Sydney Schertenleib Joins Barcelona via Instagram

Sydney Schertenleib signed for Barcelona in June 2024 after the club contacted her via Instagram. The 17‑year‑old had earned 26 caps for Switzerland and scored three goals in 16 Swiss top‑flight appearances for Grasshopper Zurich in the 2023‑24 season. She had also impressed at the Under‑17 European Championships. Raul Zambrano Lozano reported that Barcelona scouts pursued Schertenleib because she lacked an agent and therefore messaged her directly on Instagram. He quoted the club’s message: “Barcelona signed her via Instagram… we want to arrange a call and ask if she wants to play for Barcelona.” The contact led to a swift agreement and her move to the Spanish giants. Schertenleib was initially slated for Barcelona B but a strong pre‑season earned her a place in the first team. In her debut season she featured in 23 matches, netted three goals and helped Barcelona claim the Liga F title and the Spanish Super Cup.

Can Ancelotti become the first Italian to lift the World Cup with Brazil?

The 2025‑26 campaign saw her appear in 42 games, score eight times and contribute to Barcelona’s domestic treble and Women’s Champions League triumph, although she remained an unused substitute in the final in Oslo. Zambrano Lozano highlighted Schertenleib’s versatility, noting she has played as a winger, midfielder and forward, but performs best on the wing. He added that head coach Pere Romeu praises her but she still receives limited minutes, especially after the departure of Alexia Putellas. On the international stage Schertenleib has 26 caps, five goals and featured for Switzerland at Euro 2025 on home soil. She played in midfield during Switzerland’s 2‑0 World Cup qualifying win over Northern Ireland in March and scored in the 6‑1 victory over Malta. Switzerland sit atop Group B2 with four wins and a draw, securing a play‑off place for the next World Cup in Brazil and a chance to reach League A. Coach Rafel Navarro, who spent six years as Barcelona’s assistant, oversees a side that uses Schertenleib as a left‑sided midfielder in a three‑back system, a role that suits her speed and space.