Marc Guiu

Marc Guiu Paz (born 4 January 2006) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a striker for club Chelsea.

Barcelona
Born in Granollers, Barcelona, Catalonia, Guiu began his career with Penya Barcelonista Sant Celoni, a fan club of La Liga side Barcelona. He went on to join Barcelona themselves in the 2013–14 season, and progressed through the La Masia academy, and was called up to the senior squad for the first time in June 2023, ahead of pre-season matches against Celta de Vigo and Japanese opposition Vissel Kobe. Guiu made his unofficial debut for Barcelona in the latter game, coming on as a half-time substitute for Robert Lewandowski.

On 11 October 2023, he was again called up to the senior squad for a La Liga fixture against Granada, though he did not eventually feature in the game. In the same month, he was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the best players born in 2006 worldwide. On 22 October, Guiu made his senior competitive debut as a 79th-minute substitute, scoring the winning goal in 23 seconds with his second touch of a 1–0 victory over Athletic Bilbao. At 17 years and 291 days of age, he became the youngest and fastest debutant to score for Barcelona in La Liga.

Guiu made his Champions League debut three days later in a 2–1 win against Shakhtar Donetsk. He scored his first goal in the competition and second of the season on 13 December in a 3–2 defeat against Royal Antwerp.

Chelsea
On 1 July 2024, Guiu joined Premier League side Chelsea for a reported €6million fee, signing a five-year contract with the club.

International career
Guiu has represented Spain at Under 17 and Under 19 level.

In May 2023, he was called up by Spain U17 to compete in the 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, in which he became the competitions joint top scorer with four goals, alongside Paris Brunner, Robert Ramsak and teammate Lamine Yamal. In November 2023, he represented Spain U17 in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, when he scored two goals.

Style of play
Barcelona youth coach Iván Carrasco describes Guiu as a "classic '9', a specialist in the area who exploits his physical power". He has been compared to Samuel Eto'o. He has a good high ball game, pace, strength and work-rate. Spanish football expert Guillem Balagué described Guiu as a striker who is known to be "more efficient in the box".

Honours
Individual
 * UEFA European Under-17 Championship Top Scorer: 2023
 * UEFA European Under-17 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2023