Barcelona’s early-season surge has been given another burst of pace by Karim Adeyemi, whose three goals in his first seven appearances have quickly made him a popular figure at the club. The Germany international says he has made a positive start under Hansi Flick, while stressing that his new life in Catalonia is still taking shape.
Quick facts
- Adeyemi has scored three times in seven Barcelona matches.
- He reached 36 km/h in the match against Levante.
- The 23-year-old is learning Spanish and says he is not yet fully settled.
- He chose Germany over Nigeria at international level.
- His family foundation supports projects in Nigeria, including a hospital, youth football and homeless assistance.
Flick knew Adeyemi from the German set-up and placed his faith in the forward after a period in which the player felt his career had stalled. The response has been immediate: speed, direct running and instinctive attacking have added another dimension alongside Raphinha in Barcelona’s opening weeks.
Yet Adeyemi is careful not to overstate how quickly a move of this scale can be completed. He said he feels “very, very good” in Barcelona, but believes it takes longer than one or two months to become completely at home, with learning the language a priority.
His first escape on arriving in the city was the beach. Swimming in the sea remains part of his routine, although he says he generally prefers quiet time at home with those close to him, occasionally leaving for a meal.
Instinct, speed and a competitive squad
Adeyemi describes his football as instinctive. His best performances, he said, come when he does not overthink a moment and allows movements and ideas to emerge naturally, particularly when surrounded by high-quality team-mates.
His 36 km/h run against Levante underlined the raw acceleration that has made him such a threat. He never trained in athletics, he said, having played football throughout his youth, though he also spent time doing backflips and trampoline work.
The forward credits an athletic family background for that pace. His Nigerian father insists the speed came from him and even claims he was quicker; Adeyemi is not convinced. His Romanian mother was also highly sporty when she was younger.
Competition for places is another part of the new Barcelona environment. Discussing the battle with Gordon, Adeyemi said every player should believe they can start, but insisted that internal rivalry must not damage the dressing-room atmosphere.
“Football is competition,” he said, while adding that the strong mood within the squad remains the essential thing. For a club facing the demands of domestic and European weeks, that balance between selection pressure and collective purpose will matter.
A player shaped by several homes
Born and raised in Germany to a Nigerian father and Romanian mother, Adeyemi says he has taken elements from all three backgrounds while developing his own values. His aim, he said, is simply to be a good person and remain true to his principles.
He had the option of representing Nigeria but chose Germany, the country where he grew up. Adeyemi called playing for Germany an honour and said he has no regret over the decision, even if his father occasionally asks why he did not select Nigeria.
Nigeria remains central to his work away from the pitch. Through his foundation, supported closely by both parents, Adeyemi is involved in efforts to help children leave the streets through football and education, provide support for homeless people and develop local projects.
He said a hospital has recently been built in one Nigerian region, while the foundation also runs a football club for teenagers. Adeyemi tries to visit every year.
From Munich to Dortmund and now Barcelona
Adeyemi spent three years in Bayern Munich’s youth system before being released. A Munich native, he supported Bayern as a boy, but Dortmund gradually became his preferred club and he followed them closely as a teenager.
He still speaks warmly of both sides, while recalling Dortmund’s stadium and supporters as a major part of his time there. Barcelona is now the latest stage, and the forward says he has felt the backing of supporters from the beginning.
He believes fans recognise that he is not trying to manufacture an image. His focus, he said, is to work honestly, contribute to wins and pursue trophies with the club.
Three goals in seven matches have pleased him, but not satisfied him. Adeyemi said he can always produce more, while valuing every minute played, every goal and every team victory.
He remains in frequent contact with Flick and hopes the coach is happy with his contribution. “It has been a good start,” he said, “but I work every day to improve and give the team more.”
Off the pitch, his wife has also adapted happily to Barcelona. Adeyemi praised her as Germany’s best female rapper, saying the pair support one another’s careers while keeping their professional focus. With the sea nearby, a comfortable home and their health, he said, there is little more they could ask for.
