Are you ready to discover the ultimate list of Barcelona’s best players of all time? As die-hard fans of the Catalan club, we’ve spent countless hours pouring over statistics, watching the footage, and debating with fellow supporters to bring you this definitive ranking of the greatest players to ever grace the Camp Nou pitch.
From the legendary Ronaldinho to the indomitable Lionel Messi, Barcelona’s best players have left an indelible mark on the club’s history and have captured the hearts of fans around the world.
Here are the Barcelona Best Players Overview
| Player | Career |
| Lionel Messi | 2004–2021 |
| Andres Iniesta | 2000-2018 |
| Xavi | 1997–2014 |
| Ronaldinho | 1997–2013 |
| Johan Cruyff | 1964–1984 |
| Diego Maradona | 1976–1997 |
| Cesar Rodriguez | 1939–1960 |
| Pep Guardiola | 1988–2006 |
| Carles Puyol | 1996–2014 |
| Samuel Eto’o | 1997–2019 |
1. Lionel Messi
| Full Name | Lionel Andrés Messi |
| Date of Birth | 24 June 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina |
| Age | 35 |
| Height and Weight | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) & 67 kg |
| Career History with Barcelona | 2004–2021 |
| Other Teams | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Net Worth | $660 Million |
Lionel Messi began his career with Barcelona’s youth academy at the age of 13. He rapidly progressed through the ranks and made his first team debut for Barcelona in 2004 at the age of 17.
Over the next several years, Messi was established as one of the top players in the world, winning numerous individual awards and leading Barcelona to numerous league titles and Champions League victories.
He has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, given to the most outstanding soccer player in the world, more than any other player in history. He has also won numerous other awards, including the Golden Foot, FIFA World Player of the Year, and the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award.
He is the most prolific goal scorer for Barcelona and La Liga. He has scored 672 career goals for Barca. His record of the most goals scored in a calendar year, and the most consecutive hat-tricks in La Liga are also among the most noteworthy.
Messi’s success on the field has also translated into team success for Barcelona. He has helped lead the team to numerous league titles, including 10 La Liga titles and Champions League titles four.
In 2021, Messi transferred to Paris Saint-Germain, but he is still considered Barcelona’s best player.
2. Andres Iniesta
| Full Name | Andrés Iniesta Luján |
| Date of Birth | 11 May 1984 |
| Place of Birth | Fuentealbilla, Spain |
| Age | 38 |
| Height and Weight | 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in) & 68 kg |
| Career History with Barcelona | 2002–2018 |
| Other Teams | Vissel Kobe |
| Net Worth | $120 Million |
Andres Iniesta joined the club’s youth academy at the age of 12. Iniesta made his debut for Barcelona in 2002 and quickly became a talented midfielder with excellent passing ability and control of the ball.
Iniesta was a key player in the team’s midfield, playing a crucial role in the club’s success both domestically and in Europe. He helped Barcelona win numerous La Liga titles, Copa del Rey trophies, and UEFA Champions League titles. Iniesta was also a regular member of the Spanish national team, helping them win the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
He was known for his ability to control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Iniesta’s success at Barcelona was not just limited to his on-field performances but also his leadership and professionalism.
He was one of Barcelona’s most respected players, known for his humility and dedication to the game.
3. Xavi
| Full Name | Xavier Hernández Creus |
| Date of Birth | 25 January 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Terrassa, Spain |
| Age | 42 |
| Height and Weight | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) & 68kg |
| Career History with Barcelona | 1998–2015 |
| Other Teams | Al Sadd |
| Net Worth | $40 Million |
At the age of 11, Xavi joined the famous La Masia academy and embarked on a journey that would see him become one of the most influential players in the history of the club.
During his 17 years at the club, Xavi won numerous trophies, including multiple La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League three times. He was also a key part of the Spanish national team that won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2008.
His style of play, characterized by short passing, movement, and maintaining possession, came to be known as the “Barcelona way” or “tiki-taka,” and it was highly influential in the way the game was played.
Off the field, Xavi was known for his leadership and sportsmanship. He served as team captain for many years and was respected by teammates and opponents alike.
Xavi’s performances earned him numerous individual awards, including multiple La Liga Midfielder of the Year awards and the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award in 2008. He also finished in the top three for the FIFA World Player of the Year award four times, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.
4. Ronaldinho
| Full Name | Ronaldo de Assis Moreira |
| Date of Birth | 21 March 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Porto Alegre, Brazil |
| Age | 42 |
| Height and Weight | 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Career History with Barcelona | 2003–2008 |
| Other Teams | Grêmio, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro, Querétaro, Fluminense |
| Net Worth | $100 Million |
At the age of 11, Xavi joined the famous La Masia academy and embarked on a journey that would see him become one of the most influential players in the history of the club.
During his 17 years at the club, Xavi won numerous trophies, including multiple La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League three times. He was also a key part of the Spanish national team that won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2008.
His style of play, characterized by short passing, movement, and maintaining possession, came to be known as the “Barcelona way” or “tiki-taka,” and it was highly influential in the way the game was played.
Off the field, Xavi was known for his leadership and sportsmanship. He served as team captain for many years and was respected by teammates and opponents alike.
Xavi’s performances earned him numerous individual awards, including multiple La Liga Midfielder of the Year awards and the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award in 2008. He also finished in the top three for the FIFA World Player of the Year award four times, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.
5. Johan Cruyff
| Full Name | Hendrik Johannes Cruijff |
| Date of Birth | 25 April 1947 |
| Place of Birth | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Date of Death | 24 March 2016 |
| Age | 68 |
| Height and Weight | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) & 71 kg |
| Career History with Barcelona | 1973–1978 |
| Other Teams | Ajax, Los Angeles Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, Levante, Feyenoord |
| Net Worth | $25 Million |
Johan Cruyff’s name is synonymous with the glorious history of Barcelona. The Dutch maestro graced the pitch for the Catalan club from 1973 to 1978, leaving an indelible mark on the game of football during his tenure.
Not only did Cruyff lead the team to their first European Cup victory in 1992, but he also revolutionized the sport with his innovative playing style and visionary approach to the game.
The famous “Cruyff turn,” which he popularized, is still used by players to this day. He was not only a great player but also a leader who instilled a winning culture and a style of play that is still emulated by the club to this day.
His legacy is cemented in the annals of the club, and he will forever be remembered as one of the finest players to ever don the Blaugrana shirt.
6. Diego Maradona
| Full Name | Diego Armando Maradona |
| Date of Birth | 30 October 1960 |
| Place of Birth | Lanús, Argentina |
| Date of Death | 25 November 2020 |
| Age | 60 |
| Height and Weight | 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) & 67 kg |
| Career History with Barcelona | 1982–1984 |
| Other Teams | Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Napoli, Sevilla, Newell’s Old Boys |
| Net Worth | $75-100 Million (at peak) |
Diego Maradona’s time at Barcelona may have been brief, but the impact he made during his tenure is undeniable. From 1982 to 1984, the Argentine maestro dazzled fans with his exceptional skills.
He was a vital component of the team that lifted the Copa del Rey in 1983 and the Spanish league in 1984, solidifying his place as one of the most successful players in the club’s history.
But Maradona’s influence on the game extends far beyond his statistics. His style of play and his larger-than-life personality represented a new era for football, and his impact on the sport is still felt to this day.
Maradona’s name will forever be etched in the annals of Barcelona’s history as one of the greatest players to ever don the Blaugrana shirt.
7. Cesar Rodriguez
| Full Name | César Rodríguez Álvarez |
| Date of Birth | 6 July 1920 |
| Place of Birth | León, Spain |
| Date of Death | 1 March 1995 |
| Age | 74 |
| Height and Weight | 1.72 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Career History with Barcelona | 1939–1955 |
| Other Teams | Elche, Zaragoza, Mallorca, Celta, Betis, Zaragoza, Hércules, San Andrés |
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
Cesar Rodriguez’s name is forever etched in the annals of Barcelona’s history as one of the greatest players. The Spanish forward graced the pitch for the Catalan club from 1939 to 1955, scoring an astounding 235 goals in 354 appearances.
He was a prolific goal scorer and a key player in the team that won several domestic and international titles during his time at the club, including five La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey. He was also the top goal scorer in La Liga for four seasons and holds the record for the most goals scored for the club until now. But Cesar’s impact on the game extends far beyond his statistics.
His style of play and his larger-than-life personality represented a new era for football, and his impact on the club and the sport as a whole cannot be overstated.
8. Pep Guardiola
| Full Name | Josep Guardiola Sala |
| Date of Birth | 18 January 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Santpedor, Catalonia, Spain |
| Age | 51 |
| Height and Weight | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) & 76 kg |
| Career History with Barcelona | 1990–2001 |
| Other Teams | Brescia, Roma, Brescia, Al-Ahli, Dorados |
| Net Worth | $120 Million |
Not only did he have a successful playing career as a midfielder for the club from 1990 to 2001, but he also returned to the club as a coach and led them to an unprecedented level of success.
As a player, Guardiola was a key component of the team that won four La Liga titles, a European Cup, and the Olympic gold medal. But his greatest achievements came after hanging up his boots when he returned to the club as a coach from 2008 to 2012.
He masterminded an era of domination, leading the team to 14 major trophies, including three La Liga titles, two UEFA Champions League, and two FIFA Club World Cups.
Guardiola’s unique approach to the game, his tactical acumen, and his ability to form a cohesive team made him one of the most successful and respected coaches in the world.
9. Carles Puyol
| Full Name | Carles Puyol Saforcada |
| Date of Birth | 13 April 1978 |
| Place of Birth | La Pobla de Segur, Spain |
| Age | 44 |
| Height and Weight | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Career History with Barcelona | 1999–2014 |
| Other Teams | – |
| Net Worth | $40 Million |
The Spanish defender was a mainstay of the club’s backline from 1999 to 2014, captaining the team during his final years. Puyol’s leadership, toughness, and aerial ability were key attributes that helped solidify the team’s defense and were a key factor in the club’s success during his tenure.
He was a point player in the team that won six La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League, two Copa del Rey, and several other domestic and international titles.
He was a respected leader and a role model for his teammates and fans alike, embodying the values of the club and representing the club with distinction.
10. Samuel Eto’o
| Full Name | Samuel Eto’o Fils |
| Date of Birth | 10 March 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Douala, Cameroon |
| Age | 41 |
| Height and Weight | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Career History with Barcelona | 2004–2009 |
| Other Teams | Real Madrid, Mallorca, Inter Milan, Anzhi Makhachkala, Chelsea, Everton, Sampdoria, Antalyaspor, Konyaspor, Qatar SC |
| Net Worth | $95 Million |
From 2004 to 2009, the Cameroonian striker was a fabulous player in the team that won numerous domestic and international titles, including three La Liga titles, two UEFA Champions League, and one Copa del Rey.
Eto’o’s goal-scoring ability and speed on the field were unparalleled, making him one of the most feared strikers in the world.
He was the top goal scorer for the club for several seasons, and his partnership with Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez was a sight to behold. But Eto’o’s thumb on the game extends far beyond his statistics.
His work ethic and team play were just as important to the success of Barca.
Conclusion
The list of Barcelona’s best players includes some of the most notable players in the history of world football. They have not only helped Barcelona win numerous trophies, but they have also set the standard for future generations of players. Their skills, dedication, and passion for the game have made them true legends in the world of football. We can only hope that future players will continue to live up to the standards set by Barcelona’s best players.
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