From Goa to FC Barcelona: Ajay Tavares’ little-known India connection before his big move

Ajay Tavares is set to complete a big move to FC Barcelona.

Ajay Tavares’ football journey has taken a remarkable turn, with the young forward now ready to sign for FC Barcelona. Once a promising talent in England’s youth system, Tavares has earned a place at one of the world’s most iconic clubs, where he will continue his development with the best.

Long before a move to FC Barcelona entered the picture, Ajay Tavares had already experienced football in India. As part of Norwich City’s U-17 setup, the young forward once played on Indian soil, a moment that now feels especially significant as he takes the next big step of his career by signing for the Spanish giants.

Who is Ajay Tavares

Ajay Tavares, a 16-year-old, is a product of the Norwich City academy, where he built his reputation as a lively and direct attacker. Capable of playing across the frontline, he is known for taking defenders on, finding space in tight areas and contributing goals at youth level.

What truly sets him apart is his physical development. At just 16, he regularly holds his own against older opponents and has already trained with Norwich City’s first team during pre-season. He even made an unofficial senior appearance in a friendly against Dutch side Volendam last summer.

His rapid rise gathered pace after a stunning hat-trick in just 16 minutes against Malaga’s academy last year, a performance that quickly caught the attention of scouts across Europe.

His performances didn’t go unnoticed, earning him opportunities with England’s youth teams and establishing him as one of the more exciting prospects of his age group. Before Barcelona completing his move, Ajay had interests from multiple European giants such as Bayern Munich, Juventus, Chelsea, Dortmund, AC Milan, Manchester City and Arsenal. Barcelona’s interest is another sign of the faith placed in his potential and long-term growth.

The India Connection

One of the lesser known but fascinating parts of Tavares’ journey is his connection to India. While representing Norwich City’s U-17 team, he once played in India against Football 4 Change, a club from Manipur on 8th April 2025, during a youth tour in Sports Complex Utorda, Goa. Ajay was the standout player in that game and made great impact against the Football 4 Change side.

At the time, it was just another match in a young player’s learning journey. Today, it feels like a striking contrast, from sharing the pitch with a grassroots Indian club to earning a move to FC Barcelona. It’s a reminder of how football careers can take unexpected paths, and how moments in far-off places can quietly become part of a much bigger story.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.