How leaving La Masia for Dinamo Zagreb shaped Spain's Dani Olmo

Dani Olmo was just 16 when, in 2014, he made a decision that would define his career: leaving Barcelona's famed La Masia academy for Dinamo Zagreb. The move surprised many, as few La Masia products had ventured to Croatia at such a young age. 'Other La Masia products had left very young for different countries, but none for Croatia. I was surprised that he decided to come here,' said Nenad Bjelica, who later coached Olmo at Dinamo's first team, in an interview with FIFA.

A calculated risk

Marko Vukelic, Dinamo's sporting director at the time, explained the logic behind the transfer. 'They discussed it with his agents and decided it was a good option. At that time, Barcelona had a different strategy and boys were making their debuts at 22 or 23, whereas we had to raise money every year through player sales. We also usually compete in Europe every season. We need to produce players, but we also need results, so the best ones were making their debuts at 17 or 18.'

Bjelica recalled that Olmo faced difficult moments early on. 'In the end, the family made the decision and I know he had some difficult moments. I'm sure not everything went as they expected, but ultimately it worked out well and everyone can be happy.' Vukelic echoed that resilience: 'He was a boy, so of course it wasn't easy, especially at certain times when he wasn't playing as much. It was a challenge, but he has that personality and that quality… in the end, he overcame everything.'

Family and coaching support

Olmo's father, an experienced coach in Catalonia, played a crucial role. 'They were brave, but they also understood it was the best thing for their son. And Dani's got a big personality,' said Vukelic. The former sporting director also credited key coaches: 'Zoran Mamic, Mario Cvitanovic and Nenad Bjelica were very important because they gave him opportunities.'

Adapting to a new country and language was a major challenge. 'He was very young when he arrived, and our language is very different from Spanish or English, so communicating with his teammates must have been tricky. Croatians are welcoming, just as Spaniards are with Croatians when they go to Spain, but it is still a big adjustment,' recalled Bjelica.

Bjelica, who had spent six years as a player in Spain and spoke fluent Spanish, built a close bond with Olmo. 'He felt very comfortable with me because I could speak to him in his own language, and converse with his father. We shared a few things he could improve and change. We always had a very open relationship, as friends, but also as coach and player,' Bjelica explained.

Breakthrough and rise

Before his senior debut, Olmo had already learned Croatian, but speaking his native language gave him added confidence. Bjelica joined Dinamo late in the season and first saw Olmo up close as he returned from injury. 'We had the final league match to play, having already won the title, and we rested him because we had the cup final coming up. Four days later, we played Hajduk and with Dani on the pitch we won 1-0.' That performance was a sign of things to come. 'Dani is the best player I have coached,' Bjelica said.