Barcelona forward Anthony Gordon, 25, started Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League win over Aston Villa and is set to start Sunday’s LaLiga match against Atlético Madrid at Camp Nou.
Gordon joined Barcelona from Newcastle United this summer for an initial €70 million. He plays alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in coach Hansi Flick’s preferred front three. Barcelona sporting director Deco said the club sought Gordon for his pressing intensity and selfless movement — traits that complement Yamal and Raphinha.
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Gordon began his career at Everton, spent the 2021 season on loan at Preston North End, and joined Newcastle United in 2023. He was named Newcastle’s player of the season in 2023–24 after averaging 0.65 goal contributions per 90 minutes in all competitions — form that earned him his England debut against Brazil and a spot in the Euro 2024 squad.
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Gordon started England’s first two matches and came off the bench to assist both of Harry Kane’s goals against DR Congo in the round of 16. He played in the quarterfinal win over Mexico and contributed in the semifinal loss to Argentina. England manager Thomas Tuchel said Gordon “has reached another level” and called him a “very important player.” Kane described him as one of England’s “main men.”
Gordon scored in back-to-back October matches against Getafe and Galatasaray, then added a goal against Alavés last weekend. He also assisted Fermín López on his Camp Nou debut against Elche. Fans have adopted the nickname “Antoni Gros,” and chants of “Goooooordooon” have echoed through the stadium.
Gordon rated his start at Barcelona “7.5 out of 10” and said he “didn’t expect this connection in three months.” He acknowledged needing to increase his output in a team that has scored 60 goals in 15 games — with Yamal credited with 24 goals and Raphinha with 22 in the 2026–27 season, while Fermín has 13 and Karim Adeyemi has six despite playing over 300 fewer minutes.
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