Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Joan García

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 16, 2026

Discover the career path of Joan García, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Joan García Pons is a Spanish professional footballer. He currently plays as a goalkeeper for FC Barcelona, a prominent club in La Liga, the top professional football division of Spain.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2016: Joined Espanyol Youth Sides

In 2016, at the age of 15, Joan García joined the youth sides of Espanyol, after representing Manresa and Damm.

September 2019: Senior Debut with Reserves

In September 2019, Joan García made his senior debut with the reserves, starting in a 1–1 Segunda División B away draw against Valencia Mestalla.

February 2020: Renewal with Pericos Until 2025

On February 2020, Joan García renewed with the Pericos until 2025.

December 2021: First-Team Debut

On December 2021, Joan García made his first-team debut, starting in a 3–2 away win over Solares-Medio Cudeyo in the season's Copa del Rey.

January 2022: La Liga Debut

On January 2022, Joan García made his professional and La Liga debut, starting in a 1–2 home loss against Elche.

June 2022: Handed Number One Shirt

In June 2022, after Oier Olazábal departed the club, Joan García was handed the number one shirt in the 2022–23 campaign, moving from his previous number 34.

June 2023: La Liga Start Against Almería

On June 4, 2023, the final day of the league campaign, Joan García started in a 3–3 La Liga home draw against Almería, although Espanyol had been relegated to the Second Division before the game.

November 2023: Contract Extension Until 2028

On November 2023, Espanyol announced that the club and Joan García had reached an agreement to extend his contract until June 30, 2028.

March 2024: First-Choice Goalkeeper and Player of the Month Award

In March 2024, Joan García became the first-choice goalkeeper for the Pericos in the Second Division. He also started a streak of consecutive Player of the Month awards.

July 2024: Selection for the Spain Under-23 Squad and Olympic Gold Medal

In July 2024, Joan García was selected in the Spain under-23 squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics, where he and Spain would go on to win the Olympic gold medal at the men's football event.

August 2024: First La Liga Clean Sheet

On August 2024, Joan García made seven saves to keep his first La Liga clean sheet in a 0–0 away draw against Atlético Madrid.

2024: Highest Number of Saves in La Liga

By the end of the 2024–25 La Liga season, Joan García recorded the highest number of saves among all goalkeepers in the league.

June 2025: Move to Barcelona

In June 2025, Joan García moved to Barcelona after the club activated his release clause.

June 2025: Departure from Espanyol and Signing with Barcelona

On June 18, 2025, Espanyol announced Joan García's departure after Barcelona activated his €25 million plus taxes release clause. Subsequently, Barcelona announced his signing on a six-year contract until 2031.

July 2025: Unofficial Debut for Barça

On July 27, 2025, Joan Garcia made his unofficial debut for Barça, starting in a 3-1 friendly win against Vissel Kobe.

August 2025: First MVP of the Match for Barcelona

On August 31, 2025, in just his third start for Barcelona, Joan García made 5 crucial saves in a 1–1 draw against Rayo Vallecano. He earned his first MVP of the Match award for Barcelona.

September 2025: UEFA Champions League Debut for Barcelona

On September 18, 2025, Joan García made his UEFA Champions League debut for Barcelona in a 2–1 win over Newcastle United, starting in goal and playing the full 90 minutes.

November 2025: Return from Injury

On November 22, 2025, Joan García returned from injury, starting in Barcelona's 4–0 La Liga win over Athletic Club following his recovery from knee surgery.

January 2026: Second La Liga MVP of the Match award for Barcelona

On January 3, 2026, Joan Garcia faced his former club, RCD Espanyol. The game ended in an 2-0 victory for Barcelona with Garcia playing a crucial part by making 6 saves, which led to him winning his second La Liga MVP of the Match award for Barcelona while also getting praised by Barcelona Manager Hansi Flick.