George is much more than a 12-year-old footballer. He is a shining example of dedication and passion for a sport that makes him feel truly alive. This year, he’s taking part for the first time in the Barça Academy World Cup with the Blue U12 team from Barça Academy Manila.

His interest in football began when he was just three years old. Since then, he hasn’t stopped dreaming. To bring that dream closer to reality, George boards a flight from Davao to Manila every two weeks to train with Barça Academy Manila. The journey involves early-morning travel, fatigue, and often sleeping on the plane to get his energy back—but none of that ever stops him.

The physical challenge is considerable, but the motivation to achieve his goals is even stronger: to play in Europe as a pro footballer. In every training session and every match, that's the goal that keeps him pushing for more.

Dedication and enthusiasm

George’s journey has only just begun, but he’s already learned a great deal along the way. Training with Barça Academy Manila has helped him grow both as a player and as a person. Teamwork, determination and respect are values that are now part of his DNA. What he enjoys most are the dynamic training sessions and, above all, the feeling of being part of a group that is pushing him to grow and learn.

At this 12th edition of the Barça Academy World Cup, George is taking part in his very first international tournament—surrounded by boys and girls from around the world who, like him, dream big. But his dream goes even further: one day, he hopes to not only lift the Champions League trophy, but to win the World Cup with the Philippines. Well, that would really be something!