Sergi Roberto Carnicer, born on February 7, 1992, is a prominent figure in Spanish professional football. He currently serves as the captain of La Liga club Barcelona. While primarily known for his prowess as a central midfielder, Roberto’s versatility shines as he adeptly transitions between roles as a defensive midfielder, full-back, or winger when called upon. His journey to football stardom began at an early age, with his remarkable talent earning him a spot in Barcelona’s first team at just 18 years old.
Since then, Roberto has remained a cornerstone of the Barcelona squad, contributing significantly to the club’s successes. Throughout his illustrious career, he has clinched numerous prestigious titles, boasting an impressive collection of seven La Liga championships and two Champions League triumphs with Barcelona. Despite his unwavering commitment to his club, Roberto’s talents have also been recognized on the international stage, with his debut for the Spanish national team occurring in 2016, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his football journey.
Club Career
Sergi Roberto’s journey in professional football began in his hometown of Reus, Tarragona, Catalonia, where he honed his skills with local club UE Barri Santes Creus from the tender age of 8. At 14, he caught the eye of Barcelona’s youth academy scouts and joined their ranks, leaving behind his previous club, Gimnàstic de Tarragona. In the 2009–2010 season, at just 17 years old, Roberto made his debut for Barcelona B, making a notable contribution of 29 appearances as they secured promotion to the Segunda División after an 11-year hiatus.
His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and on November 10, 2010, Roberto marked his debut for Barcelona’s first team in a Copa del Rey match against Ceuta, playing the second half of a resounding 5–1 victory at home. Just a few months later, on April 27, the following year, he made his UEFA Champions League debut, appearing as a substitute in the dying minutes of a crucial semi-final clash against Real Madrid, which Barcelona won 2–0.
Roberto’s La Liga debut came on May 21, 2011, where he showcased his abilities by playing the full 90 minutes in a 3–1 victory over Málaga on the final matchday of the season. His first start for the senior squad arrived on December 6 of the same year, in a Champions League group stage encounter against BATE Borisov. With manager Pep Guardiola resting key players for the upcoming El Clásico, Roberto seized the opportunity and opened the scoring in the 35th minute, contributing to Barcelona’s commanding 4–0 win.
In a remarkable display of his talent and versatility, Sergi Roberto wasted no time making his mark on Barcelona’s first team. In just his third official appearance on January 12, 2012, Roberto showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting his second goal for the club, aiding Barcelona in a come-from-behind victory against Osasuna in the domestic cup, ultimately securing a 2–1 win (6–1 on aggregate). His ability to contribute offensively was further evident on December 16, 2014, when he found the back of the net once again in a resounding 8–1 triumph over Huesca at the Camp Nou.
During the 2015–2016 season, under the guidance of manager Luis Enrique, Roberto underwent a positional transformation, transitioning to the role of a right-back. Despite initial doubts about his suitability for the position, Roberto flourished in his new role, showcasing his adaptability by featuring in several games. In a display of his versatility, he seamlessly filled in for the injured Jordi Alba on the opposite flank in two consecutive matches against Athletic Bilbao in January 2016, demonstrating his capability to excel in different positions on the field.
Roberto’s impact was not limited to defensive duties; he also made significant contributions in attack. On August 20, 2016, starting as a right-back, Roberto showcased his playmaking abilities by providing two assists in a resounding 6–2 victory against Betis in the opening match of the campaign. His prowess from the same position was further highlighted on September 24, as he once again contributed two crucial assists in a dominant 5–0 away win against Sporting de Gijón.
One of Roberto’s most memorable moments came on March 8, 2017, in a historic Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain. With Barcelona facing a daunting four-goal deficit from the first leg, Roberto delivered a decisive performance, scoring the final goal in the 95th minute of a sensational 6–1 victory at home. This remarkable comeback made Barcelona the first club in Champions League history to overturn such a significant deficit in the knockout stages. In recognition of his contributions, Roberto extended his contract with Barcelona until 2022 on February 22, 2018, further solidifying his commitment to the club.
In a heated fixture against arch-rivals Real Madrid on May 6, 2018, Sergi Roberto found himself at the center of controversy when he was shown a straight red card for an altercation with Marcelo during injury time of the first half. Despite the setback, Barcelona managed to salvage a 2–2 draw at home. Throughout the season, Roberto proved to be the preferred choice at right-back, edging out newly signed Nélson Semedo, as Barcelona clinched the national championship after a one-year hiatus.
Unfortunately, Roberto’s resilience was tested once again in late October 2021 when he suffered a quadriceps strain injury. However, he displayed remarkable determination in his road to recovery, undergoing a successful operation in December conducted by renowned surgeon Lasse Lempainen in Turku, Finland.
Despite the setback, Roberto’s commitment to the club remained unwavering, as evidenced by his decision to extend his contract until 2024 on March 3, 2023.Despite grappling with various physical challenges, Roberto’s on-field contributions remained invaluable, as he achieved a career-best feat by scoring four goals for the league champions. His ability to overcome adversity and maintain a high level of performance underscored his significance to the team’s success, further solidifying his status as a key player for Barcelona.
International Career
Sergi Roberto’s journey in international football began with the Spain under-17 team, shortly after his debut for Barcelona B in October 2009. He was selected for the 2009 FIFA World Cup held in Nigeria, where he showcased his talent with a remarkable performance. On November 5, Roberto left a lasting impression by scoring a hat-trick against Burkina Faso at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, before being substituted in the 88th minute. His contributions played a crucial role in Spain’s success as they finished third in the tournament, with Roberto and Borja Bastón of Atlético Madrid accounting for eight of the team’s total goals.
Continuing to excel on the international stage, Roberto made his debut for the Spain under-21 side on September 5, 2011, during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers. Although he only played the final four minutes, his inclusion in the squad highlighted his growing reputation as a promising talent.
Roberto’s impressive performances did not go unnoticed by the senior national team selectors, and he received his first call-up in March 2016 for friendlies against Romania and Italy. His debut for the senior squad came on March 27, 2016, in a friendly match against Romania, where he started in a 0–0 draw in Cluj-Napoca. This marked the beginning of Roberto’s journey with the Spanish senior team, as he continued to make valuable contributions to the national side.
Personal Life
Sergi Roberto’s personal life is as eventful as his professional career. In 2014, he embarked on a romantic journey with Israeli model Coral Simanovich, step-daughter of Israeli singer and former politician Pnina Rosenblum. Their relationship blossomed over the years, culminating in an engagement in early September 2017. The couple exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony held in Tel Aviv on May 30, 2018, surrounded by family and friends. Their union was further blessed with the arrival of their first child, Kaia, in 2019, marking a new chapter of joy and fulfillment for the couple.
Born on February 7, 1992, under the zodiac sign of Aquarius, Sergi Roberto embodies the characteristic traits of his sign. Known for his independence, innovation, and humanitarian nature, he brings a unique perspective to both his personal and professional endeavors. Aquarians like Roberto are often admired for their progressive thinking, versatility, and ability to adapt to various situations with ease. These qualities, combined with his talent and dedication, have contributed to his success both on and off the field.
Honours and Accolades
Sergi Roberto’s illustrious career has been decorated with numerous titles and individual accolades, highlighting his exceptional talent and versatility on the field.
Club ahievements with Barcelona
- La Liga: 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2022–23
- Copa del Rey: 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21
- Supercopa de España: 2010, 2016, 2022–23
- UEFA Champions League: 2010–11, 2014–15
- UEFA Super Cup: 2015
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2015
International honours
- Spain U17: FIFA U-17 World Cup third place: 2009
- Spain: UEFA Nations League runner-up: 2020–21
Individual honours
- UEFA Champions League Breakthrough XI: 2016
- Catalan Footballer of the Year: 2016–17
Sergi Roberto’s ability to excel in various positions on the field, coupled with his pace, strength, rigorous work rate, and precise passing, has earned him widespread recognition. His versatility as a full-back and midfielder has been particularly praised, with former manager Luis Enrique commending his ability to perform admirably in any position on the field. Roberto’s contributions both domestically and internationally, along with his individual accolades serve to testify to his skill and immense footballing talent.