FC Barcelona News: 8 August 2025; Lamine Yamal headlines Ballon d’Or nominees, Iñigo Martínez set for Saudi Arabia move

Back from Asia and back to work – FC Barcelona
After wrapping up their Asian tour, FC Barcelona were back in action on Thursday with a double training session. Hansi Flick’s men landed back from South Korea on Tuesday and, following a couple of well-earned days off, regrouped at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper this morning.

FC Barcelona official statement – FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona hereby announces that, following the disciplinary proceedings opened against player Marc-André ter Stegen, and until this matter is definitively resolved, the club, by mutual agreement with the Sporting Direction and the coaching staff, has decided to temporarily withdraw his role as first-team captain.

10 from FC Barcelona shortlisted for Ballon d’Or – FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona will once again take centre stage at the 69th Ballon d’Or gala. France Football, the magazine that organises this prestigious award, has revealed the 30 male and 30 female players in contention—and among them are several Barça footballers.

Hansi Flick nominated for Coach of the Year – FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona’s first team continues to receive accolades for their outstanding 2024/25 season. This time it’s the turn of head coach Hansi Flick, who on 22 September will be in the running to be named Coach of the Year (the prestigious Johan Cruyff Trophy) at the Ballon d’Or gala, organised by France Football magazine.

FC Barcelona, double candidate for Best Club – FC Barcelona
Two new distinctions for FC Barcelona. On the morning of Thursday 7 August, full of Barça-related nominations, the club could not be left out of the running for Club of the Year—for both the women’s and men’s teams. The trajectories of Pere Romeu’s side and Hansi Flick’s squad this past season have earned them this double nomination from France Football magazine.

Three FC Barcelona nominees for Kopa Trophy – FC Barcelona
Without a doubt, Barça’s future is in good hands. The quality of the club’s young players is undeniable and is the talk of the footballing world. There’s factual evidence too. France Football magazine has revealed the list of young players in the running for the Kopa Trophy, and it includes Vicky López, Pau Cubarsí, and Lamine Yamal.

Cesc Fàbregas and Sergi Roberto return home – FC Barcelona
The ‘Festa del Gamper Estrella Damm’ will be an extra special day for two figures from the ranks of Barça’s opponents on Sunday at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, Italian club Como 1907. The coach of the Serie A side is none other than Cesc Fàbregas whilst amongst the playing staff we find another blaugrana legend in Sergi Roberto.

Iñigo Martínez close to moving to Saudi Arabia – Mundo Deportivo
Iñigo Martínez is very close to joining Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. The FC Barcelona center-back is negotiating with the Saudi Arabian club, according to market journalist Matteo Moretto.

The reason why Iñigo Martínez will leave Barça for free – Mundo Deportivo
The player had rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia last season and Barça had promised that they would let him leave for free if another offer came in this summer.

Barça stay firm after Iñigo’s departure: no plans to go to the transfer market – Mundo Deportivo
There are no plans to sign a replacement and Flick has already tried Gerard Martín in Iñigo’s position during the last two preseason friendlies.

The millions that Barça free up with Iñigo’s farewell – Mundo Deportivo
The 60% amortization of the player’s salary cost, which is approximately 14 million euros, allows for 8.4 million euros in fair play.

Ferran Torres remains injured and is doubtful for the Gamper – Mundo Deportivo
The forward, who did not play in the last friendly against Daegu FC, has a muscle overload and trained on the sidelines as a precaution.

Como, an attractive option for Iñaki Peña – Mundo Deportivo
Italian media claim that Barça’s rival at the Gamper would be considering the signing of the Barça goalkeeper, who also has an offer from Turkish football.

Source: barcablaugranes.com