Dani Olmo

Dani Olmo Biography: Spain’s World Cup-Winning Maestro

Article Summary

Dani Olmo is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for La Liga club Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Born Daniel Olmo Carvajal in Terrassa, Catalonia, on 7 May 1998, Olmo began his youth career at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before making the bold decision at 16 to move to Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb. He made his senior debut there in 2015 and went on to make 124 appearances, winning five league titles and three Croatian Cups. His performances earned him a move to RB Leipzig in 2020, where he won back-to-back DFB-Pokal titles. In 2024, he returned to Barcelona for a reported €60 million. On the international stage, Olmo won the UEFA European Championship in 2024 and played a key creative role as Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring in all eight matches and contributing two assists. He got engaged to his longtime girlfriend Laura Abla Schmitt following the World Cup final. His net worth is estimated at approximately £37.17 million ($43.12 million).

Table of Contents

  • Early Life and Background
  • Club Career
  • International Career
  • Major Achievements
  • Personal Life
  • Latest News
  • Upcoming Events
  • Recent Awards
  • Career Timeline
  • Career Statistics
  • FAQs
  • Key Takeaways
  • Conclusion

Quick Facts Table

FactDetail
Full NameDaniel Olmo Carvajal
Born7 May 1998
BirthplaceTerrassa, Spain
NationalitySpanish
Age28 (as of 2026)
Height1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
PositionAttacking Midfielder / Winger
Current ClubBarcelona
Jersey Number20
PartnerLaura Abla Schmitt (engaged, 2026)
Net WorthEstimated £37.17 million ($43.12 million)

Full Biography

Early Life and Background

Daniel Olmo Carvajal was born on 7 May 1998 in Terrassa, Catalonia, Spain. Terrassa is also the birthplace of Barcelona legends Xavi Hernández and Víctor Sánchez, creating a lineage of footballing greats from the same Catalan town.

Olmo grew up in a football-loving family. His father, Miquel Olmo, is a former professional player and coach who managed several clubs in Spain and Croatia. His mother, Anna Olmo, has supported him throughout his career, staying largely out of the public eye. Olmo also has an older brother, Carlos Olmo, who has worked as his agent and helped manage his professional career for several years.

Olmo’s football journey began at age eight when he joined the youth ranks of Espanyol’s academy in 2006. The following year, he moved to Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, where he developed his technical skills from 2007 to 2014. Despite his deep roots in Barcelona’s system, Olmo made the unconventional decision to leave Spain as a teenager for Croatia, a move that would define his career.

Dani Olmo

Club Career

Dinamo Zagreb (2014-2020)

At just 16 years old, Olmo left Barcelona’s academy to join Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb in 2014. He made his senior debut in 2015 and spent five seasons with the club, making 124 appearances and scoring 34 goals.

During his time in Croatia, Olmo won five league titles (2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2019/20), three Croatian Cups, and a Croatian Super Cup. He was also named Player of the Year in Croatia on two separate occasions. The move proved to be a turning point, helping him develop into one of Europe’s top midfielders.

RB Leipzig (2020-2024)

In 2020, Olmo made the move to German side RB Leipzig, where he continued to develop his game in the Bundesliga. He made 107 league appearances and scored 17 goals for the club.

At Leipzig, Olmo won back-to-back DFB-Pokal titles in 2022 and 2023, as well as the 2023 DFL-Supercup. He memorably scored a hat-trick in the DFB-Pokal final during his time with the club.

Return to Barcelona (2024-Present)

In August 2024, Olmo returned to his boyhood club, signing with Barcelona for a reported fee of €60 million on a six-year deal. His contract includes a €500 million release clause and runs until 30 June 2030.

Since returning, Olmo has made 58 league appearances and scored 17 goals for the Blaugrana. He has won two La Liga titles (2025 and 2026) and two Spanish Super Cups with the club. However, his time at Barcelona has been marked by injury setbacks, with the midfielder missing several spells that have prevented him from firmly establishing himself in Hansi Flick’s starting XI. Despite this, he has recorded seven goals and three assists in the 2025-26 La Liga season.

International Career

Olmo represented Spain at multiple youth levels, including the U16, U17, U18, and U21 teams. He was part of the Spain U21 squad that won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2019. He also won a silver medal with Spain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Senior Debut and Euro 2024

Olmo made his senior debut for the Spain national team in 2019. He has earned 48 caps and scored 12 goals for La Roja as of March 2026.

At UEFA Euro 2024, Olmo was instrumental in Spain’s triumph, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer. He also scored in the final, helping Spain secure the European Championship.

2026 FIFA World Cup

Olmo was selected for Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. He featured in all eight matches of the tournament, accumulating 497 minutes on the pitch and providing two decisive assists—one against Saudi Arabia in the group stage and one against France in the semi-finals.

In the final against Argentina on 19 July 2026, Spain secured a 1-0 victory with a goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute of extra time. Olmo’s creative influence throughout the tournament was a key factor in Spain’s success, as they won their second FIFA World Cup title.

After the victory, Olmo paid tribute to the cities that shaped his career, posting on social media: “Terrassa. Barcelona. Zagreb. Leipzig. Barcelona. New York.”

Major Achievements

Dinamo Zagreb

  • Croatian First League: 2014-15, 2015-16, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 (5 titles)
  • Croatian Cup: 3 titles
  • Croatian Super Cup: 1 title

RB Leipzig

  • DFB-Pokal: 2021-22, 2022-23 (2 titles)
  • DFL-Supercup: 2023

Barcelona

  • La Liga: 2024-25, 2025-26 (2 titles)
  • Spanish Super Cup: 2 titles

Spain National Team

  • UEFA European Championship: 2024
  • FIFA World Cup: 2026
  • UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2019

Individual

  • Euro 2024 Top Scorer
  • Croatian Player of the Year (2 times)

Personal Life

Olmo has been in a long-term relationship with Laura Abla Schmitt, a German model, influencer, and podcaster, since 2023. She is originally from the Ostfriesland region of northern Germany and was born in 1998.

Schmitt is a model represented by Attached Agency, having made her runway debut at Berlin Fashion Week and worked with major brands, including Dior, L’Oréal Paris, Guerlain, and H&M. She also co-hosts a weekly podcast called Ziemlich beste Fremde (“Pretty Best Strangers”). She has nearly 440,000 followers on Instagram.

The couple went public with their relationship in early 2024 while Olmo was still playing for RB Leipzig. When Olmo transferred to Barcelona, Schmitt relocated to Spain, and the couple now live together in the Catalan capital.

Following Spain’s World Cup triumph, Olmo proposed to Schmitt, and she was seen wearing a large diamond ring during the celebrations.

Olmo has a close bond with his family. He has the same three-point flower tattoo on his right arm as his mother and brother. His brother Carlos also plays football for San Cristóbal in the Catalan Tercera Federación.

Latest News

As of July 2026, Dani Olmo is celebrating Spain’s World Cup victory, having played a pivotal role in the tournament. He got engaged to his girlfriend Laura Abla Schmitt following the final.

Barcelona have reportedly triggered a further €3 million payment to RB Leipzig as part of the add-ons in his transfer deal, bringing the total fee to €61 million. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has publicly backed Olmo despite a difficult season plagued by injuries.

Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly expressed interest in signing Olmo, though the player is believed to be committed to Barcelona.

Upcoming Events

EventDetails
2026-27 La Liga seasonStarts August 2026
UEFA Champions League 2026-27The group stage begins September 2026
WeddingPlanning following engagement

Recent Awards

YearAwardResult
2026FIFA World CupWon (with Spain)
2025-26La LigaWon (with Barcelona)
2024-25La LigaWon (with Barcelona)
2024UEFA European ChampionshipWon (with Spain)
2024Euro 2024 Top ScorerWon

Career Timeline

YearEvent
1998Born in Terrassa, Catalonia, Spain
2007Joined Barcelona’s La Masia academy
2014Left Barcelona for Dinamo Zagreb
2015Made senior debut for Dinamo Zagreb
2019Made senior debut for Spain
2020Signed for RB Leipzig
2022-23Won back-to-back DFB-Pokal titles
2024Returned to Barcelona for €60 million
2024Won Euro 2024 with Spain
2025-26Won back-to-back La Liga titles
2026Won World Cup with Spain
2026Got engaged to Laura Abla Schmitt

Career Statistics

ClubSeasonsLeague AppsGoals
Dinamo Zagreb II2015-2017253
Dinamo Zagreb2015-20208020
RB Leipzig2020-202410717
Barcelona2024-Present5817

International Caps: 48 (12 goals)

FAQs

How old is Dani Olmo?
Dani Olmo was born on 7 May 1998 in Terrassa, Spain, which makes him 28 years old as of 2026.

What is Dani Olmo’s net worth?
Dani Olmo’s net worth is estimated at approximately £37.17 million ($43.12 million) as of 2026. He earns £207,000 per week at Barcelona.

Which club does Dani Olmo play for?
Dani Olmo plays as an attacking midfielder for La Liga club Barcelona. He returned to the club in 2024 and is under contract until 2030.

Did Dani Olmo win the World Cup?
Yes. Olmo was a key member of Spain’s 2026 World Cup-winning squad, playing in all eight matches and providing two assists.

Is Dani Olmo married?
Olmo got engaged to his girlfriend Laura Abla Schmitt following Spain’s World Cup victory in July 2026.

What trophies has Dani Olmo won?
Olmo has won five Croatian league titles, two DFB-Pokals, two La Liga titles, the UEFA European Championship (2024), and the FIFA World Cup (2026).

What is Dani Olmo’s height?
Dani Olmo stands at 1.82 meters (6 feet 0 inches).

Where is Dani Olmo from?
Dani Olmo was born in Terrassa, Catalonia, Spain.

What position does Dani Olmo play?
Dani Olmo plays as an attacking midfielder, though he is also comfortable as a left winger.

What is Dani Olmo’s contract situation?
Olmo is under contract with Barcelona until 30 June 2030, with a €500 million release clause.


Key Takeaways

  • Dani Olmo is a Spanish attacking midfielder born on 7 May 1998 in Terrassa, Catalonia.
  • He began his career at Barcelona’s La Masia before moving to Dinamo Zagreb at 16.
  • He won five Croatian league titles and three Croatian Cups with Dinamo Zagreb.
  • He won back-to-back DFB-Pokal titles with RB Leipzig and returned to Barcelona in 2024.
  • He won the UEFA European Championship with Spain in 2024 and the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
  • He got engaged to German model and influencer Laura Abla Schmitt after the World Cup final.
  • His net worth is estimated at approximately £37.17 million ($43.12 million).

Conclusion

Dani Olmo’s journey from the streets of Terrassa to lifting the World Cup is a story of bold decisions, resilience, and exceptional talent. He left Barcelona’s La Masia as a teenager to forge his own path in Croatia, a move that could have derailed his career but instead shaped him into one of Europe’s most complete midfielders. His rise through Dinamo Zagreb and RB Leipzig proved that the unconventional path can lead to greatness. Now back at Barcelona, Olmo has added domestic success to his international triumphs, winning two La Liga titles alongside the 2024 European Championship and the 2026 World Cup. His creative genius on the pitch, his engagement to Laura Abla Schmitt off it, and his unwavering commitment to his craft make him one of the most compelling figures in modern football. As Spain celebrates its second World Cup title, Dani Olmo stands as a testament to the power of believing in your own path.

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