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Gavi

Gavi is the professional name of Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, a Spanish footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Barcelona and the Spain national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gavi is the professional name of Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, a Spanish footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Barcelona and the Spain national team. Born in Los Palacios y Villafranca, Spain, he came through Barcelona’s youth system and became a senior international in 2021. He is widely known simply as Gavi rather than by his full name.

Early life and youth career

Gavi was born in Los Palacios y Villafranca, Spain, and began his football career at La Liara Balompié before moving to Real Betis’s youth academy. He later joined FC Barcelona’s youth setup, where he continued his development.

Senior club career

Gavi progressed to Barcelona’s first team and plays as a midfielder. Club sources list him as part of the senior squad for the 2025/2026 season.

International career

Gavi became a Spain senior international in 2021. He has represented Spain at major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Nations League competitions.

Playing style

Barcelona describes Gavi as a technically gifted and combative midfielder with strong game-reading ability. He is commonly deployed in central midfield but can also play in advanced or wide roles.

Key facts

  • Gavi is a Spanish professional footballer.
  • He is primarily a central midfielder.
  • He plays for FC Barcelona and the Spain national team.
  • He developed in Barcelona’s youth system after joining from Real Betis’s academy.
  • He is widely known simply as Gavi.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Gavi?
Gavi is the footballing name of Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, a Spanish midfielder for FC Barcelona and the Spain national team.
What position does Gavi play?
He is primarily a midfielder, especially a central midfielder.
Where was Gavi born?
He was born in Los Palacios y Villafranca, Spain.
Which club does Gavi play for?
He plays for FC Barcelona.
When did Gavi begin playing for Spain’s senior team?
He became a senior international in 2021.

References

  1. FC Barcelona — https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/players/116719/pablo-martin-paez-gavira
    Supports: Full name, nickname, birthplace, date of birth, position, and player profile details.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavi_(footballer)
    Supports: Youth career at La Liara Balompié and Real Betis; general biographical details.
  3. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavi_(futbolista)
    Supports: Identification as Spanish footballer, full name, position, FC Barcelona, and Spain national team.
  4. Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavi_(Fu%C3%9Fballspieler)
    Supports: Birth date, full name, club, and international career context.