The Journey of Three Young Americans at Barcelona
Imagine growing up playing soccer in Miami, competing against your friends on rival teams, and then fast forward a few years, and you find yourselves together at one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world. This is the story of Diego Kochen, Pedro Soma, and Adrian Gill, three young talents who have made their way from the United States to the heart of Spanish football at Barcelona.
These three players, all born in 2006, are not just teammates but also share a common goal: to make a significant impact on the United States men’s national team (USMNT) in the future. Their journey is not just about personal success but also about representing their country on one of the biggest stages in European football.
Kochen, a goalkeeper, and Soma, a midfielder, are already making waves with Barça Atlétic, the reserve team of Barcelona that competes in the third tier of Spanish football. Meanwhile, Gill, who hails from Colorado, is on a comeback trail after a serious injury in 2023. He is currently finding his form with the U19 team after over 14 months of rehabilitation.
In a candid conversation with ESPN analyst Luis García, a former Barça player himself, the trio shared insights into their journeys, playing styles, and aspirations for the USMNT. They also discussed their bond as Americans abroad, navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with playing for a club like Barcelona.
Adrian Gill: The First to Arrive
Gill, the oldest of the three, was the first to join Barcelona. His journey began in 2018 when he moved from Denver to Spain and caught the attention of Barça while playing for Cornellà. “The room just started spinning around me,” he recalls, describing the moment he learned of Barça’s interest.
Kochen followed a year later, joining from the Marcet Football Academy. Initially, he thought his father was joking about the offer from Barcelona, a club known for its legendary La Masia academy. “At first, you can’t believe it,” he says. “It’s incredible. It’s a great feeling. There’s no other like it.”
The Reality of Playing for Barcelona
While the perception might be that young players at big clubs have it easy, the reality is quite different. The pressure is immense, and the competition is fierce. Gill and Kochen both had to adapt to a new level of intensity and expectation.
“One of the most difficult parts was realizing I need to be in my position and the ball’s going to get to me that way,” Gill explains. “At Barça, it was, and still is, just learning the tactics behind it and being able to be calm, wait for the ball. Not rush.”
Kochen adds, “On the field, it was pretty hard, especially for me, because it’s a whole other intensity — it’s a whole other world. It’s a whole other philosophy.”
Progress and Challenges
Despite the challenges, both players have adapted well, earning professional contracts at 16 and playing alongside some of the best young talents in the world. They have witnessed the rise of players like Lamine Yamal, who is now a regular in Barça’s first team.
Kochen’s progress has been impressive, even if it hasn’t matched Yamal’s meteoric rise. He has already debuted with the first team in a non-competitive match and was a regular on the bench last season in LaLiga and the Champions League. He continues to gain match experience with Barça Atlétic while being involved with the first team.
Pedro Soma: The Newest Addition
Last August, Soma joined the club, bringing his American and Brazilian heritage to Barcelona. He had been on trial before but could only sign when he turned 18. “This is not just a professional club, this is the best club in the world,” he says, reflecting on his first few months at Barça.
Soma is a versatile midfielder who has captained the U.S. at youth level. He usually plays a deeper role but can also get forward, drawing comparisons to Weston McKennie.
The Bond of American Players Abroad
The trio shares a strong bond, not just as teammates but as friends navigating life in a foreign country. They joke about American sports, with Gill supporting the Denver Broncos, Kochen following the Miami Dolphins and Miami Heat, and Soma favoring the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Lakers.
- Gill: “My nickname is guiri.”
- Kochen: “We’re definitely known as the gringos of the team.”
- Soma: “All of us being American, it brings us closer together for sure.”
Looking Ahead: International Aspirations
Despite their diverse backgrounds, all three players are focused on representing the USMNT. Gill has a Polish passport, Soma a Brazilian one, and Kochen has Peruvian and Venezuelan roots, but their commitment to the U.S. is unwavering.
“Right now in my life, I do see myself with the USA,” Soma says. “I’ve been with the national team for over three years now. I feel very, very American.”
Kochen, who has already been called up by Mauricio Pochettino, sees the 2026 World Cup as a realistic goal. “It would be surreal, but I’m there for whatever the country needs,” he says.
As they continue to develop at Barcelona, these young Americans are not just chasing personal dreams but also aiming to elevate the USMNT to new heights. Their journey is a testament to the growing influence of American players in European football and the potential for a bright future on the international stage.
Originally Written by: Sam Marsden
