FC Barcelona is one of the greatest football clubs the world has ever seen. The club was founded in 1899 in Barcelona (Spain) by Hans Gamper. Since then FC Barcelona’s epic saga is studded with some legendary players in the game’s history.
Here is our pick for the 10 greatest players who have ever played for FC Barcelona
1. Lazslo Kubala
A total of 274 goals in 345 appearances between 1950 and 1961 speaks for itself. The only European player to be capped by three different national sides (Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Spain), the forward was excellent at turning players and a strong dribbler. The way he dispatched the ball with power and precision past opposing goalkeepers made him feared across the land and ensured he regularly got into double figures in the goal charts. Winner of four Spanish titles and two Fairs Cups.
2.Ronaldinho
For a while, Ronaldinho was the best player in the world. Those devastating bursts of acceleration that took him past multiple defenders were taken for granted at Camp Nou after the club beat Manchester United to his signature in 2003. Also an expert free-kick taker, Ronnie won two Spanish League titles and a Champions League during his time at the club. A penchant for partying has been a recurring theme during his career, and like fellow countryman Rivaldo, the cules (fans) were pleased to see the back of him in 2008, with Messi coming to the fore.
3. Andoni Zubizarreta
He was the club’s shield goalkeeper for 8 years i.e 1986-1994. He was the goalkeeper to watch out for not only in club football but also in internationals. He played for Spain’s national side in 126 matches. During his time at FC Barcelona, he won many titles including -European Cup 1991-1992,
UEFA cup winners cup, UEFA super cup, La Liga, Copa Del Rey and Supercopa de Espana.
He was famous for his backside jumps and also his own goal in his last international appearance
4. Luis Suarez Miramontes
This attacking midfielder appeared in 216 matches for FC Barcelona from 1955 to 1961 and scored 114 goals. He played for Spain in 32 internationals and scored 14 goals. He was the key playmaker for Barca during his stay with the Catalans. Luis was voted European Player Of The Year in 1960.
While playing with Barcelona he won a double La Liga/Copa Del Generisimo in 1959 and another double La Liga/Fairs Cup in 1960.
5. Sigfrid Gracia Royo
This Spanish defender spent his entire club career at FC Barcelona from 1952 to 1966. The defender also scored 24 goals in 526 appearances.His trophies with Barcelona are –
La Liga (1952-53,1958-59,1959-60)
Fairs Cup (1955-58,1958-60,1965-66)
Spanish Cups (1952-53,1956-57,1958-59,1962-63)
Eva Duarte cup (1953)
6. Johan Cruyff
The Dutch legend was one of the main protagonists in the challenge to Real Madrid’s dominance after joining the club in 1974 for a world record US$1 million. After his arrival at the club, Barca enjoyed a greater share of the game’s significant honors. Cruyff’s assertion that he chose Barca over Real because he could not play for a team associated with Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, won him instant admiration in Catalonia. His ability to dictate play set him apart from the rest, and 16 goals in 26 league appearances helped Barca to the title in his debut season. His famous “phantom goal” against Atletico Madrid is still remembered. He also won the prestigious Ballon d’Or thrice.
7. Xavi Hernandez
Now the club coach, Xavi has been Barcelona’s midfield metronome for many years. An expert distributor of the ball, Xavi is capable of being both economic or expansive in possession, regularly dictating a game’s rhythm. He has become invaluable for Barcelona as the years have gone on, and although not a prolific scorer from midfield (he has only got into double figures once in his career), his runs into the box and ability to take free-kicks were invaluable for the club and country.
8. Lionel Messi
The Argentine is placed with the likes of great Pele and Maradona. He has scored the most goals for Barcelona ever. He is one of the best the game has ever seen. He started his career with Barcelona and is still there. He makes defenders look like dumb fools with his killing goal-scoring spree.
Messi has scored 381 goals in his 464 appearances for the club . Has almost all the records attached to the game.Won Ballon d’Or four times consecutively.Scored a record 94 goals for the club in the 2012 calendar year. He recently won the FIFA world cup 2022 for his national side Argentina.
9. Josep Escola Segales
He was signed for Barcelona twice 1934-1937 and 1940-1948. This forward was the club’s best shot on the opponent’s net for all the years when he was on the pitch. Appeared 253 time for FC Barcelona and scored 223 goals. This forward played an important part in the club’s rise .He emerged as a brilliant footballer after the end of the civil war in Spain.
10. Carlos Puyol
Puyol (born La Pobla de Segur, Lleida, 1978) has been one of the most important in Barça’s history. His determination, strength, heart, and love for the club were his defining characteristics and that is what made him a vital figure in the team’s defense for so many years. When ‘Puyi’, as he was known to teammates and fans, retired at the end of the 2013/14 season, his legendary status at the club was already guaranteed. One of the finest defenders of the world scored 18 goals for Barcelona.
If we missed out on someone who you think should be on the list of the 10 greatest players who have ever played for FC Barcelona please tell us in the comment section.
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