Early Life and Youth Career
Iñaki Peña was born on March 2, 1999, in Alicante, Spain. From a young age, he showed a passion for football and began his journey at Alicante CF’s youth setup in 20041. In 2012, he joined FC Barcelona’s youth academy, where he honed his skills and rose through the ranks.
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1. Professional Career
FC Barcelona B (2018-2022)
Iñaki Peña made his senior debut for FC Barcelona B in 2018 and quickly established himself as a reliable goalkeeper. Over the next four seasons, he made 59 appearances for the reserve team, showcasing his talent and earning a reputation as a promising young goalkeeper1.
Loan to Galatasaray (2022)
In January 2022, Iñaki Peña was loaned to Turkish club Galatasaray to gain more first-team experience. He made his professional debut in the Süper Lig on February 6, 2022, in a 1-1 draw against Alanyaspor1. During his loan spell, he played in six matches, gaining valuable experience in a competitive league.
Return to FC Barcelona (2022-Present)
Upon returning to FC Barcelona in the summer of 2022, Iñaki Peña continued to impress and was officially registered as a first-team player in January 2023. He made his official first-team debut under manager Xavi in a UEFA Champions League match against Viktoria Plzeň on November 1, 20221. Since then, he has been a key backup to Marc-André ter Stegen, providing solid performances whenever called upon.
2. Achievements and Honors
Club Honors
UEFA Youth League: 2017-2018 (with FC Barcelona U19)
La Liga: 2022-2023
Copa del Rey: 2020-2021
Spanish Super Cup: 2022-2023
International Honors
UEFA European Under-17 Championship: 2016 (Runner-up)
UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2017 (with Spain U19)
Personal Life
Iñaki Peña is known for his calm demeanor and dedication to his craft. Off the field, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and he is a fan of the Spanish national team.
Legacy
As a young and talented goalkeeper, Iñaki Peña has already made a significant impact at FC Barcelona and continues to develop his skills. With his determination and hard work, he is poised to become a key player for both his club and the Spanish national team in the future.