Fermín López matches Maradona’s Barcelona goal tally and praises his connection with Lamine Yamal
Barcelona midfielder Fermín López has reached a remarkable milestone, matching Diego Armando Maradona’s total of 38 goals for the Catalan club. The 23-year-old is proud to share that figure with one of football’s most celebrated players, but he has been quick to stress that the comparison should go no further.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Fermín reflected on the achievement and his growing role in Barcelona’s first team. He has scored 38 goals and provided 36 assists in 150 senior appearances for the club, an impressive return for a midfielder whose game is built around energy, forward movement and a willingness to attack.
“I can’t compare myself to a player like Maradona,” he said. “Every player has their own path, but I’m very happy to equal the number of goals scored by someone like him. I hope to score more.”
A milestone, not a comparison
Maradona’s time at Barcelona was brief, but his talent and status have ensured that his name remains woven into the club’s history. Matching his goal tally is therefore a notable landmark for Fermín, even if the players’ careers and circumstances are entirely different. For the young midfielder, the record is best understood as a personal achievement—and motivation to keep contributing.
Fermín’s numbers also underline his value beyond goals. His 36 assists show that he can create opportunities as well as finish them, giving Barcelona a midfielder capable of influencing the match in several ways. As the season progresses, his direct approach and attacking instincts could prove important in domestic competition and across the club’s broader campaign.
Why Fermín is always looking to attack
Asked what has helped him become a regular goal threat, Fermín pointed to qualities he has carried since childhood. He described himself as a direct player who naturally looks to move towards goal, create danger and make things happen in the final third.
“My most important qualities are that I play very directly,” he explained. “Since I was young, I’ve had this mentality that pushes me forward, towards the goal, and makes me think about scoring and creating chances.”
That instinct is a useful fit for Barcelona’s attacking style. Midfielders who arrive quickly around the penalty area can give defenders another problem to solve, particularly when the opposition is focused on containing the forwards. Fermín’s willingness to make those runs can open space for teammates, while his ability to finish means opponents cannot afford to ignore him.
He said that his attacking mindset is something he continues to develop, but identified directness as the quality he would choose above all others. Although his assists have helped the team, Fermín admitted that scoring remains his preference.
“Creating goals helps the team because you help your teammates score,” he said. “It gives you happiness because you’ve created something for the team, but honestly, I prefer scoring.”
Fermín keeps his season target private
Fermín has made a productive start to the current campaign, recording six goals and seven assists so far. When asked how many goal contributions he hopes to have by the end of the season, however, he declined to give a specific number.
“I don’t want to say it, so I don’t bring bad luck,” he joked. He later confirmed that he does set himself a target, but tries not to let it become a source of pressure.
That approach may help him stay focused on the work in front of him rather than becoming distracted by statistics. For a player still establishing himself at the highest level, consistent performances and contributions to Barcelona’s results are likely to matter more than a public prediction about an individual total.
“For me, he is the best”: Fermín on Lamine Yamal
Fermín also spoke warmly about his relationship with Lamine Yamal, whose praise for the midfielder has highlighted the understanding between the two Barcelona players. Yamal has discussed how comfortable he feels playing alongside Fermín, particularly because the midfielder’s movement can create useful spaces on the pitch.
For Fermín, that trust is especially meaningful. “This means a lot to me because, for me, he is the best,” he said. “For him to feel comfortable playing with me, and for us to have this relationship and connection, is important for me and for the team.”
Their familiarity did not begin in the first team. Fermín said he has known Yamal since they were young, and believes their friendship away from football has helped them understand one another during matches. That history can make it easier to anticipate a teammate’s movement, recognise when to make a supporting run and react quickly in crowded attacking areas.
“When you have a friend off the pitch, things become easier on it,” Fermín said. “You know him completely, and I think he and I know each other 100%.”
A partnership that could shape Barcelona’s attack
Barcelona supporters will hope that the connection continues to develop. Yamal’s ability to beat defenders and create chances can draw opponents towards the wing, while Fermín’s forward runs may exploit the space that opens elsewhere. Their different strengths give the team another attacking option and could make their partnership especially valuable against organised defences.
Fermín made no attempt to hide his admiration for the young winger, calling him “the best” and saying he is happy to share the pitch with him. The midfielder’s comments also reflect a broader theme in Barcelona’s squad: young players who have grown together can bring both technical quality and a shared understanding to the first team.
With 38 goals now to his name, Fermín has added a memorable chapter to his Barcelona story. He remains cautious about comparisons with Maradona and reluctant to reveal his season target, but his ambition is clear. His direct style, growing output and close connection with Yamal give Barcelona plenty to build on as the campaign continues. Any prediction about his final numbers remains uncertain, but his record so far suggests that he will keep pushing forward—and looking for the next goal.
