Marc Bernal's Barça deal lets his parents retire, a priceless gift
While a cruciate ligament injury kept him off the pitch throughout the 2024‑2025 season, Marc Bernal has now celebrated the signing of his first professional contract at FC Barcelona in 2024. He said the deal lets his mother, 50, and his father, 57, stop working so they can enjoy life.
Pride in his parents' early retirement
The 19‑year‑old Spanish midfielder said he feels pride in having sent his mother and father into early retirement. His mother, aged 50, worked in IT and his father, aged 57, in a bank, and both gradually reduced their office presence after his first professional contract in July 2024 while he was still on crutches. He explained: "Little by little, they saw things taking a good turn. I signed my contract while I was injured and, from then, they began to consider things differently. They also eased off: instead of working so much, they slowed down a bit." He added that offering this tranquility to his parents is a particularly precious reward, saying: "As a son, what we feel… it is a unique feeling."
Bernal is currently experiencing the most important moment of his young professional career after that serious injury kept him away from the pitch during the 2024‑2025 season. He is well‑installed in Hansi Flick’s rotation at FC Barcelona this season. The midfielder benefits from Rodri’s physical problems to show his best level. He has also joined the Spain under‑21 squad.
In the Spanish radio podcast "El Partidazo de Cope", he spoke about his "crazy ascent" over more than a year and his greatest pride. He said: "C'est la plus belle chose qu'un fils puisse faire – for me, it is being able to allow my parents to retire. It is very beautiful for me. It is the most beautiful thing that exists."
In Barcelona, Bernal lives with his mother and brother while his father remains in his native village of Berga, 60 km from the Catalan capital. When stressed or needing to disconnect from football, he recharges with childhood friends and the rest of his family.