Ilaix Moriba

Ilaix Moriba was born on January 19, 2003, in the city of Conakry, Guinea. He moved to Spain with his family at a young age. Ilaix showed promise as a footballer from a young age, eventually drawing the attention of several top European clubs. His talent was evident early on, and he joined the youth academy of FC Barcelona, where he continued to develop his skills.

Ilaix Moriba joined FC Barcelona's famed youth academy, La Masia, in July 2010. La Masia is renowned for developing young talent, having produced players like Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta. Ilaix quickly progressed through the ranks, adapting to Barcelona's tiki-taka style of play. His physicality and technical skills made him stand out among his peers.

Ilaix Moriba made his first team debut for FC Barcelona on January 21, 2021, in a Copa del Rey match against Cornellà. He played a pivotal role in the midfield, showcasing his skill, vision, and composure on the ball. Ilaix became one of the youngest players to debut for the club, emphasizing the trust and belief the coaching staff had in his potential.

On February 13, 2021, Ilaix Moriba made his La Liga debut for FC Barcelona in a match against Deportivo Alavés. He started the game and impressed with his commanding midfield performance. His work rate and maturity on the field belied his young age, and he contributed with a key assist, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in European football.

Ilaix Moriba scored his first goal for FC Barcelona on March 16, 2021, in a La Liga match against Osasuna. The goal was a spectacular strike from outside the box, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his career and was celebrated by teammates and fans alike as a sign of his promising future.

In July 2021, Ilaix Moriba was involved in a contract negotiation standoff with FC Barcelona. Reports suggested that the young midfielder was seeking improved terms, reflecting his value and potential. The negotiations highlighted the growing interest from other top European clubs, turning his future at Barcelona into a hot topic amidst fans and football pundits alike.

On August 31, 2021, Ilaix Moriba completed his transfer from FC Barcelona to RB Leipzig. The transfer was finalized on the deadline day for approximately €16 million. Moriba's move to the Bundesliga marked a new chapter in his career, offering him an opportunity to gain experience and further develop his skills in a competitive football environment.

In June 2022, Ilaix Moriba joined Valencia CF on loan for the 2022-2023 season. The loan move was designed to provide him with more first-team experience in La Liga. At Valencia CF, Moriba aimed to contribute significantly to their midfield, helping the team achieve its goals for the season while also honing his own skills and consistency.

On November 9, 2022, Ilaix Moriba made his debut for the Guinea national team in a friendly match against Rwanda. Although he had previously represented Spain at youth level, Moriba chose to play for his country of birth at the senior level. His debut was a proud moment for him and his family, marking the start of his international career with Guinea.

After his loan spell with Valencia CF, Ilaix Moriba returned to RB Leipzig at the beginning of 2023. While at Valencia, Moriba gained valuable playing experience. His return to Leipzig was seen as an opportunity to integrate into the team and continue his development in the German Bundesliga under the guidance of the Leipzig coaching staff.