| Cristóbal Muñoz | |
| Fullname: | Cristóbal Muñoz López |
| Birth Date: | 1 February 2005 |
| Birth Place: | Almería, Spain |
| Currentclub: | Barcelona B |
| Clubnumber: | 28 |
| Position: | Forward, midfielder |
| Youthyears1: | 2012–2016 |
| Youthclubs1: | Almería |
| Youthyears2: | 2016–2017 |
| Youthclubs2: | Málaga |
| Youthyears3: | 2016–2017 |
| Youthclubs3: | → Pavía (loan) |
| Youthyears4: | 2017– |
| Youthclubs4: | Barcelona |
| Years1: | 2023– |
| Clubs1: | Barcelona B |
| Caps1: | 5 |
| Goals1: | 0 |
| Club-Update: | 03:14, 1 SS Lazio =April 2024 (UTC) |
Cristóbal Muñoz López (born 1 February 2005) is a Spanish professional footballer currently playing as a forward or midfielder for Barcelona.
Born in Almería, Muñoz started playing football at his school, Colegio La Jarilla, before joining local side Almería in 2012.[1] In 2016, he made the move to Pavía, signing an agreement with parent club Málaga to be able to represent both.[1] [2] He alternated between Pavía, where he scored 41 goals for the youth team, and Málaga, who he represented in youth tournaments.[2] [3]
As Muñoz developed in the Málaga academy, other top Spanish clubs became aware of his ability. This caused Málaga owner, Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani, to offer Muñoz a blank cheque in order for him to remain at the club.[4] However, after receiving offers from Real Madrid and Barcelona, Muñoz decided to sign for the latter in early 2017.[2]
In December 2017, he was named the best player at the LaLiga Promises tournament in Arona.[4] [5] This led to comparisons to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, for their similar style of play.[6]
In August 2021, he signed his first professional contract with Barcelona, tying him to the club until June 2024.[1]
Muñoz's brother, Kike, is also a footballer, and plays for Almería.[6]