Marc Bernal Casas, born on May 26, 2007, in Berga, Barcelona, Catalonia, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for La Liga club FC Barcelona.

Early Career and La Masia

Bernal is a product of CE Berga and Gimnàstic Manresa, and moved to La Masia at the age of 6 where he worked his way up through Barcelona’s renowned youth categories. His talent was obvious from a young age as he progressed through the academy system.

Barcelona Atlètic

He made his senior and professional debut with Barcelona Atlètic in a 1–0 Primera Federación loss to Logroñés on 27 August 2023. He scored his first professional goals with Barcelona Atlètic in a 3–1 win over Sestao on 22 October 2023. A holding midfielder with great tactical awareness and defensive abilities, Bernal quickly became a key member of the Barça Atlètic squad at the age of 16.

First Team Breakthrough

On 17 August 2024, aged just 17 years and 84 days, he made his debut for the Barcelona first team. On 30 September 2024, Barcelona announced an adjustment to Bernal’s contract by including a buyout clause of €500 million, binding him to the club until 30 June 2026 with an option for three more years.

Injury and Recovery

Just 10 days after his first team debut, in a league game against Rayo Vallecano, he suffered a serious ACL knee injury that kept him out of action for over a year. Bernal made his return from his 383-day absence on 14 September 2025, in a 6–0 win over Valencia, getting an assist. Later that month, on 29 September 2025, he extended his contract until 2029.

Playing Style

Bernal is a 6’3″ versatile left-footed midfielder who usually plays as a defensive midfielder, but can also play more offensively if required. He has a robust physique and has great passing skills. He is level-headed and can pass well under pressure. He has drawn comparisons to Sergio Busquets. Hansi Flick has praised him highly, saying “Marc Bernal can become the best midfielder in the world!”

International Career

Bernal has represented Spain at youth levels and has also been called up to represent the Catalonia national team for friendly matches.