The 10 greatest Barcelona players of all time — ranked from Laudrup to Messi

October 27, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Few clubs can match Barcelona's legacy of footballing greatness. These ten legends, ranked from 10 to 1, didn’t just wear the shirt — they redefined what it meant to be a Barça player. From silky passers to commanding icons, each one left a lasting mark on the Camp Nou.

10. Michael Laudrup

Laudrup brought effortless elegance to Johan Cruyff’s Dream Team. His vision, pace and passing were central to one of Barcelona’s most iconic eras — even if his later move to Real Madrid still stings.

9. Cesar Rodriguez

A trailblazer in the post-war era, Cesar was Barcelona’s first true goal machine. With 232 goals in 351 appearances, he helped elevate the club from survival mode to serial winners.

8. Ronald Koeman

Photo: Piotr Piatrouski / Shutterstock.com

More than just a rock at the back, Koeman was a sweeper with a cannon for a foot. He scored the goal that won Barcelona their first European Cup — and remains the highest-scoring defender in world football.

7. Samuel Eto’o

Eto’o was power, precision and pure determination. From dragging Barcelona through tough times to starring in a legendary front three, he was vital to multiple Champions League triumphs.

6. Diego Maradona

Maradona's Barcelona stint was short and chaotic — but undeniably brilliant. He lit up Spain with moments of genius that still echo, becoming the first Barça player to be applauded by Real Madrid fans.

5. Ronaldinho

A £21 million gamble from PSG turned into football’s greatest entertainer. Ronaldinho didn’t just win games — he made magic, helping restore Barcelona’s swagger and bringing joy back to the Camp Nou.

4. Johan Cruyff

Cruyff wasn’t just a visionary coach — he was a genius on the pitch. With unmatched creativity and flair, his Barcelona playing career laid the groundwork for a footballing revolution.

3. Andres Iniesta

Iniesta didn’t need goals to be great. His mastery of time, space, and balance made him the silent engine of some of Barcelona’s finest moments — football’s closest thing to ballet.

2. Xavi

Xavi Hernandez — Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Xavi was the mind of Barcelona’s golden era — a metronome who controlled the rhythm of every match. Rarely flashy, always brilliant, he turned passing into an art form.

1. Lionel Messi

Messi is not just Barcelona’s greatest — he’s football’s finest. From record-breaking goals to unforgettable dribbles and decisive moments, he was magic in motion and the soul of the modern club.