Who is Nishiyama Shinta? Barcelona’s 11-year-old Japanese prodigy lighting up La Masia

Nishiyama Shinta is the latest jewel to emerge from La Masia.

FC Barcelona have been a gold mine for generational talents, powered by their world-class La Masia youth academy. From the treble-winning team of 2008-09, featuring Lionel Messi and others, to Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi today, La Masia has unearthed some of the biggest talents in world football.

Another highly-rated player has emerged from La Masia in the form of Japanese youngster Nishiyama Shinta. The 11-year-old attacker has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in Barcelona’s U-12 team.

Unsurprisingly, Shinta has drawn comparisons with Lamine Yamal, who also progressed from La Masia at a young age. In his native Japan, Shinta has been called the second Takefusa Kubo. The latter, who now plays for Real Sociedad in LaLiga, also emerged from the La Masia system.

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Nishiyama Shinta’s profile so far

Born in Shibuya, Japan, in 2014, Shinta began his career as part of Yokohama FC’s youth system. He attracted attention due to his powerful left foot and sharp dribbling skills. He made a career change around three years ago, moving to Catalonia with his family.

In Spain, Shinta joined CF Damm. He had a terrific record for the youth club, scoring an astonishing 54 goals in 30 matches. He subsequently joined La Masia at the age of nine.

He quickly became one of the most closely watched youngsters in Barcelona’s youth ranks. He joined the academy as part of the U-11 team and scored 20 goals in his debut season. He was then promoted to the U-12 side, where he moved from seven-a-side to 11-a-side football.

In his first six rounds of U-12 football, he scored six goals and registered several assists. He has already been named in one “Team of the Week” in the youth league. He has subsequently been promoted to the U-13 side.

Media reports have compared Shinta’s progression from full-back to winger and his powerful left-footed shooting to club captain Raphinha.

Shinta could become the first Japanese player to establish himself in Barcelona’s first team. Kubo, despite being highly rated in the youth setup, never played for the senior team.

Shinta is also aiming to become a part of the Japan national team for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, even though the player will be just 15 years old during that event.

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