According to Sport, Olmo spoke in a documentary about his experience of moving to Croatia to play football at the age of 16, stating that this move helped him mature faster.
Olmo has become one of Europe's most outstanding attacking midfielders. Although many still do not fully acknowledge his talent, the ability of this Terrassa native is undeniable. He is a key player for the Spanish national team, having won the European Championship and the World Cup, and also plays an important role for Barcelona.
Olmo did not reach this level easily. He patiently and diligently forged his own path, even choosing to move abroad. In 2014, at the age of 16, while playing for youth teams, Olmo left Spain for Croatia in search of more opportunities and competitive playing time. At that time, the effects of the Balkan Wars still lingered in the country.
The climate, the distance from family, and the pressure of facing physically stronger opponents made that experience a true challenge.
In August 2014, Olmo and his father Miquel packed their bags, said goodbye to their time at La Masia, and ventured into a completely unfamiliar football environment and culture. In 2015, at the age of 16, he made his first-team debut for Dinamo Zagreb and remained with the club until the 2019/20 season, after which he joined RB Leipzig in Germany.
After winning the European Championship with the Spanish national team and becoming the tournament's top scorer, Olmo returned to Barcelona in the summer of 2024. In early January 2025, his situation at the club caused controversy when LaLiga temporarily suspended his registration due to Barcelona's salary cap issues.
In this four-part documentary, which showcases the private lives of the Spanish men's national team during their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, Olmo spoke about his experience in Zagreb. He said: "I matured much faster than I would have if I had stayed in Barcelona."
Now 28 years old, Olmo competes with Fermín López for his position and has become a fan favorite. He is an indispensable member of the Spanish national team. Matches against Croatia hold particular significance for him due to his strong ties to the Adriatic country.
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