Ranking the 20 Best Players in The History of FC Barcelona
Barcelona has been home to some of the greatest footballers in history, shaping the game with their skill, vision, and leadership. From legendary captains to dazzling playmakers and prolific goal scorers, these players have left an unforgettable mark on the club.
In this article, we take a look at the 20 greatest players to ever wear the Blaugrana shirt, ranking them based on their impact, success, and legacy at FC Barcelona.
20. Victor Valdés
Victor Valdés was Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper for over a decade, winning six La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies. Known for his composure on the ball and incredible reflexes, he played a crucial role in the tiki-taka era under Pep Guardiola.
19. Ronaldo Nazário
Ronaldo only spent one season at Barcelona, but his impact was immense, scoring 47 goals in 49 games during the 1996-97 season. His blistering pace, dribbling, and finishing made him one of the most dominant strikers the club has ever seen.
Read also: The 25 Best Strikers in World Football Right Now - Ranked from Lowest to Highest
18. Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona’s time at Barcelona was marred by injuries and off-field issues, but his raw talent was undeniable. His dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability made him a standout player, even if his spell at the club was short-lived.
17. Neymar
Neymar was a key part of Barcelona’s lethal attacking trio alongside Messi and Suárez, winning the treble in 2015. His flair, creativity, and goal-scoring ability made him one of the most exciting players to ever wear the Blaugrana shirt.
16. Pep Guardiola
Before becoming a legendary manager, Guardiola was a midfield maestro for Barcelona, controlling the tempo of the game with his passing. As the leader of Johan Cruyff’s Dream Team, he played a key role in shaping the club’s playing philosophy.
15. Rivaldo
Rivaldo was Barcelona’s main attacking threat in the late 1990s, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1999. His stunning goals, including his famous bicycle kick against Valencia, cemented his status as one of the club’s greatest ever forwards.
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14. Luis Suárez
Luis Suárez formed an unstoppable partnership with Messi and Neymar, leading Barcelona to numerous titles, including a historic treble in 2015. With his relentless pressing, clinical finishing, and playmaking ability, he became one of the club’s best-ever strikers.
13. Gerard Piqué
Piqué was a defensive leader for Barcelona for over a decade, winning multiple Champions League and La Liga titles. His composure, passing ability, and leadership made him a cornerstone of the team’s success in the 2010s.
12. César Rodríguez
César Rodríguez was Barcelona’s all-time leading goal scorer before Messi broke his record. A prolific striker in the 1940s and 1950s, he was instrumental in the club’s domestic dominance during that era.
11. Michael Laudrup
Michael Laudrup was one of the most elegant players to ever grace the Camp Nou, known for his vision and dribbling. He played a key role in Johan Cruyff’s Dream Team, winning multiple league titles and dazzling fans with his creativity.
10. Dani Alves
Dani Alves was a key figure in Barcelona’s golden era, revolutionizing the right-back position with his attacking prowess. His chemistry with Messi and relentless energy helped him win multiple Champions League and La Liga titles.
9. Ronald Koeman
Koeman will always be remembered for scoring the winning goal in the 1992 European Cup final, securing Barcelona’s first-ever Champions League title. As a defender, he was known for his leadership and deadly free kicks, making him a crucial part of the Dream Team.
8. Carles Puyol
Puyol was the heart and soul of Barcelona’s defense, known for his leadership, toughness, and commitment. As captain, he led the club to historic success, including two trebles and three Champions League titles.
7. Sergio Busquets
Busquets was the unsung hero of Barcelona’s golden generation, dictating play with his intelligence and precise passing. His ability to control the midfield and read the game made him one of the best defensive midfielders in football history.
Read also: The 20 Best Goalkeepers in the World Right Now - Ranked
6. Samuel Eto’o
Eto’o was a relentless goal scorer who played a vital role in Barcelona’s Champions League triumphs in 2006 and 2009. His speed, finishing, and big-game performances made him one of the club’s greatest strikers.
5. Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho brought joy back to Barcelona, mesmerizing fans with his skills, flair, and creativity. His performances helped lay the foundation for the club’s dominance, and he won two La Liga titles and a Champions League before passing the torch to Messi.
4. Johan Cruyff
Cruyff was not only a phenomenal player but also the architect of Barcelona’s modern philosophy. His impact on the club extended beyond his playing days, as his ideas shaped the team’s style of play for generations.
3. Andrés Iniesta
Iniesta was the magician of Barcelona’s midfield, orchestrating attacks with his dribbling, vision, and passing. He was instrumental in the club’s greatest moments, including the 2009 and 2015 Champions League victories.
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2. Xavi
Xavi was the heartbeat of Barcelona, controlling games with his incredible passing and tactical intelligence. As the leader of Pep Guardiola’s legendary team, he redefined the role of a midfielder and led the club to unprecedented success.
1. Lionel Messi
Messi is the greatest player in Barcelona’s history, breaking every possible record and winning countless trophies. His genius on the ball, goal-scoring ability, and loyalty to the club cemented his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats.
