Cristóbal Muñoz López (born 1 February 2005) is a Spanish professional footballer currently playing as a forward or midfielder for Barcelona.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Cristóbal Muñoz López | ||
| Date of birth | (2005-02-01) 1 February 2005 (age 17) | ||
| Place of birth | Almería, Spain | ||
| Position(s) | Forward, midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
Current team | Barcelona | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Years | Team | ||
| 2012–2016 | Almería | ||
| 2016–2017 | Málaga | ||
| 2016–2017 | → Pavía | ||
| 2017– | Barcelona | ||
Born in Almería, Muñoz started playing football at his school, Colegio La Jarilla, before joining local side Almería in 2012.[1] In 2016, he made the move to Pavía, signing an agreement with parent club Málaga to be able to represent both.[1][2] He alternated between Pavía, where he scored 41 goals for the youth team, and Málaga, who he represented in youth tournaments.[2][3]
As Muñoz developed in the Málaga academy, other top Spanish clubs became aware of his ability. This caused Málaga owner, Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani, to offer Muñoz a blank cheque in order for him to remain at the club.[4] However, after receiving offers from Real Madrid and Barcelona, Muñoz decided to sign for the latter in early 2017.[2]
In December 2017, he was named the best player at the LaLiga Promises tournament in Arona.[4][5] This lead to comparisons to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, for their similar style of play.[6]
In August 2021, he signed his first professional contract with Barcelona, tying him to the club until June 2024.[1]
Muñoz's brother, Kike, is also a footballer, and plays for Almería.[6]