Szczesny bets on Garcia: Barcelona's rising keeper could become the world's best

Polish veteran backs Barca’s budding star in a rare mentor moment

The Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny spoke in Warsaw at the premiere of a new documentary about his career, titled Szczesny, produced by Prime Video for his home audience. The film chronicles his journey across Europe and offers insights into his mindset as a top-level goalkeeper.

In interviews with local press, the 35-year-old expressed pride in working with Barcelona's young sensation Joan Garcia, whom he sees as a future pillar of world-class goalkeeping.

Garcia arrived at Barcelona this summer from Espanyol, and his arrival coincided with an injury that temporarily elevated Szczesny to the starting role for the Catalan club.

“Perhaps he will become the best goalkeeper in the world; he has exceptional talent, and if I can contribute to his development, I would be happy and proud,” Szczesny told Mundo Deportivo.

The comments come as Barcelona search for stability after mixed results; Szczesny’s experience provides balance in the goalkeeping department during Garcia’s absence.

He stressed that he does not view Garcia as a rival but as a gifted project to nurture, someone who could become a world-beater with the right guidance and experience.

His admiration for Garcia grew after watching him at Espanyol last season, but it deepened after seeing him in Barcelona’s training sessions. “I was impressed when he was at Espanyol, but he surprised me even more three days after our first training session. He has great calm and exceptional ball control; with a bit more experience, he will be very hard to beat,” Szczesny said.

“I’m not saying he’s the best now, but he is on the right path to becoming so. I would be very satisfied if I can help him even a little,” he added.

The documentary also reveals a human side of the goalkeeper, including memories of Barcelona’s league title celebration, when he recalled a moment of smoking a fine cigar gifted by club president Joan Laporta. “The ending of the film, the cigar in the locker room, sums up my career: a mix of euphoria, pride and calm.”

The film traces Szczesny’s long arc across European clubs—from Arsenal to Roma and Juventus to Barca—highlighting how he embodies a blend of experience, composure, and ambition. Although his move to Barcelona was not initially meant to make him the starter, Garcia’s injury opened the door for Szczesny to prove his worth and to act as a leader in the squad.

With Szczesny providing guidance, Barcelona now has a unique goalkeeper duo: a seasoned veteran and a promising young talent standing ready for the next chapter of the club’s storied history.

Punchline 1: If Garcia ends up as the world’s best GK, I might finally stop missing the target in my jokes—precision is catching up with me.

Punchline 2: In football and humor, the aim is simple: hit the net and don’t let the crowd tell you a different story.