Bullying at La Masia was a part of Kubo's growing up
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 27.09.23. | 10:13
The Japanese sensation admits his peers weren't at all supportive while he was training at Barcelona's youth academy
Takefusa Kubo, the talented Japanese winger, has finally hit his stride at Real Sociedad after enduring four loan spells and limited playing time at Real Madrid. Since his move to Sociedad, Kubo has emerged as a standout performer for the Basque club.
Kubo has been showcasing his remarkable technical skills and dribbling abilities, thriving in a more adaptable and possession-oriented system under manager Imanol Alguacil. Remarkably, at just 22 years old, the Japanese's career is only beginning to flourish. But he had to endure a testing period when he first arrived in Spain to join Barcelona's famed La Masia academy.
The young forward was focused on his desire to reach Barca's first team and was living and breathing football. However, he did reveal some surprising episodes, including dealing with bullies among his peers and the pressure to prove himself despite his small stature. He also mentioned facing physical challenges, although he didn't elaborate on the details.
"When I went there as a child, I didn't think too much about it. I just wanted to go to Barcelona, so I didn't feel like it was difficult. If I had to say something, many kids with strong personalities were at school and in the dormitory. I didn't want to be overshadowed by them, and even though I was small, I worked hard not to lose. I can't say too much, but it was a very tough environment. But you can make it if you try."
Takefusa Kubo says he was bullied as a youngster in Barcelona's famed La Masia academy:
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) September 27, 2023
"When I was little and went to Barcelona, I didn't think much about it. I just always wanted to go to Barcelona at any cost, so I didn't feel it was a hardship at the time. However, if I had… pic.twitter.com/IeKQ2zfpOp
Kubo has scored four La Liga goals so far this season. Only Robert Lewandowski, Jude Bellingham and Alvaro Morata have scored more. The Japanese's goalscoring prowess has greatly improved since Alguacil urged him to get on the scoresheet more often. It's worth noting that in the previous season, he needed 21 La Liga matchdays to score the same number of goals he has now accomplished in just six.
LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 7
Tuesday
Sevilla - Almeria 5-1 (3-0)
/En Nesyri 7, Lukebakio 8, Suso 38, Lamela 51, Salas 90+2 - Suarez 71 pen/
Real Mallorca - Barcelona 2-2 (2-1)
/Muriqi 8, Prats 45+3 - Raphinha 41, Lopez 75/
Wednesday
20.00: (1.67) Ath.Bilbao (3.50) Getafe (5.80)
20.00: (1.22) Real Madrid (6.50) Las Palmas (12.0)
20.00: (2.35) Villareal (3.60) Girona (3.10)
22.30: (2.65) Cadiz (3.15) Rayo Vallecano (3.00)
22.30: (2.70) Valencia (3.15) Sociedad (2.95)
Thursday
20.00: (1.80) Celta (3.60) Alaves (5.20)
20.00: (3.05) Granada (3.45) Betis (2.45)
22.30: (3.45) Osasuna (3.45) Atl.Madrid (2.25)
***odds are subject to change
