Barcelona Legends: The 15 Greatest Players in FC Barcelona History

FC Barcelona, founded in 1899, is one of the most successful and admired clubs in the world. Its motto, "Més que un club" (more than a club), reflects its role in Catalan culture, while its attacking style, built on possession and short passing, has influenced soccer everywhere. Here are 15 legends who shaped the club's history.

The greatest Barcelona legends

1. Lionel Messi (2004–2021)

The greatest player in Barcelona's history and, for many, the greatest of all time. Messi came through La Masia, the club's famous academy, and scored 672 official goals for Barcelona, a club record. He won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and most of his record eight Ballon d'Or awards while at the club.

2. Johan Cruyff (player 1973–78, coach 1988–96)

The Dutch genius changed Barcelona twice. As a player, he led the team to its first league title in 14 years in 1973–74. As coach, he built the "Dream Team" that won four straight league titles and the club's first European Cup in 1992. His ideas on possession and youth development still define the club.

3. Xavi Hernández (1998–2015)

A La Masia graduate and the heartbeat of Barcelona's midfield, Xavi controlled games with his passing. He won eight league titles and four Champions Leagues and later coached the club.

4. Andrés Iniesta (2002–2018)

The elegant midfielder known for his dribbling and vision. He won nine league titles and four Champions Leagues with Barcelona and scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final.

5. László Kubala (1951–1961)

The Hungarian-born forward was the club's first great superstar. His popularity was so great that Barcelona built the Camp Nou, opened in 1957, partly to fit the crowds who came to watch him.

6. Carles Puyol (1999–2014)

The long-haired captain and fearless defender embodied commitment and leadership. He spent his whole career at the club.

7. Ronaldinho (2003–2008)

The Brazilian brought joy back to the Camp Nou with his tricks and smile. He won the 2005 Ballon d'Or and led Barcelona to the 2006 Champions League title. Even Real Madrid fans once applauded him at the Bernabéu after a brilliant performance.

8. Sergio Busquets (2008–2023)

The defensive midfielder whose positioning and simple passing made the team work. He won nine league titles and three Champions Leagues before joining Inter Miami.

9. Pep Guardiola (player 1990–2001, coach 2008–12)

A key midfielder in Cruyff's Dream Team, Guardiola later coached Barcelona to one of the greatest periods in soccer history, including six trophies in 2009 and two Champions League titles.

10. Rivaldo (1997–2002)

The Brazilian forward won the Ballon d'Or in 1999. His overhead kick hat-trick goal against Valencia in 2001, which secured Champions League qualification, is a club classic.

11. Hristo Stoichkov (1990–95, 1996–98)

The fiery Bulgarian striker was a star of the Dream Team and won the 1994 Ballon d'Or.

12. Ronald Koeman (1989–1995)

The Dutch defender scored the free kick that won the 1992 European Cup final against Sampdoria at Wembley, the club's first European Cup.

13. Samuel Eto'o (2004–2009)

The Cameroonian striker scored in two Champions League finals for Barcelona, in 2006 and 2009.

14. Víctor Valdés (2002–2014)

The goalkeeper of the golden era, a La Masia product who won three Champions Leagues and six league titles.

15. Alexia Putellas (women's team)

The captain of Barcelona Femení and one of the best players in the world, she won the Ballon d'Or Féminin in 2021 and 2022 and led the club to multiple Women's Champions League titles.

Legends at a glance

Player	Position	Ballon d'Or with Barça
Lionel Messi	Forward	Multiple
Johan Cruyff	Forward	1973, 1974
Ronaldinho	Forward	2005
Rivaldo	Forward	1999
Hristo Stoichkov	Forward	1994
Alexia Putellas	Midfielder	2021, 2022 (women's)

La Masia: the legend factory

Many of Barcelona's legends came from La Masia, the youth academy named after an old farmhouse near the Camp Nou. In 2010, the three finalists for the Ballon d'Or, Messi, Xavi and Iniesta, were all La Masia graduates, an extraordinary achievement for one academy. The academy continues to produce first-team players such as Gavi, Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal.

Honorable mentions

• Gerard Piqué – the defender who won everything with his boyhood club.
• Neymar – part of the "MSN" attack with Messi and Suárez that won the 2015 treble.
• Luis Suárez – one of the club's most prolific strikers.
• Andoni Zubizarreta – the Dream Team's goalkeeper.
• Aitana Bonmatí – a Ballon d'Or winner and star of the women's team.

For Barcelona's rivals across Spain, read about the Madrid derby, and for more on Spanish-speaking soccer stars, see Hispanic soccer players.