Where are they now? Barcelona’s 15 wonderkids from FM 2012

Barcelona arguably have the best academy in the world, with a whole host of world-class players coming through the ranks at La Masia over the years. But how did their 15 wonderkids from Football Manager 2012 get on in real life?

Current manager Xavi, and legends such as Carlos Puyol, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and of course Lionel Messi all graduated from the academy, and even now the likes of Gavi and Ansu Fati all look set to follow in these footsteps.

When FM 2012 was released, Barcelona’s success at bringing through youth meant that their squad was full of ‘wonderkids’, with FM Scout picking out the best 15. We had a look at who made the grade and who faded into obscurity.

Once mooted as a promising young goalkeeper who could be the next Victor Valdes, Pol Balleste is one of those who never lived up to hype, failing to make a single appearance for Barcelona, before touring around the lower divisions in Spain.

Now 26, Balleste finds himself in the fourth division, playing for UD Melilla.

Bartra actually found his way into the Barcelona first team following the departure of Carlos Puyol, and started with real promise, but his career has had its peaks and troughs.

Bartra moved onto Borussia Dortmund, where he was particularly affected when the team bus fell victim to a terrorist attack shortly before a Champions League knockout game. Now 31, Bartra plays for Real Betis, where he’s been a solid performer under Manuel Pellegrini

Gareth Bale can take the credit for effectively ending Bartra’s Barcelona career, after utterly destroying him in the 2014 Copa Del Rey final.

Eight years on he’s lifted the King’s Cup with Betis. Good for him.

Gareth Bale turns 32 today

Never forget when he ran past Marc Bartra in the Copa