Young and extremely talented Darijan Galevski (Click here to see Darijan's NFS profile) He once again drew the attention of the world's soccer public after lifting the trophy for the winner of the prestigious Barça Academy World Cup tournament with Barcelona's academy from Croatia.
This triumph is not only a confirmation of the dominance of the regional football school but also a personal success for the young Galevski, who, as a prominent member of the Next Football Stars platform, has shown that dedicated work and early recognition of talent always pay off. In the final clash, which was a real treat for all lovers of children's football, the academy from Croatia was better than their peers from the Barça academy in Mexico, thus concluding an incredible week in the heart of Catalonia.
Darijan Galevski was one of the key factors in his team's play throughout the tournament, demonstrating maturity and technical skill far beyond his years, culminating in winning the title at one of the most important competitions for this age group in the world.
Darijan Galevski and a historic triumph in the heart of Catalonia
The tournament, traditionally held at the famous La Masia complex, brought together the best youth teams from around the world, and the road to the top was paved with tough matches and incredible comebacks. A particularly standout match was the semifinal where the team featuring Darijan Galevski knocked out the main favorite and tournament host, the top Barcelona academy from Spain. That game ended in a one-all draw in regulation, which was followed by the drama of a penalty shootout. It was Galevski who took responsibility, and with a confident shot from the spot, he started the scoring that paved the way to the grand final. His composure in the crucial moments was a clear sign that he is a player ready for the biggest stages. Statistically, Darijan Galevski was relentless, scoring over ten goals and recording more than fifteen assists during the tournament, which placed him among the competition's top performers.
The Path to the World Title Through La Masia
The team that conquered the world alongside Galevski also included exceptional talents such as David Šaka, Kaloyan Kerin, Josip Šarić, Ivan Rac, and Teo Mraković, who represented GNK Dinamo. Also on the team were Nikola Orlić, Fran Horvat, and Max Šrbić from NK Lokomotiva, as well as Jan Obradović from NK Maksimir, Ivan Šicko from NK Jaska Vinogradar, and Luka Prokić from FK Partizan. This group of boys functioned like a perfect clockwork, and Darijan Galevski, as captain and leader on the field, managed to rally the troops and bring the necessary creativity to the final stages of the attack. His parent club is FK Aleksandro, but he also proudly wears the Red Star jersey, which further speaks to his quality and the interest that the biggest clubs in the region have shown in him since his earliest days. It's interesting to note that this was not the young talent's first encounter with the Catalan giant. Back in 2024, he spent several days training at La Masia itself, where he made an extremely strong impression on the coaches, who gave him the highest ratings for his technique and vision.
Statistics and contribution to the academy's championship team
Today we see the fruits of that progress and the daily effort invested in the development of young athletes. His journey is a true example of how, through the Next Football Stars platform, one can reach the highest peaks, providing young players with the necessary visibility and support in their athletic development. Winning the World Cup in the jersey of the Barcelona academy from Croatia is just one of the many steps this talented boy plans to take in his career. The football community in Macedonia and the region is rightfully proud of this success, and the media are already calling him a child prodigy. Defeating teams from Mexico, Spain, and other football superpowers in their own backyard is proof that top aces are still being born in the Balkans.
While Darijan Galevski celebrates the title with his teammates, soccer fans are already anticipating his next moves. His ability to create chances, passing accuracy, and goal-scoring instinct make him a unique prospect in modern soccer. The tournament in Barcelona ended the way every athlete dreams, with a trophy in their hands and a medal around their neck, but for this member of the Next Football Stars platform, the real fight for top-level professional soccer is just beginning, and judging by his performance, he is more than ready to meet the challenges that await him on the big stages across Europe and the world. All eyes will continue to be on his development, as a talent of this caliber deserves the full attention and support of the professional community.
