It was a season that saw the Barcelona academy product left without a senior contract and dropped to the juvenil squad after a failed winter move to Almería. At 19, he says the experience has only sharpened his focus.
"It's been an unusual 2026," Junyent told MARCA. "I've handled it as naturally as possible. The juvenil at Barça have treated me really well, and I've tried to give my maximum on the pitch every time. I think that's been obvious, and I've just tried to enjoy football."
The armband came with added responsibility, but it is one he has embraced.
"It's a great opportunity to always come here to the national team," he said. "I've been coming since the under-15s, and wearing the captain's armband always demands that extra effort. But I'm really happy to wear it and proud, honestly."
Junyent is measured when discussing his Barcelona situation, careful not to place blame while acknowledging the support that kept him grounded.
"At the end of the day I think it's something that happens in football," he said. "At some moments more than others I've thought about it, but with the help of my parents, my friends, the people I love most — they've helped me a lot. They supported me, told me to keep going, to enjoy it, that everything happens for a reason and that, if I am myself, everything will come."
The midfielder is open about the ambition that drives him, particularly among a group he believes is ready to deliver at this tournament. Last year Spain reached the final, losing to the Netherlands.
"We talk a lot about this generation, that it's very good, that it plays well, but in terms of titles we've achieved almost nothing," he said. "I think we have a great opportunity now to do it, and we are going to give everything, because we all know we have that thorn in our side. We're going to fight for it."
Junyent grew up watching Pedri and counts Pau Cubarsí among his closest friends from their time together at La Masía, though he is careful not to measure his own path against those who have broken through at the highest level earlier than most.
"I'm not going to talk about overconfidence — every one of the guys is incredible, we get on really well," he said. "Apart from playing football, which is the best thing you can do, you laugh and have a great time, because at the end of the day they're still your friends."
On his Barcelona teammates who have made it to the first team, his admiration is genuine and unguarded.
"With Pau (Cubarsi) I have more of a relationship, because last year I was in class with him and he's my friend," Junyent said. "Now not so much, because he no longer lives at La Masía, he lives in a house, but from time to time we go for food and talk. He's my friend, I love him and I always wish him the best, because he's always wished the best for me."
La Masía, he says, is the foundation of everything.
"La Masía has helped me to be who I am today," he said. "It's helped me to push myself. The work is not visible, but there's a lot of sacrifice, a lot of effort, and La Masía helps you with all of that. I'll always be grateful."