By Emeka Blast 
Barcelona Registers Gerard Martín, Assigns Him Shirt No. 18
Barcelona, Spain – FC Barcelona defender Gerard Martín has officially been registered with La Liga, ending a tense wait to secure his spot in the first-team squad for the 2025-26 season. The 23-year-old left-back, who missed the opening two matches due to the club’s financial constraints, was confirmed as a first-team player on August 29, 2025, and assigned the prestigious No. 18 jersey, previously worn by his idol, Jordi Alba. The news, announced by La Liga and celebrated by Barca Universal, paves the way for Martín’s debut against Rayo Vallecano this Sunday.
Barcelona’s battle with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations left Martín, alongside goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and winger Roony Bardghji, unregistered for the season’s start, as reported by Barca Blaugranes. The club’s recent moves—loaning out goalkeeper Iñaki Peña to Elche and terminating Oriol Romeu’s contract—freed up sufficient salary cap space, while an additional €5 million in financial guarantees sealed Martín’s registration, per Barca Universal. The breakthrough came just days before the transfer window closes on September 1, allowing Martín to feature in the upcoming Matchday 3 clash.
The registration, confirmed on La Liga’s official website, marks Martín’s transition from a Barça Atlètic license, where he wore No. 35 last season, to a first-team role. His new contract, extended until June 2028, reflects Barcelona’s faith in the versatile defender, who can play left-back or centre-back, as noted by fcbarcelona.com.
Martín’s assignment of the No. 18 jersey, vacant since Pau Victor’s departure, carries deep symbolism. The number was famously worn by Jordi Alba, Barcelona’s legendary left-back, from 2012 to 2023, during which he won a Champions League, six La Liga titles, and five Copas del Rey. Martín, a Cornella native like Alba, has cited the Inter Miami star as his inspiration, telling Mundo Deportivo in July 2025, “Watching Alba at Barça inspired me.” The choice, as highlighted by Barca Universal, is no coincidence, with Martín aiming to emulate his role model’s success.
Fans on X erupted with excitement, with @BarcaTimes tweeting, “🚨 BREAKING: Gerard Martín REGISTERED! Wearing the iconic #18. Ready for Rayo! #FCBLive.” Others, like @CulePride, wrote, “Martín taking Alba’s number? Big shoes to fill, but he’s got the talent!”
Born on February 26, 2002, in Esplugues de Llobregat, Martín joined Barça Atlètic in 2023 from UE Cornellà, where he played 41 matches in his debut season. His La Liga debut came on August 17, 2024, substituting for Alejandro Balde in a 2-1 win over Valencia, and he scored his first professional goal on March 2, 2025, against Real Sociedad, per Wikipedia. Standing at 1.86m, Martín’s versatility and aerial prowess have drawn praise, with coach Hansi Flick testing him as a centre-back in pre-season, according to larazon.es.
With Barcelona sitting atop La Liga after wins over Mallorca and Levante, Flick is eager to integrate Martín for squad depth, especially with Balde’s injury concerns. The defender’s registration is a boost ahead of a tough schedule, including clashes with Villarreal and Real Madrid.
Martín’s availability for Sunday’s match at Rayo Vallecano’s “swamp-like” pitch, as acknowledged by a Rayo star, adds intrigue to Barcelona’s lineup, per Barca Universal. The club still faces challenges registering Szczesny and Bardghji, but Martín’s inclusion signals progress. As he dons the No. 18, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if the young Catalan can channel Alba’s legacy and cement his place in Barcelona’s future.
