Dani Olmo — Spain World Cup 2026 Squad

Dani Olmo is one of the most versatile and technically gifted attacking players in European football, a forward who can operate across the front line, as a number ten, or dropping into midfield to influence the game from deeper positions. At 28, he has 48 caps and 12 goals for Spain, and his Golden Boot at Euro 2024 confirmed what attentive observers had long known: Olmo produces his best football on the biggest stages. His move to Barcelona in 2024 brought him back to the club where he began his youth career, completing a remarkable journey.

Career Highlights

Olmo won the Golden Boot at Euro 2024 with three goals, sharing the award but standing out for the quality and timing of his contributions in Germany. He was part of the Spain squad that won the 2023 Nations League and was instrumental in Spain's Olympic silver medal at Tokyo 2020. At club level, he won the DFB-Pokal with RB Leipzig in 2022 and 2023, and his performances in the Champions League had regularly attracted attention from Europe's biggest clubs. His ability to deliver in knockout matches is a defining trait, and Spain's Euro 2024 triumph was the crowning achievement of his career so far.

Club Career

Olmo left Barcelona's La Masia academy at 16 to join Dinamo Zagreb, a decision that seemed unusual at the time but proved astute. He broke into the first team at 18, won four Croatian titles, and earned a move to RB Leipzig in 2020. In the Bundesliga, Olmo refined his game under Julian Nagelsmann and Marco Rose, becoming one of the league's most creative players. His return to Barcelona in 2024 for a reported 55 million euros represented a homecoming that had been anticipated for years, and he immediately added a new dimension to Barcelona's attack with his intelligence and versatility.

International Career & World Cup History

Olmo made his Spain debut in 2019 and was part of the squad at the 2022 World Cup, where he scored a stunning goal against Costa Rica in the 7-0 group stage victory. His international career accelerated under Luis de la Fuente, who valued Olmo's versatility and big-match temperament. At Euro 2024, Olmo was Spain's most important attacker, scoring crucial goals and providing the creative spark that drove Spain to the title. He has become one of the first names on the teamsheet and a player whose presence allows Spain to be flexible in their attacking setup.

World Cup 2026 Outlook

Olmo will be 29 at the 2026 World Cup, in his prime as an attacking player, and coming off the confidence boost of Euro 2024. His versatility makes him invaluable: he can adapt to whatever tactical setup Spain employ and produce moments of quality in any position. If Spain are to challenge for the World Cup in North America, Olmo's creativity and ability to decisive matches will be at the heart of their challenge. He has the temperament and talent to be one of the tournament's outstanding players.