IN CONVERSATION WITH DANI OLMO

interview by JANA LETONJA

Balancing technical precision with creative instinct, Dani Olmo has quietly shaped one of the most distinctive paths in modern football. From leaving FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy at just 16 to forge his career in Croatia, to returning a decade later as a European champion and one of the team’s defining players, his trajectory reflects both risk and clarity of vision. Following a standout performance at the UEFA Euro 2024, where he emerged as top scorer, Dani now enters a new phase, combining elite performance with a growing presence beyond the pitch, from philanthropy to fashion. It’s a moment where discipline, identity, and expression begin to align.

Leaving La Masia at 16 was an unconventional decision. What gave you the confidence to take that step?

It was the most difficult decision I’ve ever made because leaving home at such a young age is never easy, but I felt it was the right moment to keep growing as a footballer. Dinamo offered me a very clear project and the chance to compete at the highest level. I’ve always tried to listen carefully to the people around me, but also to myself. I didn’t see it as a risk, but as an opportunity to keep learning and to mature, both as a footballer and as a person.

Looking back, how did your time at Dinamo Zagreb shape you as both a player and a person?

It changed me a lot. From a football perspective, I grew in a very competitive environment where I learned to take on responsibility and to understand the game in a different way. Off the pitch, it also helped me discover another culture and the history of a country that left a big mark on me. And of course, it made me mature in many other aspects of everyday life.

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Do you think taking a less traditional path has influenced how you approach your career today?

Definitely. Having different experiences from such a young age makes you trust your own path more and understand that there isn’t just one formula for achieving success. I always try to keep that mindset so I can continue improving and never become too comfortable.

What did it mean to return to FC Barcelona after so many years?

It was something very special. Barça is the club of my life, the place where I grew up and learned so many things. Coming back after everything I experienced abroad has a very important meaning for me, and also for my family. I feel that I returned here as a more complete player and person.

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Winning UEFA Euro 2024 and finishing as top scorer, how did that experience shape you?

It was one of the most beautiful moments of my career. Winning the European Championship with your country is something you dream about from a very young age. Beyond the goals, what I remember most is the group we built and the way we competed and lived together like a family throughout the tournament. It was an experience that gave us a lot of confidence as a team and showed what we are capable of.

Did that tournament feel like a turning point in your career?

It could be. These are short tournaments that demand the very best from you because of the quality of the opponents and the little time there is between each stage. But I try to approach everything with balance. Football changes very quickly, and the important thing is to stay consistent and keep working hard every day.

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How do you maintain that level of performance under pressure?

I try to focus a lot on the present and on enjoying the game. In the end, when you’re on the pitch, you have to trust all the work you’ve done beforehand. It also helps to surround myself with people who guide me and help me become a better player every day.

Your game is often described as creative and intuitive. How would you define your playing style?

I like to play with freedom, understand spaces and combine well with my teammates. I always try to be a dynamic player, someone who can bring something different and create chances for the team. From a very young age, my father taught me how to read the game, and I think that has helped me throughout my career.

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Your charity camp and work with Common Goal reflect a strong social commitment. Why is that important to you?

During my time in Croatia, I learned closely about the history of the Balkan War and everything the people there went through during and after the conflict. It was something that left a strong impression on me and made me want to get involved in projects like Common Goal. I consider myself very fortunate to be a footballer, and I also feel that we have a responsibility to use our voice and help in any way we can. With the Campus, what I try to do is create an environment where children can enjoy football in a fun atmosphere, but also one built around solidarity. The idea is for them to enjoy the sport while also contributing to a good cause. 

You’ve shown a growing interest in fashion. What excites you about fashion?

I like it because it’s also a way of expressing myself. Just like in football, every player has their own style, I think fashion is very similar in that sense. I’m especially interested in everything related to creativity and how each person expresses their personality through the way they dress.

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As you enter this new phase of your career, what are you most focused on achieving?

To keep growing and continue achieving success. I want to enjoy football, compete at the highest level and keep improving every season. And on a personal level, I want to dedicate as much quality time as possible to the people closest to me.

With the FIFA World Cup coming up, what are your goals for it, both personally and for La Furia Roja?

We have a young group with a lot of talent and ambition, so our goal is always to compete for every tournament we play in, and the World Cup is the biggest of them all. On a personal level, my objective is to help the team in every way I can.

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TEAM CREDITS:

talent DANI OLMO
creative direction for talent MICHAEL SPÄTH
photography SERHIII VASYLIEV
styling SERGI PADIAL
hair and makeup EVA GARCÍA
special thanks STUDIO101 BARCELONA
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN