Ansu Fati, Barcelona’s former prodigy, ignited Ligue 1 with a dazzling debut for AS Monaco in a 5-2 victory over Metz.
The young Spaniard, who burst onto the scene at Camp Nou as a teenager, faced a new chapter in Ligue 1 after injuries and inconsistent minutes stalled his progress at his boyhood club.
On September 21, 2025, at the Stade Louis-II, Fati announced his arrival in French football with a performance that echoed the flair and promise of his early Barcelona days.
Facing Metz in Ligue 1’s fifth matchday, Monaco trailed early after Habib Diallo’s 13th-minute strike. Manager Adi Hütter, seeking a spark, introduced Fati at halftime, and the 22-year-old delivered instantly.
Just 38 seconds into his Ligue 1 debut, he latched onto a Lamine Camara cross to score, becoming the fastest debutant scorer in the league since 2014.
His second goal, a diving header in the 83rd minute, sealed a brace, making him only the second Monaco player this century to score twice in his first Ligue 1 match.
Monaco’s 5-2 rout, capped by Mika Biereth’s equalizer, an own goal, and George Ilenikhena’s stoppage-time strike, propelled them to second place alongside PSG, Lyon, and Strasbourg.
Fati’s performance was a reminder of the electrifying potential Barcelona fans once celebrated.
His La Masia-honed instincts—quick feet, sharp positioning, and clinical finishing—shone through, rekindling memories of his record-breaking debut as Barcelona’s youngest-ever goalscorer at the age of 16.
While injuries and competition at Barça slowed his ascent, this Monaco masterclass suggests a revival.
With the Rouge et Blanc now in the title chase, Fati’s Barcelona pedigree is blending seamlessly with Monaco’s ambition.
As they head to Lorient next, Fati’s dream start signals he’s ready to carve a new legacy, with a nod to his Catalan roots.
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