Barcelona Star Pedri Defends Israeli Teen Ori Goren Amid Online Backlash

Barcelona's 17-year-old Israeli midfielder Ori Goren has become a standout player during the club's preseason, drawing both praise and controversy. Recently, Goren was featured on Barcelona's official X (formerly Twitter) page, which sparked a wave of pro-Palestinian comments targeting him due to his nationality. In response, senior Catalan journalist Jaume Marset publicly defended the young player.

Marset emphasized that Goren, who has been with Barcelona since his youth, should not face criticism based on his birthplace. He wrote, "Goren amazes Pedri and knocks him off his feet. He is a 17-year-old playing for Barcelona's youth teams. If you don't like how he plays, that's part of the game. But insulting him because of where he was born is pathetic." Marset, who regularly covers Barcelona's youth academy, praised Goren's behavior and potential, calling him a "great promise for football and Barcelona."

He condemned the backlash, stating that refusing to let Goren play because he is Israeli is a "criticism not worth discussing" and described the attacks as "toxic." Marset urged respect for the teenager, highlighting that no 17-year-old should endure such hostility. The incident underscores the challenges young athletes can face amid political tensions, even in sports environments.

Barcelona continues its preseason preparations with Goren among its most promising talents, while the club and supporters navigate the complex reactions surrounding his identity.