Roony Bardghji
Imagine breaking records at a top European club as a teenager, scoring a crucial Champions League goal against a football giant, and then, despite a career-threatening injury, signing for FC Barcelona — all before your 20th birthday. This is the incredible story of Roony Bardghji, a prodigious talent whose journey has already captivated the football world. From humble beginnings to the grandest stages, his trajectory is one of resilience and remarkable skill. Roony Bardghji became the youngest player to debut and score for FC Copenhagen, setting the stage for his rapid rise. He achieved Champions League stardom with a dramatic winning goal against Manchester United, showcasing his clutch ability on the biggest stage. Despite a significant knee injury, Bardghji made a remarkable recovery, culminating in a dream transfer to La Liga giants FC Barcelona.
AI Summary
Imagine breaking records at a top European club as a teenager, scoring a crucial Champions League goal against a football giant, and then, despite a career-threatening injury, signing for FC Barcelona — all before your 20th birthday. This is the incredible story of Roony Bardghji, a prodigious talent whose journey has already captivated the football world. From humble beginnings to the grandest stages, his trajectory is one of resilience and remarkable skill.
- Roony Bardghji became the youngest player to debut and score for FC Copenhagen, setting the stage for his rapid rise.
- He achieved Champions League stardom with a dramatic winning goal against Manchester United, showcasing his clutch ability on the biggest stage.
- Despite a significant knee injury, Bardghji made a remarkable recovery, culminating in a dream transfer to La Liga giants FC Barcelona.
A Rising Star: Roony Bardghji's Journey
Born in Kuwait in 2005 to an Assyrian family with Armenian heritage, Roony Bardghji's early life saw his family seeking better opportunities. When he was just six years old, they made the significant move to Kallinge, Sweden, a decision that would ultimately set him on a path to football stardom.
Swedish Youth Prodigy
Once in Sweden, Bardghji quickly immersed himself in the country's vibrant youth football scene. Starting with local clubs like Kallinge SK and Rödeby AIF, his talent soon caught the eye of one of Sweden's biggest clubs, Malmö FF, where he continued to hone his exceptional skills.
Record-Breaker in Copenhagen
In a pivotal move on his 15th birthday in November 2020, Bardghji transitioned from Malmö FF to Danish powerhouse FC Copenhagen. Just a year later, at only 16 years and 6 days old, he made his senior debut in the Danish Superliga, becoming the youngest player ever to feature for the club — a testament to his undeniable potential.
The records didn't stop there. Just seven days after his historic debut, Bardghji etched his name further into Copenhagen's history books by scoring his first senior goal. This early impact signaled that a special talent had arrived on the European stage, ready to challenge established norms.
Champions League Debut and Heroics
His meteoric rise continued with a UEFA Champions League debut in October 2022, coming on as a substitute against Sevilla. While that match ended in defeat, it was a crucial step for the young winger, exposing him to the pinnacle of club football.
Then came a moment that truly announced his arrival on the global stage: on November 8, 2023, Bardghji scored his first Champions League goal. It wasn't just any goal—it was an 87th-minute winner against none other than Manchester United, securing a thrilling 4-3 victory for Copenhagen. Talk about making a statement!
Overcoming Adversity
Just as his career was soaring, fate dealt a cruel blow. In May 2024, Bardghji sustained a severe knee injury during training, sidelining him for what was expected to be 9 to 12 months. It was a daunting challenge for any athlete, let alone one so young with a burgeoning career.
But Roony's determination shone through. After a gruelling 334-day recovery period, he made his triumphant return to the pitch in March 2025. This comeback underscored not just his physical resilience, but his mental fortitude to reclaim his place in the game.
A Trophy-Laden Stint
During his time at Copenhagen, Bardghji was not just a record-breaker but also a winner. He contributed significantly to the club's success, collecting multiple domestic honours and earning recognition for his individual performances in the league.
His contributions helped Copenhagen dominate the Danish domestic scene, establishing him as a key player even before his major injury.
Danish Superliga: 2021–22, 2022–23, 2024–25 Danish Cup: 2022–23, 2024–25 Superliga Team of the Month: August 2023, September 2023
The Dream Move to Barcelona
The whispers of a major transfer had always followed Bardghji, and in July 2025, the dream became reality. He signed a four-year contract with La Liga giants FC Barcelona for €2 million, with performance-related add-ons, marking a monumental step in his young career.
Making His Mark in Spain
It didn't take long for Bardghji to make an impact at his new club. In September 2025, he debuted for Barcelona in a resounding 6-0 victory against Valencia. A month later, he registered his first assist in a Champions League clash, showcasing his creative flair.
By December 2025, he had scored his first La Liga goal in an exciting 5-3 away win over Real Betis. These early contributions demonstrated that the young Swede was ready to compete at the highest level of Spanish football.
Supercopa Triumph
The 2026 Supercopa de España provided Bardghji with an early opportunity for silverware with Barcelona. He was instrumental in the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, scoring a crucial goal and providing two assists, proving his big-game temperament.
Barcelona went on to win the final against fierce rivals Real Madrid, securing Bardghji his first major trophy with the Spanish club. Before this final, he was officially registered as a first-team player, donning the prestigious number 19 shirt — a clear sign of the club's faith in his burgeoning talent.
Representing Sweden
Beyond club football, Bardghji has also proudly represented Sweden at various youth levels, playing for the U17 and U21 teams. His performances consistently highlighted him as one of the nation's most promising young footballers, destined for the senior squad.
His call-up to the Sweden national team in October 2025 was a capstone moment, followed by his senior international debut later that month in a World Cup qualifier against Switzerland. It marked the beginning of what promises to be a long and impactful international career.
Article
Roony Bardghji
Roony Bardghji (Arabic: روني بَردَغْجي, romanized: Rūnī Bardaghjī; born 15 November 2005) is a professional footballer who plays as a right winger for La Liga club Barcelona. Born in Kuwait, he plays for the Sweden national team.
Early life
Roony Bardghji
Bardghji was born in Kuwait to an Assyrian family from Aleppo, Syria. He is of Armenian descent through his paternal grandfather. His family moved to Kallinge, Sweden, when he was 6 years old for better opportunities.
Club career
Roony Bardghji
Arriving in Sweden in 2012, Bardghji played for youth teams of Kallinge SK, Rödeby AIF and Malmö FF.
Copenhagen
On 15 November 2020, he moved from Malmö FF to Copenhagen. On 21 November 2021, he made his senior debut for Copenhagen against AGF in the Danish Superliga, becoming the youngest player to feature at the club, aged 16 years and 6 days, breaking the previous record held by Kenneth Zohore. Seven days later, he scored his first goal for Copenhagen in a 3–1 win against AaB.
On 25 October 2022, Bardghji made his UEFA Champions League debut, coming off the bench in the 62nd minute, in a 3–0 defeat against Sevilla. On 7 January 2023, he signed a new contract, extending until December 2025.
On 8 November 2023, Bardghji scored the first Champions League goal of his career—an 87th minute winner in a 4–3 win over Manchester United. In May 2024, he sustained a serious knee injury during training which would sideline him for 9 to 12 months. He made his return to action on 31 March 2025, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 victory over Randers, following a 334-day absence.
Barcelona
On 14 July 2025, Bardghji signed a four-year contract with La Liga side Barcelona, completing a deal for €2 million, with performance-related add-ons. Bardghji was initially registered with Barcelona Atlètic but did not play any matches with the reserve team.
Later that year, on 14 September, he made his debut for Barcelona in a 6–0 victory over Valencia. A month later, on 21 October, he recorded his first assist for the club in a 6–1 win over Olympiacos in the Champions League. Later that year, on 6 December, he scored his first La Liga goal in a 5–3 away win against Real Betis.
In the 2026 Supercopa de España, Bardghji scored a goal and provided two assists in the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao. He went on to win the 2026 Supercopa de España after Barcelona won the final against Real Madrid.
Prior to the 2026 Supercopa de España final, Bardghji was registered as a first team player and given the number 19. which was previously worn by Lamine Yamal.
International career
Roony Bardghji
Bardghji made his international debut for the Sweden U17 team on 7 August 2021. He also played for the Sweden U21 team, with his debut on 2 June 2022.
On 1 October 2025, Bardghji was called up to the Sweden national football team for the first time. On 10 October 2025, Bardghji made his first appearance for the national team in the 85th minute of a 2–0 loss against Switzerland in the 2026 UEFA World cup qualifiers.
Career statistics
Club
<table><thead><tr><th>Club</th><th>Season</th><th>League</th><th>National cup</th><th>Europe</th><th>Other</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Division</td><td>Apps</td><td>Goals</td><td>Apps</td><td>Goals</td><td>Apps</td><td>Goals</td><td>Apps</td><td>Goals</td><td>Apps</td><td>Goals</td></tr><tr><td>Copenhagen</td><td>2021–22</td><td>Danish Superliga</td><td>13</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>—</td><td>15</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>2022–23</td><td>Danish Superliga</td><td>19</td><td>3</td><td>6</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>—</td><td>27</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>2023–24</td><td>Danish Superliga</td><td>23</td><td>7</td><td>4</td><td>2</td><td>9</td><td>1</td><td>—</td><td>36</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>2024–25</td><td>Danish Superliga</td><td>5</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>—</td><td>6</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>60</td><td>12</td><td>11</td><td>2</td><td>13</td><td>1</td><td>—</td><td>84</td><td>15</td></tr><tr><td>Barcelona</td><td>2025–26</td><td>La Liga</td><td>16</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>22</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>Career total</td><td>76</td><td>13</td><td>12</td><td>2</td><td>17</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>106</td><td>17</td></tr></tbody></table>
International
<table><thead><tr><th>National team</th><th>Year</th><th>Apps</th><th>Goals</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Sweden</td><td>2025</td><td>3</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>3</td><td>0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Honours
Roony Bardghji
• Danish Superliga: 2021–22, 2022–23, 2024–25 • Danish Cup: 2022–23, 2024–25
• Supercopa de España: (/wiki/2026SupercopadeEspaña)
• Superliga Team of the Month: August 2023, September 2023