Barcelona’s 20 Greatest Players Of All Time | 2024

Barcelona, a club founded in 1899 in the Catalonia region is more than a club like their motto “Mes Que Un Club” suggested.

From Johan Cruyff to all of the players that donned the jersey of Barcelona, they truly depicted why the club is a spiritual institution because of its great history and culture.

The club holds a unique blend of history, culture, and favorable weather, all revolving around a remarkable football club that stands as the giant of the Catalan.

The phrase ‘Mes Que Un Club’ – “more than a club” – isn’t mere hyperbole; it embodies the profound significance of the club.

FC Barcelona is not just a football team; it has evolved into a revered entity.

The Catalan giants have meticulously built this reputation, largely thanks to their players who, over the years, transformed the club into a footballing giant.

The beauty of winning naturally attracts winners, and Barcelona has been fortunate to have some of the greatest players in history gracing the Camp Nou.

Today on CheapGoals, we will dig deep into the archives and list out 20 of the greatest FC Barcelona players of all time – a mix of global icons and local heroes.

The Spanish giants have a rich history of nurturing young talents and molding them into extraordinary players.

Who is Barcelona’s worthy legend who had an indelible mark and impact at the club?

1. Lionel Messi – (Argentina, 2003-2021)

• App: 778
• Goals: 672

Back when ‘La Pulga’ first tried out for Barcelona at the age of 13 in 2000, a Catalan agent named Josep Maria Minguella told the club’s technical director Charly Rexach that he was bringing them the next Maradona.

Messi swiftly climbed through the ranks, from Barça C to Barça B, and then to the first team, showcasing remarkable progress at each level.

From a young age, Messi was known for his vision and goalscoring ability, particularly with his left foot, a constant wellspring of magical inspiration.

In the 2003-2004 season, at just 16 years old, Messi made his first-team debut in a friendly against Porto, marking the opening of the new Do Dragao stadium.

The following season, he appeared in an official match on October 16, 2004, contributing to Barcelona’s derby win against Espanyol at the Olympic Stadium (0-1).

During the 2005/06 campaign, Messi played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s second Champions League victory and 18th league title.

Following Ronaldinho’s departure in 2008, Messi became the focal point of the Barça forward line.

Reflecting on Messi’s illustrious career, impact, and influence on Barcelona and the football world, one might easily agree with Josep Maria Minguella’s prediction that Messi would be the next Maradona.

Describing Messi’s nimbleness, trickery, and sublime magical moments on the field is a challenge—perhaps no adjectives suffice because the Argentine himself could be called the ‘god’ of football.

If there’s any player who consistently stood out for vision and goal-scoring ability from a young age, especially with his left foot as a continuous source of magical inspiration, it is Lionel Messi.

2. Xavi Hernandez – (Spain, 1998-2015)

• App: 869
• Goals: 97

Xavi is statistically the most successful player in Spanish football history. He came up from the club’s youth system, showcasing the true Barça values. Starting as a center back in the U12 team in 1991/92, he gradually moved up the field and became a legendary central midfielder for FC Barcelona and globally.

Pep Guardiola was his mentor, and Xavi succeeded him as the midfield general.

On the field, he was a maestro, reading the game perfectly, finding the best-positioned players, and creating space. Despite not being physically strong, his cleverness outwitted opponents consistently, making him a reliable presence in the team.

He made his debut in the first team in 1998 under Louis van Gaal and held onto his spot for a remarkable seventeen seasons. Under Frank Rijkaard in 2003, he started making a name for himself, and by the 2008/09 season with Pep Guardiola, his legendary status was solidified.

In his last season, after Carles Puyol’s retirement, he became Barça captain.

He left Barça in 2015 with top honors, breaking the club record for first-team appearances and winning more titles than any other Spaniard before him. He will always be a part of FC Barcelona’s heritage.

3. Ladislao Kubala – (Hungary, 1950-1961)

• App: 357
• Goals: 281

Before Johan Cruyff or Lionel Messi, Kubala was a name the whole of Camp Nou and Catalonia’s faithful chanted and idolized.

He had to navigate a lot of bureaucracy before finally making his debut in April 1951, but it didn’t take long for Ladislao Kubala to become an idol for the FC Barcelona faithful.

Kubala ushered in a golden age at the club, showing his skills in the middle of the pitch.

His playing style highlighted his phenomenal physique, technical ability, extraordinary vision of play, and prowess as a free-kick maestro and on-field leader.

A notable milestone was setting the record for the most goals scored by a Barça player in a league game, netting seven goals in Barça vs Sporting de Gijón (9-0) on February 10, 1952.

With Kubala, the Five Cups team achieved unprecedented success in the 1951-52 season, winning everything. In the subsequent years, injuries from opposing defenses (and lenient referees) prevented him from replicating his form fully.

By the end of the decade, under the coaching of Helenio Herrera, Kubala flourished once again.

He retired in 1961, briefly returning a few months later until 1963. In 1980, he took charge of the team as coach, but success proved elusive.

4. Andres Iniesta – (Spain, 2002-2018)

• App: 758
• Goals: 66

Sergio Busquets’s name goes down in gold letters in club history. He was a basic part of the greatest Barça team ever after growing up at La Masia, and going on to become one of the finest defensive midfielders ever to grace the game.

Born in Badia del Vallès, he first wore number 16 before making the number 5 shirt his own and was made first-team captain in 2021/22.

His father, Carlos Busquets, played in goal for Barça from 1990 to 1998, while Busquets junior entered the club’s youth system in 2005.

‘Busi’ made the third-highest number of appearances in club history, 722, scoring 18 goals. His 15 seasons began in 2008/09, when Pep Guardiola sent him on during a 1-1 draw with Racing Santander.

He earned a regular place every season and was in the team that won the Champions League in Rome.

In total, he won 32 major trophies, the third-highest tally for any Blaugrana player. In his final season, he won a ninth Liga title and became the player with the most Clásico appearances ever, 48.

Barcelona’s Transfer Policy & Its Impacts On The Club’s Philosophy

5. Carles Puyol – (Spain, 1994-2014)

• App: 663
• Goals: 23

Puyol was a fantastic and reliable defender who left an indelible mark on Barcelona’s rich footballing history from 1994 to 2014 with his versatility, hard work, tenacity, and leadership skills.

He spent his entire professional career at Barça, but his journey began with his local team, La Pobla de Segur.

In his early years, he displayed great promise, and at 17 in 1995, he joined FC Barcelona’s youth system, entering La Masia. Swiftly becoming a regular at the back for Barça B, on October 2, 1999, he finally made his much-anticipated debut for the first team.

From then on, Puyol consistently featured in the first-team squad, often starting initially at right back.

His versatility and work ethic allowed him to adapt to playing at center-half, a position where he would ultimately establish himself both at Barça and on the national side.

Puyol had to wait until the 2004/05 season to win his first major trophy with the Blaugranes.

As the club captain and a key member of Frank Rijkaard’s side, he lifted the league title that season, celebrating with the Camp Nou crowd.

Success continued the following season, with Barça retaining their league title and claiming the Champions League in Paris.

Under Josep Guardiola’s coaching, Puyol remained a vital presence in the Barça back four until injuries caught up with him in his final two campaigns as a player.

When he eventually decided to retire, only Xavi Hernández had played more games for the Club in official competitions.

6. Ronaldinho – (Brazil, 2003-2008

• App: 250
• Goals: 110

Ronaldinho’s five-year stint at Barcelona was so aesthetic that it felt like ten years, for how he instantly thrilled the Camp Nou fans with his joyous and magical play.

He arrived in Barcelona in the summer of 2003 to spearhead the new club project initiated under manager Frank Rijkaard.

The man donning the number 10 jersey for Barça for five seasons captivated fans from the start with his imaginative play, showcasing moves that few footballers could match.

On September 3, 2003, during his league debut at Camp Nou, he scored an incredible goal against Sevilla, cutting in from the wing and launching an unstoppable shot off the underside of the crossbar.

Throughout his time at Barça, he netted 94 goals in competitive matches, while also excelling as a creator of goals.

With him leading the team on the pitch, Barça enjoyed some of its best moments in history, securing two consecutive League titles and, most notably, the Champions League in an unforgettable final on May 17, 2006, in Paris.

The legendary midfielder was so good that he was given a standing ovation at Santiago Bernabeu, after scoring two magnificent goals in a 3-0 win over arc-rival Real Madrid in 2005.

7. Gerard Pique – (Spain, 2008-2022)

• App: 669
• Goals: 56

Piqué, one of the world’s greatest center-backs, was not just a character but also a defensive rock and skillful with the ball at his feet, earning him the nickname Piquenbauer. His prowess in the air, coupled with his height, made him a valuable asset in attack.

Born into the Barça family as the grandson of Amador Bernabeu, a former club director and vice-president, Piqué was a Barça member from birth.

Starting in the club’s youth structure at the age of ten, he progressed through the ranks until the 2003/04 season when he ventured to Manchester United.

After a loan stint with Real Zaragoza in 2006/07, he played a key role in Manchester United’s Premiership and Champions League double in 2007/08.

Returning to his home club in 2008, Piqué made his debut in a Champions League qualifier against Wisla Krakow on August 13. In the treble-winning season, he swiftly established himself as one of the world’s best defenders.

Despite his defensive role, his attack-minded attitude made him the second-highest-scoring defender in club history after Ronald Koeman, with one of his most memorable goals being in the 6-2 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2009.

By the time of his retirement on November 3, 2022, after playing 669 games for the club, Piqué stood fifth on the all-time list of appearances, having amassed a wealth of titles.

On the day of his retirement, he famously declared that “little boy’s dreams came true.”

8. Dani Alves – (Brazil, 2008-2016 & 2022)

• App: 431
• Goals: 24

After five successful seasons with Sevilla, Dani Alves joined FC Barcelona in the summer of 2008. Known as The Tarantula in Brazil due to his physical strength, he quickly became the undisputed first choice at right back for the Blaugranes.

During his eight seasons at Barça, he made 414 appearances, with 391 in official competitions, averaging 49 games per season.

Known for his defensive solidity, dynamic runs down the flank, and powerful shots from outside the box, Alves played a crucial role under four different coaches: Pep Guardiola, Tito Vilanova, Tata Martino, and Luis Enrique.

His commitment to the team and outgoing personality endeared him to Barça fans, making him a favorite during the team’s numerous successes.

In the summer of 2016, Alves left the club, making stops at Juventus, PSG, and Sao Paulo before returning to Barcelona in January 2022 at the age of 38. Under the guidance of Xavi Hernández, he contributed to the team’s successful second half of the season.

Upon his departure in the summer of 2022, Dani Alves ranked second on Barça’s all-time appearance list for foreign players, only behind the legendary Leo Messi.

His impressive trophy collection, along with unforgettable partnerships with Messi on the right flank, ensures football fans will always remember his impactful contributions.

9. Johan Cruyff – (Netherlands, 1973-1978)

• App: 231
• Goals: 86

For sheer impact on the club itself the Dutchman could have been the club’s greatest player of all time, however, Cruyff the player wasn’t as impactful as Cruyff the manager in 1988.

Signed by FC Barcelona in August 1973 after prolonged negotiations with his former club Ajax, Johan Cruyff burst onto the scene in his first season, showing technical brilliance and intelligence that helped Barça secure the league title in 1973-74 – a victory after 14 years.

Memorable moments etched in the fans’ minds include the goal against Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou and the historic 0-5 victory over Madrid in the Bernabeu in 1974.

Despite only winning the Copa del Rey in 1977-78 in the subsequent seasons, Cruyff left a solid print on Camp Nou.

In 1988, he returned to the club as a coach, initiating the most successful era in its history. This period saw 4 league titles and the historic European Cup win at Wembley in 1992 with the ‘Dream Team.’ Cruyff departed the club in 1996.

Camp Nou paid tribute to him twice – first when he left as a player on May 27, 1978, and the second with the ‘Dream Team’ he coached on March 10, 1999.

In 1999, he was named the best player of the century in Europe, and in September 2006, he received the cross of Saint Jordi from the Government of Catalonia.

His immense quality as a player saw him win worldwide recognition and also won the Golden Ball award three times in 1971, 1973 and 1974 having consistently shown quality on the pitch.

Be it Cruyff the player or manager he still left a huge mark at Barcelona, arriving at the club in 1973 after the club ban for signing foreign players was lifted.

10. Josep Samitier – (Spain, 1918-1933)

• App: 504
• Goals: 361

Samitier’s uncanny knack for goals and sheer impact on Barcelona considered him one of the most emblematic players in the history of the club.

He singlehandedly led the terrifying Barcelona team in the golden age of the twenties, an era where he was regarded as the best striker in European football.

His acrobatics and incredible jumps quickly captivated FC Barcelona fans, turning him into their idol with nicknames like “locust man” and “magician.”

He was the catalyst for the first football crowd’s excitement, prompting the creation of a football team around him due to his exceptional technique and skills. The growing crowds necessitated the construction of “Les Corts” in 1922.

With Samitier, Barça achieved 11 Catalan Championships, and five Spanish Championships, and won the first Spanish league in 1928-29.

Despite starting as a midfielder, he is remembered as an excellent center-forward.

His goal-scoring record is remarkable: he scored 361 goals in the blue and claret shirt, making him one of the greatest goalscorers in the Club’s history.

A legendary and cosmopolitan figure, his close friend Carlos Gardel dedicated a tango to him, and the Club held a special tribute for him at the Les Corts grounds on January 19th, 1936.

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11. Luis Suárez – (Spain, 1912-1927)

• App: 122
• Goals: 62

Luis Suárez, not the recent one everyone knows.

He is often regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Spanish football. He played a crucial role for Barça in the late 1950s but left amid major success, achieving further glory outside the club.

His debut for Barça was on May 2, 1954, against his former team, coinciding with his 19th birthday. Suárez, a left midfielder, possessed exceptional technique, ball skills, a privileged game vision, and notable goal-scoring ability.

His elegance on the field earned him the description of being able to play in a tuxedo. A journalist of the time depicted ‘Luisito’ as “part velvet, part howitzer,” combining smoothness with force.

Barça coach Helenio Herrera (1958-60) owed much of his success to the Galician midfielder, although Suárez faced pressure from an artificial media campaign that divided fans between ‘suaristes’ (Suárez supporters) and ‘kubalistas’ (Kubala supporters), despite the two stars being good friends.

In 1961, shortly after winning the Ballon d’Or (the only Spanish player to achieve this so far), economic crises forced Barça to transfer Suárez to Inter Milan for 25 million pesetas.

Unfortunately, this occurred just five days before Barça’s European Cup loss to Benfica in Bern, Switzerland. Post his departure from FC Barcelona, Suárez achieved glory with Inter Milan, securing two European Cups and numerous other titles.

12. Sergio Busquets – (Spain, 2008-2023)

• App: 722
• Goals: 18

Busquets’ name will forever stand among Barcelona’s legendary players for his sheer longevity, leadership, impact, and being a product of the famous La Masia.

A fundamental part of the greatest Barça team ever, established himself as one of the finest defensive midfielders in the history of the game.

Born in Badia del Vallès, he initially wore number 16 before claiming the number 5 shirt as his own. In the 2021/22 season, he was appointed first-team captain.

His father, Carlos Busquets, served as Barça’s goalkeeper from 1990 to 1998. Busquets Jr. joined the club’s youth system in 2005.

His remarkable 15-season journey began in 2008/09 when Pep Guardiola introduced him during a 1-1 draw with Racing Santander. He secured a regular place every season and was part of the team that triumphed in the Champions League in Rome.

In total, he won 32 major trophies, the third-highest tally for any Barcelona player also including the most Clasico appearances ever (48).

As a Barcelona player, his third-highest number of appearances in club history with 772 says a lot about his legendary status and longevity before leaving the club in the summer.

13. Victor Valdes – (Spain, 2002-2014)

• App: 602
• Goals: 0

Like or hate him, his stats speak for themselves despite being one of the most maligned goalies in the history of Barcelona.

Valdés was consistently a reliable presence between the posts, displaying proficiency with both his hands and feet while exuding authority in the penalty area. For numerous seasons, he stood as an unwavering and beloved choice for fans.

The Catalan goalkeeper excelled in reading the opposition, and maintaining composure in one-on-one situations, a crucial trait considering his relatively low intervention rate in many games. He proved to be the quintessential goalkeeper for a powerhouse like Barça.

Valdés possessed a complete set of goalkeeping attributes: security, agility, reflexes, composure, courage, intuition, authority, and vision.

His impressive statistics tell the story: he wore the FC Barcelona gloves more times than any keeper before him, securing numerous titles.

In 539 official matches, he conceded just 442 goals and clinched the Zamora Trophy for the best goalkeeping record in the league five times

14. Luis Suarez – (Uruguay, 2014-2020)

• App: 300
• Goals: 210

In an era where the acronym ‘MSN’ sent huge fear into the spine of many of Europe’s finest defenses, Suarez stood out with his sheer brilliance and uncanny knack for goals.

A remarkable striker with one goal in mind – scoring.

Possessing a keen nose for goal and the ability to create space inside the box, Luis Suárez was also a true warrior on the field.

He joined Camp Nou in the summer of 2014 after winning the Golden Shoe as Europe’s top league goalscorer with his previous club, Liverpool.

Before his time in the Premier League, Suárez had stints with Nacional de Montevideo in his native Uruguay and Dutch clubs Groningen and Ajax Amsterdam.

Making his official debut for Barça on October 25, 2014, in a match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, Suárez capped off a dream debut season with a goal in the Champions League final in Berlin against Juventus, contributing to a historic second treble in the Club’s history.

In the 2015/16 season, he broke the goalscoring dominance of Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, finishing as La Liga’s top scorer and earning a second Golden Shoe award, solidifying his status as a legendary modern striker.

Over six seasons at Barça from 2014 to 2020, Suárez scored 198 goals, placing him third on the Club’s all-time list of goalscorers.

15. Patrick Kluivert – (Netherlands, 1998-2004)

• App: 308
• Goals: 145

As a Blaugrana, Kluivert scored 145 goals in 308 matches making him one of the highest goal-scorers in the club’s history.

Kluivert was so excellent with the ball that he often dropped deep to the midfield to create and also score goals, a rare quality that can probably be seen in Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane.

Technically, physically, with agility and vision, he was a natural finisher who scored goals with aplomb, a rare quality that made then Barcelona manager Louis van Gaal describe him as a “perfect striker”.

During his time as a Blaugrana, Patrick Kluivert scored 145 goals in 308 matches, establishing himself as one of the top scorers in the Club’s history.

Coached by Louis van Gaal, he was hailed as the “perfect striker,” a fitting description for an extraordinary forward known for his agility and vision. Kluivert excelled with his back-to-goal, showing a unique talent to create as well as score goals.

In essence, he played more like a creative midfielder in the striker position.

Kluivert had a penchant for dropping deep to link up with his teammates, displaying not only excellent finishing but also a knack for playmaking.

Technically and physically, he was a complete player, contributing significantly during his six seasons as a Blaugrana before departing for Newcastle United in 2004.

16. Hristo Stoichkov – (Bulgaria, 1999-95 & 1996-98)

• App: 341
• Goals: 162

Stoichkov is unarguably the best Bulgarian to ever don the blue and red jersey of Barcelona for his sheer talent and finesse on the ball.

Known for his football prowess and exceptional fighting spirit, he displayed versatility by excelling on the left or in the middle, making him a highly effective forward with speed and a keen goalscoring instinct.

In his time, he was considered one of the world’s best players, achieving the rare feat of winning the European Cup (1992), the Golden Boot (1990), and the Ballon d’Or (1995) – a record shared only with Leo Messi and Luis Suárez in Barça history.

Beyond his on-field charisma, he exuded a genuine connection to the Barcelona colors, always ready to bravely and intensely defend them. Camp Nou honored him on May 29, 2005, with a match featuring a World XI against a Dream Team veterans side.

17. Aitor Txiki Begiristain – (Spain, 1988-1995)

• App: 424
• Goals: 127

Txiki, as witnessed by those who saw him play in Camp Nou, was a quick-witted player, known for wreaking havoc with the ball at his feet.

His style was characterized by both skill and fantasy, making him a master of one-on-one situations.

Often ending his moves with precise crosses or powerful shots, he became a go-to solution for Manager Johan Cruyff in challenging matches, who would instruct his players to “get the ball to Txiki.”

Following his playing career, Txiki served as the FC Barcelona director of football from 2003 until June 30, 2010

Aside from being a fantastic player, he was also described as a very down-to-earth person, a rare quality that made him a fan favorite and showered with a lot of affection throughout his active days.

18. Andoni Zubizarreta – (Spain, 1986-1994)

• App: 494
• Goals: 0

Zubi as he’s popularly called by Barcelona’s faithful was everything for the club aside from being a goalkeeper.

He possessed several qualities, including level-headedness and superb positioning as a goalkeeper.

Joining FC Barcelona in 1986 as a replacement for the legendary Urruti, he became a vital part of the famous ‘Dream Team.’ Alongside Koeman, he emerged as the hero of the Wembley final with a series of miraculous, decisive interventions.

Serving as the team’s captain for several seasons, ‘Zubi’ was noted for his serenity and psychological balance, both on and off the pitch. His ability to transmit calmness to other players proved invaluable in navigating the most challenging match situations.

With an incredible career, winning 126 international caps and participating in 4 World Cups and 2 European Championships, he holds the record for the most games played in the Spanish first division during his time at Athletic Bilbao, Barça, and Valencia (622).

19. Rivaldo – (Brazil, 1997-2002)

• App: 253
• Goals: 136

Rivaldo is one of the first Brazilian contingents who painted Camp Nou with his goals and aesthetic performances from 1997 to 2002.

Rivaldo stepped into the role seamlessly.

A tall and robust player, he possessed extraordinary abilities rarely witnessed before – adept dribbling, a powerful shot, and an incredible knack for converting free kicks and penalties, all executed with his left foot.

Although not a typical striker, he thrived as a left winger or attacking midfielder, amassing an impressive goal tally during his time at Barça: 136 goals in 253 games.

Rivaldo was a serious and discreet footballer, letting his performances on the pitch speak for themselves. His on-field achievements were duly recognized with the Ballon d’Or in 1999.

The 1999 Ballon d’Or winner was embarrassingly good that we could argue that Brazil is yet to replace his quality in the team considering what he often brings to the table.

20. Josep Guardiola – (Spain, 1990-2001)

• App: 479
• Goals: 16

Josep Guardiola was brilliant as a player and a phenomenon as a manager for all of the clubs he managed.

Known as the ‘boy from Santpedor,’ after rising through the ranks of FC Barcelona’s youth teams, Pep Guardiola made his first-team debut in the 1990/91 season.

His playing career coincided with one of the most glorious eras in the Club’s history – the age of the ‘Dream Team,’ led by coach Johan Cruyff, who regarded Guardiola as an extension of himself on the field.

During the 1990s, Pep played alongside some of the world’s best players, including Romário, Laudrup, Bakero, Zubizarreta, Stòitxkov, Koeman, Sergi, Ferrer, Amor, Figo, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Luis Enrique.

Despite a setback with a serious injury in the 1997/98 season that sidelined him for a year, Guardiola continued to make big contributions to the team.

He eventually left Barça in 2001 to join the Italian club Brescia.

On the international stage, a highlight was winning a gold medal with the Spanish national side in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.

Transitioning to coaching, Guardiola became the Barça B coach in 2007 and then took charge of the first team in 2008.

He went on to become the most successful coach in the Club’s history, securing 14 trophies in four seasons, including six in 2009 alone.

Other Greatest Barcelona Players In History

• Luis Enrique
• Ronaldo
• Gheorghe Hagi
• Carles Rexach
• David Villa
• Evaristo de Macedo
• Romario
• Neymar
• Gary Lineker
• Diego Maradona
• Bernd Schuster,
• Antonio Olmo
• Marcial Pina
• Josep Escola
• Joan Gamper
• Arthur Witty
• Paulino Alcantara

How Do Commentators Know the Players’ Names & Statistics?

 

 

 

 

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