Gavi: What new record did the Barcelona jewel set in his World Cup debut at the age of 18?

His name is Pablo Martín Páez Gavira but the world of football knows him as Gavi. The Spanish footballer already dazzled us at Barcelona last season, taking the Golden Boy award. Today in Spain’s rout of Costa Rica, he reaffirmed what a great player he is and the bright future that awaits him.

At 18 years and 110 days old, he was already in the news prior to the expected meeting, being Spain’s youngest rookie in World Cups. Qatar 2022 is his first performance in a World Cup but due to his development on the field it does not seem so. A few minutes were enough to know that the Spanish would have the game more than under control and that Gavi is an important piece in this young team led by Luis Enrique.

After 11 minutes of play and after a great collective move with the coach’s own stamp full of touches and passes, Gavi gave the final pass so that Dani Olmo will sign the 1-0 for his team and they will reach one hundred goals in World Cups. ‘La Roja’ would dominate the match from now on with a Costa Rica that did not know what to do.

With less than 20 minutes to go before the game ended, an incredible pass from Morata reached the feet of Gavi who found himself unmarked in the rival area to hit the ball first and seal the 5-0 score. Somewhat spectacular for a outstanding player who breaks all the statistics and limits of football logic.

A dream debut for the Barcelona footballer who, after this goal, became the youngest goalscorer in Spain in World Cups, surpassing legends like Raúl and Pirri. As if that were not enough, he enters the podium as the third youngest scorer in the history of the World Cups behind the Brazilian star Pelé and the Mexican Manuel Rosas.

His excellent performance today against the ‘Ticos’, who ended up thrashed 7-0, earned him the MVP for best player of the match. Gavi leads this new generation of Spain who, led by Luis Enrique, aspire to repeat the 2010 title and obtain their second World Cup star.