Cristóbal Muñoz Explained

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.

Club career

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]

Personal life

Muñoz's brother, Kike, is also a footballer, and plays for Almería.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cristo Muñoz, más talento que sigue en el Barça como juvenil. Cristo Muñoz, more talent that continues at Barça as a youth. Javier. Gascón. 19 August 2021. 2 November 2022. mundodeportivo.com. Spanish.
  2. Web site: El Barça ficha a la perla más buscada de España. Barça signs the most sought-after pearl in Spain. Albert. Rogé. 11 March 2017. 2 November 2022. sport.es. Spanish.
  3. Web site: El futbol canterano se rinde a Cristo Muñoz. Homegrown football surrenders to Cristo Muñoz. Carlos. Miralles. 29 December 2017. 2 November 2022. lavozdealmeria.com. Spanish.
  4. Web site: Cristóbal Muñoz, el niño que rechazó al Jeque para jugar en el Barça. Cristóbal Muñoz, the boy who rejected the Sheikh to play for Barça. Albert. Rogé. 29 December 2017. 2 November 2022. sport.es. Spanish.
  5. Web site: Cristo, la perla azulgrana que hizo doblete: Pichichi y MVP. Cristo, the azulgrana pearl who scored a double: Pichichi and MVP. Jesús. Mata. 30 December 2017. 2 November 2022. marca.com. Spanish.
  6. Web site: Cristóbal Muñoz, ojito derecho de La Masia. Cristóbal Muñoz, right eye of La Masia. Albert. Rogé. 30 December 2018. 2 November 2022. sport.es. Spanish.