Gavi becomes youngest player ever to play for Spain
Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, better known as 'Gavi' has made history at the age of 17 years and 62 days. The Andalusian midfielder has become the youngest player ever to represent the full Spanish national side after making the starting XI for the UEFA Nations League semi final 2-1 victory against Italy in Milan.
The Barça teenager takes over a record that had stood for 85 years. In April 1936 Àngel Zubieta of Athletic Club made his debut for Spain at the age of 17 years and 284 in a game against Czechoslovakia.
Àngel Zubieta and Ansu Fati as well
As well beating Zubieta's record, Gavi also places himself in front of another teenage Barça prodigy, Ansu Fati, who made his debut for Spain back in September 2020 at the age of 17 years and 308 days in a game against Germany, also in the UEFA Nations League.
Straight to the full Spanish side
Gavi has gone straight into the full national side without even making his debut for the U19 or U21 teams. The midfielder was player for the U16 Barça side just 15 months ago and only made three appearances for Barça B before making his mark with the first team.
His first team debut came on 29 August 2021 in a league game against Getafe in La Liga when he came on to replace Martin Braithwaite and became the fourth youngest players to play for Barça in the league.