Dani Olmo, full name Daniel Olmo Carvajal, was born on May 7, 1998, in Terrassa, Spain. He is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for FC Barcelona in La Liga and the Spanish national team. Renowned for his technical skills, vision, and versatility on the pitch, Olmo has quickly established himself as one of the most promising talents in European football.
Dani Olmo Early Life and Youth Career
Olmo began his football journey at a young age, joining the youth academy of Espanyol before moving to FC Barcelona's famed La Masia academy in 2007. After spending seven years developing his skills at Barcelona, he left the academy to seek first-team opportunities.
Professional Career
Dinamo Zagreb
In 2015, Olmo signed with Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia:
- Early Success: He made his professional debut for Dinamo Zagreb in 2016 at just 16 years old, becoming the youngest foreign player to represent the club.
- Impressive Performances: Over four seasons with Dinamo, he made 124 appearances, scoring 34 goals and providing 28 assists. His contributions helped the team secure five league titles and three cup victories.
- Recognition: Olmo was named Croatian Footballer of the Year twice during his time at Dinamo, showcasing his impact in the league.
RB Leipzig
In January 2020, Olmo transferred to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga for a fee reported to be around €20 million:
- Immediate Impact: He quickly became an integral part of Leipzig's attacking setup. In his first season, he scored 5 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions.
- Trophy Success: Olmo helped Leipzig win two DFB-Pokals in 2022 and 2023 and played a crucial role in their success during his tenure.
During his time at Leipzig, he showcased his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, including scoring a hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the DFL-Supercup.
Return to Barcelona
In July 2024, Olmo returned to FC Barcelona after an impressive spell at RB Leipzig:
- Homecoming: His return marked a significant moment in his career as he rejoined his boyhood club and aimed to contribute to their success under manager Hansi Flick.
- Immediate Contributions: Since rejoining Barcelona, Olmo has continued to impress with his performances, scoring goals and providing assists as part of a dynamic attacking unit.
International Career
Olmo has represented Spain at various youth levels before making his senior debut:
- Youth Success: He was part of Spain's U21 team that won the UEFA European Championship in 2019 and was named Man of the Match in the final.
- Senior Team Debut: Olmo made his senior international debut on November 15, 2019, scoring on his first appearance against Malta.
- Major Tournaments: He played a key role in Spain's campaigns at UEFA Euro 2020 and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Most notably, he was instrumental in Spain's victory at Euro 2024, finishing as one of the tournament's top scorers.
As of October 2023, he has earned over 40 caps for Spain and scored 11 goals, establishing himself as an important player for the national team.
Playing Style
Dani Olmo is known for his exceptional dribbling ability, creativity, and tactical intelligence. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches (1.76 m) tall, he combines agility with technical skill. His versatility allows him to play across various attacking positions—whether as an attacking midfielder or winger—making him a valuable asset for any team. Additionally, Olmo is recognized for his proficiency with set pieces and ability to score from long range.
Recognition and Achievements
Throughout his career, Olmo has received numerous accolades:
- Croatian Footballer of the Year: Honored twice during his time at Dinamo Zagreb.
- UEFA European U21 Championship Winner (2019): Part of Spain’s successful squad.
- UEFA Euro 2024 Golden Boot: Finished as one of the top scorers during Spain's victorious campaign.
Dani Olmo Conclusion
Dani Olmo's journey from La Masia to becoming one of football's elite talents is a testament to his skill and determination. With significant contributions to both club and country already under his belt and numerous accolades to his name, he continues to be an influential figure in football. As he progresses through his career with FC Barcelona while representing Spain internationally, fans eagerly anticipate what more this exceptional talent will achieve in the future.
