Fermin Lopez has shut down rumours of a rift with Gavi, insisting that the two remain close friends despite months of speculation linking their supposed fallout to personal disputes and training-ground clashes. The Barcelona midfielder says he is focused on maturity, mental strength and loyalty to the club as the noise around his relationship with Gavi refuses to die down.
The rumours and origins of the feud
Reports of tension between Lopez and Gavi first surfaced in early summer 2025, when Spanish media claimed their girlfriends had clashed, sparking social media drama that carried into the players’ personal bond. The story snowballed after Barcelona’s preseason tour in South Korea, where two fiery training-ground incidents saw Gavi’s aggressive tackles leave Fermin needing assistance, followed by a verbal clash that forced teammates to intervene. Combined with whispers of dressing room friction and speculation of a transfer request, the feud narrative quickly took hold.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportFermin Lopez sets the record straight
In his latest interview with , the Spanish midfielder denied any serious problem with Gavi, stressing their bond since age 13 and blaming the media frenzy on unwanted speculations.
"We are as always. We have known each other since we were 13," he said. "There is no problem. He is one of my best locker room friends with Pedri, [Alejandro] Balde, Eric [Garcia], Dani [Olmo]… Things came out, but like with the case of [Marc-Andre] ter Stegen and [Wojciech] Szczesny. Nobody knows what goes on inside."
Gavi allegedly wanted Barcelona to sell Lopez
Manager Hansi Flick stepped in during preseason, speaking separately to both players and emphasising the need for calm and unity. The club’s management wanted to ensure that speculation about egos or tensions didn’t derail the team’s preparation. Despite rumours that Gavi wanted Fermin to be listed for transfer, Lopez stresses that he never thought about leaving Blaugrana and the club too reiterated on the same, rejecting Chelsea's offer for him in the summer window with the coach also convincing him to stay.
Getty ImagesLopez has shifted his focus on mental strength
Today, both the player's have resolved their issues and train together on the pitch. Lopez in his interview states how important it is to focus on your work and mental resilience cause these kind of things are inevitable. However, he stressed that with growing age, maturity has become a key element that drives his focus.
"If you are a footballer, you have to know that these things happen," he added. "Mentally, you have to work on it and be prepared. One day they tell you that you are the best and the next the worst. We are prepared, we are mature and intelligent."
Currently, the midfielder is injured and has been sidelined for three weeks as he works on his recovery.
