footballers speaking publicly about mental health, from Dele Alli to Mikel Arteta’s management of player wellbeing. For Barcelona, having a key player address his struggles transparently may help fans understand the human impact of injuries beyond the physical recovery.

Return to action and ambitions

On the pitch, Fermín is optimistic about the coming season. He reported that he is no longer feeling pain and hopes to play some minutes in the Joan Gamper Trophy, Barcelona’s traditional preseason friendly. “I feel better every day. I have no discomfort, which is important. If everything goes well, I could play a few minutes in the Gamper. The intention is to return from this injury with more motivation. I think I am very prepared. I have already shown how I can help Barça, and this next season I have to continue in the same way.”

Looking further ahead, he did not hide his ambitions. “The dream of the Champions League is shared with the whole team. The last two years we have been close. This season could be good. We have been playing together for three years and we have lived through many things. I feel that we are ready to win the Champions League. Winning the third consecutive league is difficult. It will be a complicated year. But if we are focused on our game and we are united, we can win the third league.”

These comments reflect the confidence within the Barcelona squad after winning back-to-back La Liga titles under Hansi Flick, and the growing belief that the Champions League is within reach.

Context for Barcelona

Fermín’s return adds depth to a Barcelona attack that already features Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha. His versatility as a midfielder-forward hybrid gives Flick tactical options. His willingness to speak about his mental struggles may also strengthen the dressing room culture, as it shows vulnerability and resilience in equal measure.

Source: MARCA Futbol – “El Fermín más tocado: ‘Ha sido el peor verano de mi vida’” (30 July 2026) – https://www.marca.com/futbol/barcelona/2026/07/30/fermin-tocado-sido-peor-verano-mi-vida.html