𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐍𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐦𝐚: Barcelona’s Japanese gem lighting up the academy
FC Barcelona has once again uncovered a special talent in its famed youth academy — and this time, he comes from Japan. Shinta Nishiyama, a left winger for Barça’s U-12 team, has emerged as one of the standout prospects of the season at La Masia, thanks to a devastating left foot that is already turning heads across Spain and beyond.
At just 11 years old, Nishiyama isn’t just scoring goals — he’s deciding matches.
Two Moments of Brilliance to Change the Game
Field 9 at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, late Sunday morning. Barça’s U-12 side, coached by Pol Combellé, faces a tough challenge against a physically superior Can Buxeres U-13 team. The visitors press aggressively, disrupting Barcelona’s build-up and forcing the young blaugrana talents into an uncomfortable rhythm.
Then Shinta appears.
Two explosive actions down the left flank. Two perfectly timed assists. Two goals by Destiny. Just like that, the match tilts in Barça’s favor. The final score ends 2–1, tighter than the second half suggested, but the turning point was clear.
“Watch out for number 11 — he always does the same move,” shouted a frustrated fan from the stands.
And still, no one could stop him.
Who Is Shinta Nishiyama?
- Born: Shibuya, Tokyo (Japan)
- Moved to Barcelona: 3 years ago
- Position: Left winger
- Usual number: 11
- Current team: FC Barcelona U-12 (Preferente U-13)
After arriving in Catalonia, Shinta began his development at Brain Football Academy, where he received personalized technical, tactical, and personal guidance. His performances soon earned him a move to CF Damm, where he exploded with an incredible 54 goals in a single season.
That was more than enough to catch Barcelona’s attention.
In the summer of 2024, La Masia made its move.
Rapid Rise at La Masia
Shinta wasted no time making an impact in blaugrana colors. In his first season with Barça’s U-11 team, coached by Jordi Pérez, he scored 20 goals, confirming the club had secured a rare talent.
This season, now competing in 11-a-side football with the U-12s, his role has evolved. Previously deployed as a fullback in seven-a-side football, Nishiyama now operates as a true attacking winger — very similar to Raphinha’s profile.
When Shinta gets the ball, Barça’s left flank comes alive.
A Left Foot That Makes the Difference
What truly sets Shinta Nishiyama apart is his explosive left foot — powerful, accurate, and unpredictable.
- Long-range shots with real venom
- Dangerous, whipped crosses
- Improving decision-making in the final third
- One of the top assist providers in his team
After 14 league matches, he has recorded 6 goals and numerous assists, numbers that only hint at his true influence on the pitch.
One FIFA agent watching from the sidelines summed it up perfectly:
“Who is this Japanese kid who beats his man every time and nobody knows how to stop?”
A Unique Case in Barcelona’s History
Alongside Takefusa Kubo, Shinta Nishiyama is the only Japanese player to have passed through La Masia. Comparisons are inevitable — and excitement in Japan is growing fast. Some already see him as a potential successor to Asia’s biggest stars, including Son Heung-min.
International media have described his left foot as an “unparalleled cannon”, highlighting his ability to change games with a single action.
Talent, Work Ethic, and Character
Off the pitch, Shinta is highly valued in the dressing room. He’s known for his positive attitude, teamwork, and relentless work ethic. Coaches believe that, given his physical and technical profile, he could even develop into an attacking fullback in the future — though today, his impact as a winger is undeniable.
His performances recently earned him a spot in the Youth Team of the Week, further cementing his status as one of Barça’s most exciting young prospects.
The Japanese Cannon Growing at La Masia
Barcelona may have discovered another devastating winger, and this time he’s Japanese. Shinta Nishiyama represents the present — and potentially the future — of a youth system that continues to produce elite-level talent.
At La Masia, everyone already knows one thing:
When the ball reaches number 11, anything can happen.
