Who is Ronny Bardghji? Swedish player who replaced Lamine Yamal and scores in Spanish Super Cup

FC Barcelona is delivering a true footballing masterclass in the ongoing Spanish Super Cup. Hansi Flick’s side is currently dismantling Athletic Club de Bilbao with a crushing 5-0 scoreline in the semifinals held in Saudi territory. While the usual stars are shining, the name on everyone’s lips is Roony Bardghji. The young winger was the surprise inclusion in the starting XI, stepping in for the rested Lamine Yamal, and he has seized the opportunity with both hands. With a goal and two crucial assists to Raphinha, Bardghji has almost single-handedly booked Barcelona’s ticket to the grand final.

This breakout performance is a massive boost for the 20-year-old’s reputation. Just a few months ago, he was a relatively unknown prospect to the wider footballing world, but under the bright lights of Jeddah, he has proven that he belongs on the big stage.

Who is Roony Bardghji?

Born in Kuwait but representing Sweden internationally, the 20-year-old winger arrived at FC Barcelona in July 2025 from Danish club Copenhagen. The deal was considered a bargain at just €2.5 million. Initially brought in as a high-potential project, Bardghji has quickly become the primary backup for Barcelona’s crown jewel, Lamine Yamal.

Bardghji is a classic modern winger who operates primarily on the right flank. As a left-footed player playing on the right, he excels as an "inverted winger," cutting inside to create shooting lanes or deliver pinpoint crosses. His game is defined by explosive changes of pace and a low center of gravity that allows him to weave through tight defenses—qualities that Hansi Flick demands from his attackers.

Flick’s Tactical Fit: The "Inverted" Weapon

It is becoming increasingly clear that Bardghji is the perfect "X-factor" for Flick’s 4-2-3-1 system. The German coach prioritizes verticality and pace, and Bardghji provides both in spades. Whether starting or coming off the bench as a "revulsivo" (game-changer), the Swede has shown a remarkable ability to impact the game immediately.

In his 15 appearances for the Blaugrana, Bardghji has already tallied two goals and four assists. While those numbers might seem modest at first glance, the quality of his play and his synergy with the first team suggest that those figures will skyrocket as he earns more minutes.

Bardghji's game against Athletic Club

Bardghji started the match against Athletic Club with a clear mission: exploit the left side of the Basque defense. He was relentless in his 1v1 battles against Adama Borio and Íñigo Lekue, using his acceleration to keep the defenders on their heels. His movements allowed the likes of Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Fermín López, and Pedri to find spaces in a traditionally compact Athletic defense.

The breakthrough for the Swede came in the 34th minute. The play began when Fermín López found him with a sharp pass in the attacking third. Bardghji received the ball with a velvet touch, executed a sudden change of direction to leave his marker behind, and unleashed a powerful strike with his right foot. The ball flew toward the near post, beating the Spanish international goalkeeper Unai Simón, who was left helpless despite his best efforts.

Not satisfied with just the goal, the winger then turned playmaker. He provided two exquisite assists for Raphinha, effectively putting the game out of reach for the Bilbao side and securing Barcelona’s spot in the final.

Following this high-level performance, Bardghji’s market value is expected to soar. Currently valued at €10 million according to Transfermarkt, that figure now looks like an understatement. If he continues to deliver when Lamine Yamal is unavailable—or even alongside him—he will undoubtedly become a cornerstone of Hansi Flick’s long-term project. For Barcelona, Bardghji represents another masterstroke in the transfer market: a low-cost signing who has developed into a multi-million-euro asset in less than a year.