The Catalan Sports Festival, organized by SPORT and the UFEC (Union of Catalan Sports Federations), honored the country's best athletes during 2025. The event, held at the CaixaForum de Barcelona, brought together a wide representation of Catalan sports, highlighting the presence of the current Barça goalkeeper.
At just 24 years old, Joan García's resume already establishes him in the football elite. He was a key player in Espanyol's salvation last season, which forced Barça to make a move to secure his signing. His bravery took him to the Camp Nou and he is already considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
“"This last year many things have happened, especially sportingly, but in life and in sport we must seek new challenges, make progress little by little, with new hopes, but without forgetting where you come from, with the utmost respect and pride."
Joan García received the award from Berni Álvarez, Sports Counselor of the Generalitat, accompanied by Cat, the Barça mascot. The director of SPORT, Joan Vehils, emphasized that the precedents of this award, received by figures such as Gasol, Marc Márquez, Pau Cubarsí, or Lamine Yamal, ensure that the goalkeeper from Sallent "has success guaranteed."
