Marc Guiu Paz, born January 4, 2006, in Granollers, Catalonia, is one of Spain’s most exciting football prospects. The 19-year-old striker made headlines when he scored just 23 seconds into his Barcelona debut — a record that announced his arrival on the world stage.
At 6 ft 2 in (1.87 m) tall, Guiu blends physical strength with sharp finishing instincts, embodying the traits of a classic No. 9. From a small Catalan town to the bright lights of Stamford Bridge, his journey reflects determination, humility, and relentless drive.
Guiu’s steady progress through Barcelona’s La Masia academy and his bold transfer to Chelsea FC highlight his adaptability and promise in top-tier football.
Quick Facts of Marc Guiu
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marc Guiu Paz |
| Date of Birth | 4 January 2006 |
| Place of Birth | Granollers, Catalonia, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Youth Clubs | PB Sant Celoni (2010–13); FC Barcelona La Masia (2013–23) |
| Professional Debut | Barcelona – October 2023 (vs Athletic Bilbao, scored after 23 seconds) |
| Current Club | Chelsea FC (No. 38) |
| International Career | Spain U17 & U19 |
| Major Honours | UEFA U-17 Top Scorer (2023); Chelsea – Conference League & FIFA Club World Cup (2025) |
| Net Worth Estimate | ≈ €8 million |
| Transfer Fee to Chelsea | €6 million (2024) |
| Style of Play | Powerful No. 9 with aerial dominance and positional instincts |
Roots in Catalonia: Early Life and Family Foundations
Born and raised in Sant Celoni, Guiu grew up surrounded by Catalan football passion. His hometown’s community spirit and his family’s steady guidance shaped his grounded personality. Though his parents maintain privacy, their emotional support during his debut revealed their deep pride.
At just seven, Guiu began at PB Sant Celoni, a feeder club for Barcelona. His early discipline and powerful build caught scouts’ attention, leading to his entry into La Masia in 2013.
La Masia Dream to First-Team Breakthrough
Guiu’s decade-long development at La Masia transformed him into a refined striker. He excelled across youth levels, shining in the 2023 UEFA U-17 Championship, where he scored four goals and shared the top-scorer title with teammate Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona rewarded his consistency by inviting him to senior friendlies that summer. Those opportunities boosted his confidence and set the stage for his unforgettable debut that autumn.
A Debut for the Ages
On October 22, 2023, Guiu entered the match against Athletic Bilbao — and within 23 seconds, he netted the decisive goal. At 17 years and 291 days, he became the youngest player to score on a La Liga debut for Barcelona.
Manager Xavi Hernández praised his composure and instinct, while Albert Capellas called him “exceptional, with a true striker’s mentality.” Days later, Guiu proved it wasn’t luck — scoring again in the Champions League versus Antwerp with a stoppage-time header.
Blue Move: Chelsea Contract and European Success
Chelsea activated Guiu’s €6 million release clause on July 1, 2024, signing him to a five-year deal. The move marked a bold step into Premier League football.
Although first-team minutes were limited, Guiu thrived in the UEFA Conference League, scoring six goals in the group stage, including a memorable hat-trick against Shamrock Rovers. He also contributed to Chelsea’s 2025 FIFA Club World Cup triumph, further cementing his European rise.
Style of Play and Strengths
Guiu represents the archetypal striker — a classic No. 9 who relies on power, precise positioning, and sharp finishing. Coaches often compare him to Samuel Eto’o for his strength and relentless pressing.
He prefers intelligent movement and quick reactions inside the box rather than flashy dribbles. His calm demeanor under pressure reflects La Masia’s emphasis on tactical discipline and mental focus.
Rising Prospects and Next Steps
Throughout the 2024–25 season, Guiu accumulated over 600 minutes across 16 matches and maintained an impressive goal ratio. However, competition within Chelsea’s attack limited his Premier League exposure.
Heading into 2026, Chelsea is evaluating loan offers from clubs like Ipswich Town and Leeds United to ensure consistent playing time. The club views him as a long-term asset, protecting his development rather than cashing in early.
Personal Snapshot and Public Profile
Guiu’s breakout moment earned him over 500,000 new followers overnight. He often thanks mentors like Xavi and Capellas on social media and expresses gratitude toward family and fans.
His signature Gojo Satoru celebration — inspired by the anime Jujutsu Kaisen — showcases his playful side and cultural awareness, resonating strongly with younger supporters.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
With an estimated net worth of €8 million, Guiu’s earnings come from contracts, performance bonuses, and transfer value. Despite growing fame, he maintains a grounded lifestyle and has yet to pursue lavish endorsements, focusing instead on training and growth.
Fun Facts
- Scored the fastest debut goal in Barcelona’s La Liga history (23 seconds).
- Joint top scorer at the UEFA U-17 Championship 2023.
- Combines anime culture and football in his iconic celebration.
Emerging Legacy and Future Vision
At just 19, Marc Guiu has already achieved milestones many players dream of — from La Masia glory to European silverware with Chelsea. His discipline, maturity, and technical evolution point to a bright future.
Whether on loan or breaking further into Chelsea’s lineup, Guiu’s ambition remains clear: to become one of Europe’s most complete strikers. His story embodies the new generation of footballers — driven, creative, and unafraid to blend tradition with personality.
Conclusion
Marc Guiu’s journey captures the essence of modern football — a fusion of youth, talent, and resilience. From Catalonia’s fields to global arenas, he continues to shape a career defined by potential and purpose. The next chapter promises even greater achievements for this rising Spanish star.
