'Like being in a movie!' - Noah Darvich reflects on 'playing with 'childhood idols' at Barcelona as teen midfielder prepares for new Stuttgart adventure

Darvich has returned to Germany after a two-year spell at Barcelona after completing a transfer to Stuttgart. The 18-year-old German midfielder reflected on his time in Spain, describing the experience as “like being in a movie.”

Darvich moved from Freiburg to Barcelona at just 16, where he trained with senior players he grew up idolising. Now, with a long-term contract at Stuttgart running until 2029, the young talent is excited to begin a new chapter in his budding career.

The young starlet told the German club's website in an interview what stood out most during his time in Catalunya, saying: "Barcelona was a great adventure. It was like being in a movie. I got to play and train alongside my childhood idols. At first, you're a bit quieter in the locker room, but over time, you warm up. I also received a lot of support from other players, which was great. The time abroad also helped me mature personally."

After returning to Germany to join Stuttgart, Darvich revealed how his family and friends reacted to the move: "They were very happy about it. Family, parents, brother, friends – everyone is very happy. Because now I live much closer to home again, which makes visiting easier."

Now beginning a new chapter in the Bundesliga, the 18-year-old shared his excitement about settling in and breaking through at Stuttgart: "The anticipation is definitely high. I'm very happy that the move to VfB and thus to such a special club worked out. It's nice to be back in Germany. Now I want to settle in quickly, get to know my teammates, and simply work hard to make my first Bundesliga appearances in the future."

Darvich’s return to Germany marks a strategic step in his development. While his time at Barcelona was brief, it offered invaluable exposure to elite-level training and international football culture, a rare experience for a teenager. Now, the German prodigy will hope to become a central figure in Stuttgart's midfield.

In 2023, Darvich captained Germany’s Under 17 squad to double international glory, lifting both the European Championship in Hungary and the World Cup in Indonesia. His standout year was capped off with the silver Fritz Walter Medal, one of German football’s top youth honours.

Darvich already shares strong connections within the Stuttgart squad, having played regularly in youth teams with prospects such as Finn Jeltsch, Maximilian Herwerth and Jarzinho Malanga.

Darvich will now focus on integrating into Stuttgart’s first team, with hopes of making his Bundesliga debut soon. The coaching staff are expected to ease him into senior football while capitalising on the technical skills and tactical awareness he honed in Spain.