U20 WWC Stars: Carla Julià. A shy personality, a fearless player

Carla Julià’s story is one of perseverance and being in the right place at the right time. The 19-year-old has just signed her first contract as a Barcelona first-team player, keeping her at the club until 2030, but her journey to the top has been anything but straightforward. Now, she represents Spain at the U20 Women's world cup.

At one point, she even came close to giving up football altogether.

Her story takes us back to 2022, when Julià was still part of Espanyol’s youth academy. That year, the Catalan club decided not to keep her, suddenly leaving the young player facing an uncertain future in the game.

After a difficult period without a club, Damm, one of Catalonia’s renowned youth teams, offered her an opportunity.

Julià began to rediscover her confidence and show her talent again, attracting interest from several clubs. Badalona Women eventually came calling with the promise of giving her a pathway towards first-team football.

Damm allowed her to leave midway through the season, recognising the opportunity it presented for her development. Just when everything appeared to be falling into place, however, another setback arrived.

Bureaucratic problems prevented Julià from playing for Badalona until the beginning of the new 2023/24 season.

From facing Barça to joining them

As if it were written, Julià made her Liga F debut on January 6, 2024, against Barcelona at the Johan Cruyff Stadium — the ground that would eventually become her home.

In the summer of 2025, she joined Barcelona.

Julià initially became a regular starter for Barça B while also beginning to earn opportunities with the senior side. First-team coach Pere Romeu turned to the youngster when injuries and absences created gaps in his squad, giving her minutes that she quickly took advantage of.

Her first appearance for Barcelona’s senior team came on August 16, 2025, in the Copa Catalunya.

Now, at just 19, Julià has signed a new contract as a permanent member of Barcelona’s first-team squad.

Her time at Barça has also helped shape both her playing style and her position on the pitch. Julià has alternated between left-back and the wing, adapting to a role that has required her to develop different aspects of her game.

The transition has not always been easy, but her performances have rewarded Romeu’s faith in her and demonstrated her ability to contribute in both positions.

A shy personality, a confident player

Julià stands out for her technical ability and fearlessness on the ball: qualities that contrast with her naturally shy personality away from the pitch. The left-footed youngster has even featured on the right wing, allowing her to cut inside and make the most of her stronger foot.

Her confidence with the ball and willingness to take on opponents have even led to comparisons with Barcelona legend Ronaldinho, while supporters have had some fun creating nicknames inspired by her name and playing style.

It has been quite a journey for a player whose footballing future once looked uncertain. Released by Espanyol, then prevented from playing at Badalona because of bureaucratic problems, Julià has repeatedly had to overcome setbacks that threatened to slow her development.

Now she has reached Barcelona’s first team, armed with a contract until 2030 and, crucially, the trust of Pere Romeu. After everything it took to get there, Carla Julià finally has the opportunity to show that she belongs.