Diego Kochen, the young goalkeeper representing the United States internationally, is set to solidify his future with FC Barcelona by signing a new contract that will extend his stay at the iconic club until 2028. Sources close to the situation have confirmed this development to ESPN, revealing that the contract, although announced earlier, was never officially signed until now. This marks a significant step for the 18-year-old, as his initial contract, signed at the age of 16, was due to expire at the end of the current season.
Even though Kochen has yet to make his debut in official competitions for Barcelona’s first team, he has been a consistent presence in training sessions with the senior squad. His involvement extended to a brief appearance in a friendly match against Liga MX’s Club América, during which he played 29 minutes, offering a glimpse of his potential talent. Currently, he represents Barçà Atlètic in Spain’s third division, continuing to hone his skills while eagerly awaiting an opportunity to showcase his abilities on a larger stage.
Born to Venezuelan and Peruvian parents in Miami, Kochen’s identity is as diverse as it is compelling. After relocating to Spain with his family in 2018, he joined Barcelona in 2019. Despite inquiries from Spain’s youth teams, particularly from director Francis Hernández, Kochen has made it clear that his ambition lies with the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT). His recent inclusion in the national squad under the coaching of Mauricio Pochettino further emphasizes his commitment toward representing his country on an international platform.
Kochen is not alone in his journey; he is joined by two other young Americans aiming to break into Barcelona’s first team. Midfielder Pedro Soma, who has previously played for the U.S. U20 team after signing from Cornellà, is currently part of the Barçà Atlètic squad alongside Kochen. Another promising talent, Adrian Simon Gill, boasts a remarkable comeback after an injury sidelined him for over a year, currently featuring for the U19 team. Spanning a mere six months in age difference, these three players embody the potential for a new wave of American talent at one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world.
As Kochen, Soma, and Gill aspire to follow in the footsteps of American footballers such as Konrad De La Fuente and Sergiño Dest, their journey is closely watched. They symbolize hope for American soccer, representing not just individual aspirations but the growing influence of American athletes in European football. With Kochen’s new contract and the collective potential of these young stars, Barcelona may well witness the birth of a new legacy driven by American talent in the coming years. The promise of what lies ahead is not only exciting for the players themselves but also for the supporters and fans of U.S. soccer.