The 50 greatest players in FC Barcelona’s history – Ranked
For over a century, FC Barcelona has stood not just as a football club, but as a cultural symbol — “Més que un club” — for Catalonia and the global game. A team that has produced (and attracted) some of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. But who truly belongs among its all-time legends?
From poetic midfielders and clinical finishers to unshakeable defenders and charismatic leaders, this ranking celebrates the 50 players who helped shape the club’s identity. Some stayed a decade, others only a season — but all left their mark on the soul of Barça.
50. Yaya Touré
Before becoming a Premier League legend at Manchester City, Touré was a versatile piece in Guardiola’s Barcelona. He played both in midfield and defense, including as a centre-back in the 2009 Champions League final. Even if Barça wasn’t at its absolute peak with him, his quality was undeniable.
49. Raphinha
After a slow start, the Brazilian exploded in 2024/25: 34 goals and 25 assists across all competitions. With a goal contribution every 79 minutes, he became an unstoppable attacking force and played a decisive role in their Champions League run.
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48. Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Often underrated, the Dutchman was a reliable full-back in the early 2000s. He played a key role in the 2006 Champions League victory over Arsenal FC, impressing with his calmness, vision, and tactical discipline.
47. Gary Lineker
The Englishman arrived after winning the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup and made an instant impact. His hat-trick in El Clásico remains legendary, and he scored 21 goals in his debut season. Even when Cruyff moved him out wide, Lineker’s influence endured.
46. Javier Mascherano
At Liverpool FC he was a defensive midfielder; at Barcelona he became a clever centre-back. Mascherano was a defensive pillar during the club’s golden era — defined by grit, leadership, and outstanding positioning.
45. Lilian Thuram
His spell was short, but the French World Cup winner brought elegance and experience to Barça’s defense. A consummate professional who added poise and class to every match, even if his best years were behind him.
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44. Éric Abidal
A dependable left-back under Guardiola, admired for his discipline and consistency. His comeback from cancer inspired millions — crowned by the moment when Puyol handed him the Champions League trophy in 2011.
43. Rafael Márquez
One of the most versatile defenders of his time, the Mexican excelled both in midfield and defense. He won titles under Rijkaard and Guardiola, known for his tactical intelligence and composure.
42. Jordi Alba
After returning from Valencia, he became one of the world’s best attacking full-backs. His link-up with Messi was exceptional, and his stamina and crossing made him indispensable.
41. Lamine Yamal
With over 100 appearances before turning 18, he’s seen as Barça’s next big hope. Two La Liga titles and a Euro 2024 triumph with Spain already decorate his young career. Fearless, explosive, and full of potential.
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40. Johan Neeskens
A tireless, versatile midfielder who brought stability in a transitional period. Even without major trophies, fans loved him for his intelligence and loyalty to Cruyff’s ideas.
39. Paulino Alcántara
Born in the Philippines, he scored 369 goals in 357 games — a record only Messi would break. He was Barça’s first true goalscorer and an icon of its early history.
38. Hristo Stoichkov
Explosive, fiery, brilliant. The Bulgarian was the beating heart of Cruyff’s “Dream Team,” winning four La Liga titles and the 1994 Ballon d’Or. Feared by defenders, adored by fans.
37. Víctor Valdés
Often underrated, the goalkeeper of the tiki-taka era was essential. With nearly 400 appearances, six league titles and three Champions Leagues, he brought calmness and security to the back line.
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36. Migueli
“Tarzan” of Barcelona: a fierce defender with almost 550 appearances over two decades. Strength, loyalty, and leadership made him a club legend.
35. Patrick Kluivert
Signed under Van Gaal, he scored 124 goals in 249 matches. Not always consistent, but elegant and instinctive — one of the deadliest strikers of his era.
34. Ivan Rakitić
Xavi’s successor who brought balance to midfield. He won four league titles and a Champions League, marked by vision, defensive work, and leadership.
33. Sándor Kocsis
The Hungarian star arrived in 1958, won two league titles, and was famed for his lethal heading and finishing.
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32. Thierry Henry
After his success at Arsenal, he came to Barcelona to win the Champions League — and did. Playing on the left alongside Messi and Eto’o, he showed his class even in his veteran years.
31. Josep Escola
A prolific striker with 236 goals in 310 games and later a youth coach. “The Professor” remains a club idol.
30. Gheorghe Hagi
The “Maradona of the Carpathians” thrilled with his technique and long-range shots, though his two years at the club were less glittering.
29. Pedro
Unspectacular but always reliable. He scored in every major final and was known for his tireless work rate and perfect timing.
28. Carles Rexach
A true club man — player, coach, and scout for 44 years. A creative force in the ’60s and ’70s and later the discoverer of Messi.
27. David Villa
Spain’s record goalscorer brought efficiency and teamwork. A perfect fit in Guardiola’s system, crowned with the 2011 treble.
26. Evaristo de Macedo
The Brazilian was the first to score a hat-trick at Camp Nou and ended Real Madrid’s European Cup streak.
25. Romário
A magician: 30 goals in his first season, FIFA World Player of the Year in 1994, and one of Cruyff’s favourites.
24. Luis Suárez (Uruguay)
Arrived amid controversy, left as a legend. 147 goals in 191 games, four league titles, and one Champions League. Messi’s perfect partner in attack.
23. Dani Alves
The most decorated player in football history. Tireless, technical, full of energy. He helped define the modern full-back role.
22. Neymar
Ronaldinho’s heir and part of the legendary MSN trio. 105 goals in 186 games before his record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain FC.
21. Luis Suárez (Spain)
Ballon d’Or winner in 1960, a genius playmaker and league champion with Barça before winning European titles with Inter Milan.
20. Josep Samitier
“The Surrealist” of football. A creative midfielder and scorer of 184 goals — a pre-war icon.
19. Pep Guardiola
Cruyff’s field general. As a deep-lying playmaker, he was the team’s brain — and later, as coach, the architect of Barça’s greatest era.
18. Rivaldo
Ballon d’Or winner, scorer of spectacular goals, and a fan favourite. His artistry remains unforgettable.
17. Gerard Piqué
Elegant, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. A three-time Champions League winner and a true defensive leader.
16. Luis Enrique
A former Real Madrid player turned Barça captain. A passionate all-rounder and natural leader.
15. László Kubala
One of the club’s first global stars. With 131 league goals in 186 games, he made Barça famous worldwide in the 1950s.
14. Andoni Zubizarreta
Over 400 appearances in goal, four league titles, and the man between the posts for the club’s first European Cup in 1992.
13. Ronaldo Nazário
Only one season — but 47 goals in 49 matches of pure magic. His solo goal against Compostela is legendary.
12. Carles Puyol
The ultimate warrior. 682 games, six league titles, three Champions Leagues. The heart and soul of the club.
11. Sergio Busquets
The quiet hero of tiki-taka. Positionally flawless, intelligent, and irreplaceable.
10. Michael Laudrup
A midfield artist of the “Dream Team.” His elegance made him one of the most beautiful players in Barça’s history.
9. César Rodríguez
The club’s top scorer of the 1940s and ’50s, with 232 goals, holding the record for decades.
8. Ronald Koeman
The highest-scoring defender in football history. Scored the winning goal in the 1992 European Cup final.
7. Samuel Eto’o
The complete striker. Scored in both Champions League finals (2006, 2009) and embodied relentless determination.
6. Diego Maradona
A short stay, but unforgettable. Genius, chaos, and emotion — even Real Madrid fans applauded him.
5. Ronaldinho
He brought joy back to Camp Nou. Tricks, goals, and trophies made him a global icon.
4. Johan Cruyff
Player, visionary, icon. He revolutionized the club on the pitch, then redefined it as a coach.
3. Andrés Iniesta
The silent artist. His grace, intelligence, and magic made him one of the greatest midfielders of all time.
2. Xavi Hernández
The metronome of the golden era. Precise passing, creativity, and leadership — the embodiment of the Barça midfield.
1. Lionel Messi
Undoubtedly the greatest. 672 goals, 35 trophies, countless magical moments. More than a player — a phenomenon.
