Former Juventus and Roma goalkeeper says the young Spaniard is “much better” as he embraces a supporting role for the first time in his career
Wojciech Szczęsny has delivered a surprising assessment of his current situation at Barcelona, admitting Joan García is the first goalkeeper in his career he genuinely considers better than himself.
The experienced Poland international acknowledged that his role at Barcelona has changed dramatically compared to previous stages of his career.
Szczęsny spent years competing at the highest level while consistently emerging as first choice ahead of elite names. At Roma, he established himself ahead of Alisson Becker before the Brazilian later developed into one of the world’s best goalkeepers at Liverpool. At Juventus, Szczęsny also became the club’s No.1 during the latter stages of Gianluigi Buffon’s legendary career.
Last season, the veteran goalkeeper still played an important role for Barcelona during crucial stretches of the campaign. However, the emergence of Joan García this term has transformed the hierarchy this year, with Szczęsny now operating primarily as a backup option.
Speaking to Eleven Sports 1, the 36-year-old openly admitted that García’s performances have convinced him to fully accept his supporting role.
“I won’t deny that, for the first time in my life – which is a bit strange and a bit of a reality check – I’m up against a goalkeeper who’s much better than me. Alisson? He was great, but he wasn’t quite at the level he would later reach,” Szczęsny said.
“On the one hand, it’s a bit unfair to García, because I’m clearly no longer among the European elite I’m used to being part of. On the other hand, it’s much easier for me to accept that someone is simply much better. My job is to support him, not compete with him.”
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Szczęsny has disputed 40 games in which he has kept 14 clean sheets across all competitions for the Catalan side.
Joan Garcia carried Szczęsny on his back after the title win. Just two goalkeepers who genuinely love and support each other 🥹❤️pic.twitter.com/AVio64T8Py
— Anabella💙❤️ (@AnabellaMarvy) May 11, 2026
García’s rise has reshaped Barcelona’s goalkeeping hierarchy
Meanwhile, García has emerged as one of Barcelona’s standout performers this season, with the young goalkeeper quickly establishing himself as one of the brightest talents in Spanish football.
His composure, reflexes and confidence in possession have made him a natural fit within Barcelona’s system, standing out for his maturity despite his relative inexperience at the highest level.
Since breaking into the side, García has produced a series of important performances in both LaLiga and the Champions League, helping solidify Barcelona defensively during a demanding campaign.
Having kept a league-high 15 clean sheets so far this season, Barcelona’s starting shot-stopper is the front-runner to win the Zamora Trophy – awarded annually to the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-to-games ratio in LaLiga.
