Who is Ainoa Gómez? La Masia wonderkid following Mariona Caldentey's path

FC Barcelona Femení have some of the world's best players in their squad. They have become role models for many of the young women in the club's academy, but they also set the benchmark against which emerging players are inevitably compared. While that can be inspiring, it can also place extra pressure on young academy talents.

Ainoa Gómez is one of Barcelona's brightest young prospects and is expected to make the step up to Liga F. However, with competition for places at Barça incredibly fierce, she will spend the 2026/27 season on loan at Deportivo Abanca. Barcelona confirmed the move in a statement, explaining that the loan is designed to give the midfielder regular playing time in Spain's top flight. The move will allow Ainoa to gain valuable experience while remaining firmly in Barça's long-term plans.

The loan is part of Barcelona's strategy of developing and retaining their homegrown talent. It is an approach that has already paid off, most notably last season when academy graduate Clara Serrajordi stepped in during Aitana Bonmatí's absence and earned a place in the starting XI. Ainoa now joins a club where she is expected to play consistently in Liga F, having already made her first-team debut for Barcelona.

Already trusted by Romeu

The young midfielder has also earned the trust of head coach Pere Romeu. Last season, she made her senior debut against Badalona Women before scoring in just her second first-team appearance against Madrid CFF at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, celebrating in front of the home supporters.

Despite her age, Gómez has already established herself as the driving force in Barcelona B's midfield and a key player for Spain's youth national teams. She joined Barcelona's academy despite interest from local rivals Espanyol, who also wanted to bring her into their youth system. Her style of play has often drawn comparisons with former Barça star Mariona Caldentey, a compliment that also brings added expectations.

Spain's golden gereation?

She consistently stands out whenever she represents Spain. Most recently, she played an important role as Spain retained the UEFA Women's U19 European Championship title. Before that, she had already lifted the U19 European Championship trophy in 2025 and won the UEFA Women's U17 European Championship in 2024. She also finished as a runner-up at the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup alongside a generation widely expected to form the backbone of Spain's senior national team in the years ahead.

Her importance was just as evident for Barcelona B. Gómez enjoyed an outstanding campaign, becoming a regular starter in midfield. She featured in 22 matches, started 20 of them and scored three goals, helping Barcelona B win the Primera Federación title and secure promotion from Spain's second tier.