🚨🎖| 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍: Barcelona are taking strict measures to protect their young academy talents from excessive media exposure and social media pressure.
The latest example is 12-year-old Hugo Galdeano, whose videos have accumulated 285M VIEWS and whose Instagram account, managed by adults, has over 212,000 followers. He gained around 30,000 followers in just a few days after the LaLiga Futures tournament in Orlando.
DAZN and Movistar wanted to interview him, but Barcelona maintained strict control over the process. The club reviewed the questions, requested the removal of certain topics and rejected comparisons between Galdeano and Pedri. Even a special message from Andrés Iniesta was requested to be addressed to the entire team rather than the youngster alone.
Barcelona's general policy is to avoid individualising young players. Even after hat-tricks or outstanding performances, the club prefers collective posts rather than putting individual children in the spotlight. It also avoids publishing individual MVP awards through its FCBMasia account.
The club has introduced restrictions on sharing footage from inside La Masia and dressing rooms involving minors. Players who have ignored these rules have reportedly been warned.
Barça also holds discussions with the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan Police) to educate youngsters about online dangers, inappropriate private messages and sports betting. The sporting management has additionally warned some families against excessively exposing their children on social media.
The priority is to let young players develop away from unnecessary pressure, protecting their privacy and ensuring that their football comes before their social media popularity. [@La_SER] #fcblive 🏠