From Copenhagen to Catalunya, the Swedish “Messi” Has Arrived
Roony Bardghji — remember the name. No, it’s not a typo. While the football world once marveled at Wayne Rooney, the new Roony on the scene is an 18-year-old Swedish-Syrian winger with a left foot kissed by magic and a hunger that mirrors legends.
Nicknamed “The Swedish Messi,” Roony Bardghji has just signed with FC Barcelona until June 2029, making a bold leap from FC Copenhagen to one of the world’s biggest football stages.
And no, this Roony doesn’t play center forward like that Rooney — but he could be just as unforgettable.
🔥 Who is Roony Bardghji?
Born in Kuwait City in 2005 to Syrian parents, Bardghji moved to Sweden at six and rose through the ranks of local clubs like Malmö FF before landing in Denmark with FC Copenhagen. At 16, he became the youngest debutant in the club’s history — and he didn’t stop there.
In three years with Copenhagen, he racked up:
- 84 appearances
- 15 goals
- 3 domestic league titles
- And one unforgettable Champions League winner vs Manchester United in a 4–3 thriller.
That goal, at 17, turned heads across Europe. Barcelona didn’t just scout him — they moved fast.
⚽ What Makes Roony Special?
Roony Bardghji is the classic modern winger:
- Left-footed, playing from the right
- Quick, technical, and fearless in one-on-one situations
- A natural in tight spaces
- Equally comfortable as a creative wide man or drifting centrally
He’s not the tallest (1.73 m), but that low center of gravity gives him Hazard-like control and a burst that can unbalance even the best defenders.
Former coaches praise his work ethic and recovery — especially after his ACL injury in May 2024, from which he returned in under a year.
“The Swedish Messi” — or the New Roony?
Sure, the nickname “Swedish Messi” draws clicks. But Bardghji’s story is carving its own path — more grit than flash, more growth than hype. Still, the elegance with which he glides past defenders can feel Messi-esque, and there’s no denying the potential.
Let’s be honest: Roony & Rooney might share a name, but their styles are worlds apart. One was raw power and fierce instinct. The other is all subtle touches, feints, and left-foot finesse. But both? Born for the spotlight.
🔵🔴 What’s Next at Barcelona?
- Bardghji joins Barça Atlètic, but has already been included in Hansi Flick’s preseason squad for the Asia tour.
- He’s seen as a natural alternative (and future complement) to Lamine Yamal on the right flank.
- Barcelona secured him on a deal reported around €2–2.5 million + bonuses, with a long-term contract until 2029 and strong resale potential.
This isn’t just a B-team signing — it’s a long-term investment in elite talent.
Despite his talents, Transfermarkt’s Data Scout in Denmark Ziyu Ji reveals some of the 19-year-old’s current limitations: “His weaknesses are his aerial duels, and he needs to work on his consistency. Sometimes he can have periods where he’s invisible in the game.”
However, Barcelona fans will get very excited when they hear which player Ji drew comparisons with when discussing Bardghji’s style of play,
“If I had to pick two players he reminds me of it would be Lionel Messi and Dejan Kulusevski. Messi because Roony’s dribbling style is very similar – I also have seen some journalists calling him the “Swedish Messi”. Kulusevski due to their shared preference to cut inside and their ability to create goal scoring opportunities.”
🧠 Smart Move for the Club. Smarter Move for the Player.
For a young player like Roony, Barcelona offers:
- World-class development
- A system that fits his style
- Global visibility
- And time to grow without immediate pressure
And for Barcelona, it’s a smart play: low cost, high ceiling, and a player who could become either a key piece or a valuable future sale.
📌 Roony Bardghji — Quick Profile
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Born | November 15, 2005 (Kuwait) |
| Nationality | Sweden (Syrian descent) |
| Position | Right winger / Attacking mid |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Height | 1.73 m |
| Former Club | FC Copenhagen |
| Current Club | FC Barcelona Atlètic (First Team preseason) |
| Contract | Until 2029 |
| Market Value | €7.5M |
| Notable Moment | Champions League goal vs Man United (2023) |
Roony Bardghji Highlights
Final Whistle
Roony Bardghji isn’t trying to be Messi or Rooney — he’s writing his own script.
But if his development continues, Barcelona may have found its next breakout star… or its next great sale.
Either way, Roony is one to watch.
