Football Rising Stars: Gavi

by Steve George

Published 28 November 2024

Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, better known as Gavi, is a midfield force to be reckoned with. His risky head first sliding tackles and habit of always playing with his laces untied has earned him quite the reputation.

But Gavi is far more than his laces – he’s a top player for both Barcelona and Spain, and an entertaining player to watch. Follow his journey as he rises through the footballing ranks.

About the Football Rising Stars series:

Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from all around the world, this series covers their unique rise – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Meet the superstar player nicknamed the Roadrunner. Alphonso Davies’s inspirational journey has taken him from a refugee camp in Ghana to footballing stardom in Germany with Bayern Munich.

His career is only just beginning, and he’s already one of the most recognised footballers in the game. Not only that, but his determination, hard work and unmatched ability have also made him one of Canada’s very few footballing idols.

About the Football Rising Stars series:

Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from all around the world, this series covers their unique rise – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Darwin Núñez has often been called an ‘agent of chaos’. His unpredictable style of play confuses many fans, but it also confuses other teams and is one of many traits that make him a tricky opponent. As one of Uruguay’s best talents, he relentlessly tries to find the back of the net for both club and country. Darwin is truly a rising star playing the game his own way.

About the Football Rising Stars series:

Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from all around the world, this series covers their unique rise – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Gianluigi Donnarumma is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Seen by many as a goalkeeping genius, he rose through the ranks at AC Milan before joining a word-class Paris Saint-Germain team that dominated the league. He also played a key role in Italy’s Euro 2020 journey, holding his nerve in a tense penalty shoot-out against England to see his country crowned as the champions of Europe.

About the Football Rising Stars series:

Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from all around the world, this series covers their unique rise – from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.