Confirmed: Barcelona academy gem earns first national team call-up

Confirmed: Barcelona academy gem earns first national team call-up Barcelona youngster Orian Goren has earned his first call-up to the Israel senior national team, marking another important milestone in the midfielder’s rapid development at La Masia.  The 17-year-old has been included in Ran Ben Shimon’s squad for Israel’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Kosovo and Austria. Israel will face Kosovo away on November 14 before taking on Austria three days later.  The national team are bottom of Nations League Group B3 with two points and will be looking to improve their position in the final fixtures of the campaign. Goren’s selection follows his growing involvement with Hansi Flick’s first team.  The teenager has trained regularly with the senior squad and was included in Barcelona’s matchday groups for the Clasico against Real Madrid and the Champions League meeting with Aston Villa.  Although he is yet to make his senior debut for the Catalan club, his progress has clearly attracted attention beyond the academy. Goren earns promotion after progressing through Israel youth teams The national team call-up is a significant step for Goren, who has already progressed through several levels of Israeli international football.  Goren previously represented his country at U17, U18, U19 and U21 levels, making 17 appearances across those age groups since his debut for the U17 side on September 10, 2024. His promotion to the senior squad is a reflection of the progress he has made over the past two years.  At Barcelona, he has also moved into Barça Atlètic for the 2026/27 campaign after spending pre-season training under Flick with the first team. Barcelona have high hopes for the Goren Goren’s international breakthrough comes amid growing recognition of his qualities within Barcelona.  Orian Goren has received his maiden national team call-up. (Picture courtesy: Instagram/@orian_goren) His technical ability, creativity and intelligence in possession have made him an important player in the club’s development structure. Furthermore, the midfielder has also been described as a player with a spectacular character who builds strong relationships in the dressing rooms he joins. First-team opportunity remains the next target Goren is now approaching another important stage of his development at Barcelona, as Flick has already given him opportunities to train alongside established first-team players and has included him in squads for major fixtures. However, competition in midfield remains a significant obstacle to regular senior involvement.  Barcelona have several established options in that area, meaning Goren may need to continue his development with Barça Atlètic before receiving meaningful playing time.