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| 1992 Dream Team |
Please also see my All-Time World Cup Team Index.
Barcelona All-Time Team for Spanish Players
Barcelona Dutch Best XI
Barcelona All-Time Team for Foreign Players
Barcelona "La Masia" Academy Greatest All-Time team
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia,
Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, Atletic Bilbao,
Deportivo La Coruna Real Sociedad,
Real Betis, Real Zaragoza, Espanyol, Villarreal
If Ronaldo and Messi played for Australia in 2006
Catalonia World Cup 2010
This is my selection of a 25 member all-time team for the club. The number 25 was chosen because it is the official squad size for the Champions' League.
Founded in 1899 by a group of Swiss, Spanish, English, and Catalan footballers led by Joan Gamper, the club has become a symbol of Catalan culture and Catalanism, hence the motto "Més que un club" ("More than a club"). Unlike many other football clubs, the supporters own and operate Barcelona. It is the fourth-most valuable sports team in the world, worth $4.06 billion, and the world's richest football club in terms of revenue, with an annual turnover of €840,8 million
Despite of being one of the best Spanish sides domestically, Barcelona did not win their first European Cup until 1992 when Johan Cruyff's Dream Team beat Sampdoria in the Final. For a club with such a long and successful record, the victory was long overdue. However, in the 21st Century, Barcelona's luck changed. They had won four, more titles.
GK: Antoni Ramallets (Spain)
Antoni Ramallets was the starting keeper for Barcelona in the 1950's. He played alongside with Laszio Kubala and Luis Suarez. He won the Zamora Award 5 times. He won 6 La liga titles in an era that was known to be dominated by Alfred Di Stefano's Real Madrid. At the international level, Ramallets played 35 games for Spain during 11 years, making his debut against Chile on 29 June 1950, during the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
GK: Victor Valdes (Spain)
Victor Valdes spent most of his career with Barcelona. With them, he won three Champions' league title. He also had a unsuccessful stint with Manchester United. For the national team, he only managed 20 caps due to playing behind Iker Casillas during the prime of his career. He was part of the Spanish squads that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012, despite not playing in either tournament.
RB: Albert Ferrer (Spain)
Albert Ferrer represented the nation in two World Cups and at the 1992 Olympic Games, winning the latter tournament. He was a part of Barcelona's Dream Team in the 1990's. He won a Champions' League with Barcelona in 1992. After Louis van Gaal took over, Barcelona gradually signed more Dutch players and his places were uncertain. He left for Chelsea.
RB: Dani Alves (Brazil)
Dani Alves spent 6 years with Sevilla, winning two UEFA Cup's before joining Barcelona in 2008. Between 2006 and 2022, he played 126 times for Brazil, the third best ever. In 2016, he joined Juventus, where he played a single season. He appeared in his fourth Champions League final as Juventus were defeated 4–1 by Real Madrid. In 2017, he joined PSG. later, he would play for Sao Paulo and UNAM in Mexico.
CB: Ronald Koeman (Netherlands)
Ronald Koeman was the rock solid sweeper of Holland's Euro1988 team. He was capped 78 times. He also won two European Cups, one each for PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona FC. He scored the winning goal for Barcelona's victory in 1992. The Cup was Barcelona FC's first ever European Cup. In Netherlands, he played for all of the "big three" clubs, namely Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord.
CB: Migueli (Spain)
Migueli was born in Ceuta. He started his career with Cadiz in 1970. In 1973, he joined FC Barcelona, winning the 1979 and 1982 Cup Winners Cup. He spent 20 seasons over there. Known for his physical power, he was nicknamed Tarzan. He had 32 caps for Spain between 1974 and 1980. He went to the World Cup Finals in 1978 as well as Euro 1980 held in Italy. He was named Don Balón Award (Best Spanish Player) for two seasons: 1977–78, 1984–85.
CB: Carlos Puyol (Spain)
As an one-club man, Carlos Puyol served as the long-time team captain for his only club Barcelona after taking over from Luis Enrique in August 2004, and went on to appear in 593 official games for the club and win 20 major titles, including three Champions League: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11. He earned 100 caps for Spain, winning the World Cup in 2014 and the European Championship in 2008. His abilities and prowess on the field earned him the nickname of "El Tiburón".
CM: Josep Samitier (Spain)
Josep Samitier played for Barcelona between 1919 and 1932. He is the club's all time third top goalscorer. He joined Real Madrid in 1932 from Barcelona FC and then played for Nice in France from 1936 to 1939. In 1920, Samitier was also a member of the first ever Spanish national squad. The squad won the silver medal at the 1920 Olympic Games. He subsequently made 21 appearances and scored 2 goals for Spain.
AM./CM: Xavi (Spain)
Xavi was perhaps one of greatest playmakers of his generation. He won everything in football. Xavi has won 31 trophies, only surpassed by Andrés Iniesta as the most successful Spanish player in history. For the national team, he had 133 caps and was a part of the team that won the 2010 World Cup and two European Championship in between. He was named Euro 2008's player of the tournament. He was finished third at the Ballon d'Or in 2010 and 2011.
CM: Luis Suarez Miramontes (Spain)
Luis Suarez was considered to be Spain's greatest player until 1970's. Luis Suarez won Ballon d'Or in 1960. In 1964, he led La Roja in winning the European Championship. For club football, he played as a midfielder for Deportivo de La Coruña, CD España Industrial, FC Barcelona, Inter Milan and Sampdoria. He was known for his career with Barcelona and Inter Milan. He was a member of "Grande Inter" and won two consecutive European Cups.
RM/CM/AM: Andres Iniesta (Spain)
Andres Iniesta scored the World Cup winning goal in 2010 that gave Spain its first ever World Cup title. At Euro 2012, Iniesta led Spain to their second consecutive continental crown, again being chosen as the Man of the Match of the final against Italy, and was named the Player of the Tournament. He also won four Champions' league trophies with Barcelona where he played from 2002 to 2018. He also played in Japan and UAE at the end of his career.
Ronaldinho is the only player ever to have won a World Cup, a Copa América, a Confederations Cup, a Champions League, a Copa Libertadores and a Ballon d'Or. He was a member of the "Three R's" with Rivaldo and Ronaldo that helped Brazil winning the World Cup in 2002. He played 97 times for Brazil. He started his career with Gemio before moving to Europe. He played with Paris St Germain and Barcelona. He formed the REM line with Etoo and Messi.
FW: Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)
Johan Cruyff is the greatest Dutch player ever. He won the Ballon d'Or three times, in 1971, 1973 and 1974. He was considered one of the best players in history. He was noted for his brilliant performance at the World Cup in 1974. He had 48 caps in total. He also won three straight European Cups with Ajax in the 1970's. He moved to Barcelona in 1973 for a world record transfer fees, where he became a legend. He also played in the NASL.
AM/FW: Rivaldo (Brazil)
Squad Explanation
-- The original team was created in 2016, but I did an intensive review on April, 2024.
-- Gerard Pique was considered to be one of the best defenders of his generation. In fact, he was often chosen among the top four ever for Barcelona, but I went with Joan Segarra and Migueli, both of whom embodied distinct eras from the past. Joan Segarra played over 400 appearances for Barcelona at a time when there were few games. Many people considered him to be one of the most charismatic players in the history of the Barça team. Known as 'Tarzan', Migueli was at one point Barcelona appearance leader.
This is my selection of a 25 member all-time team for the club. The number 25 was chosen because it is the official squad size for the Champions' League.
Founded in 1899 by a group of Swiss, Spanish, English, and Catalan footballers led by Joan Gamper, the club has become a symbol of Catalan culture and Catalanism, hence the motto "Més que un club" ("More than a club"). Unlike many other football clubs, the supporters own and operate Barcelona. It is the fourth-most valuable sports team in the world, worth $4.06 billion, and the world's richest football club in terms of revenue, with an annual turnover of €840,8 million
Despite of being one of the best Spanish sides domestically, Barcelona did not win their first European Cup until 1992 when Johan Cruyff's Dream Team beat Sampdoria in the Final. For a club with such a long and successful record, the victory was long overdue. However, in the 21st Century, Barcelona's luck changed. They had won four, more titles.
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| 2006 Champions' League |
Team
GK: Andoni Zubizarreta (Spain)
Andoni Zubizarreta represented La Roja in 4 World Cup Finals. He was at one point Spain's cap record holder with 126. He started his club football with Athletic Bilboa in 1981. He joined for Barcelona in 1986. He won Barcelona's first ever Champions' League in 1992. After the 1993–94 UEFA Champions League, where Barça lost 0–4 to A.C. Milan in the final, Zubizarreta was deemed surplus to requirements. He joined Valencia in 1994.
GK: Andoni Zubizarreta (Spain)
Andoni Zubizarreta represented La Roja in 4 World Cup Finals. He was at one point Spain's cap record holder with 126. He started his club football with Athletic Bilboa in 1981. He joined for Barcelona in 1986. He won Barcelona's first ever Champions' League in 1992. After the 1993–94 UEFA Champions League, where Barça lost 0–4 to A.C. Milan in the final, Zubizarreta was deemed surplus to requirements. He joined Valencia in 1994.
GK: Antoni Ramallets (Spain)
Antoni Ramallets was the starting keeper for Barcelona in the 1950's. He played alongside with Laszio Kubala and Luis Suarez. He won the Zamora Award 5 times. He won 6 La liga titles in an era that was known to be dominated by Alfred Di Stefano's Real Madrid. At the international level, Ramallets played 35 games for Spain during 11 years, making his debut against Chile on 29 June 1950, during the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
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Victor Valdes spent most of his career with Barcelona. With them, he won three Champions' league title. He also had a unsuccessful stint with Manchester United. For the national team, he only managed 20 caps due to playing behind Iker Casillas during the prime of his career. He was part of the Spanish squads that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012, despite not playing in either tournament.
RB: Albert Ferrer (Spain)
Albert Ferrer represented the nation in two World Cups and at the 1992 Olympic Games, winning the latter tournament. He was a part of Barcelona's Dream Team in the 1990's. He won a Champions' League with Barcelona in 1992. After Louis van Gaal took over, Barcelona gradually signed more Dutch players and his places were uncertain. He left for Chelsea.
RB: Dani Alves (Brazil)
Dani Alves spent 6 years with Sevilla, winning two UEFA Cup's before joining Barcelona in 2008. Between 2006 and 2022, he played 126 times for Brazil, the third best ever. In 2016, he joined Juventus, where he played a single season. He appeared in his fourth Champions League final as Juventus were defeated 4–1 by Real Madrid. In 2017, he joined PSG. later, he would play for Sao Paulo and UNAM in Mexico.
CB: Ronald Koeman (Netherlands)
Ronald Koeman was the rock solid sweeper of Holland's Euro1988 team. He was capped 78 times. He also won two European Cups, one each for PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona FC. He scored the winning goal for Barcelona's victory in 1992. The Cup was Barcelona FC's first ever European Cup. In Netherlands, he played for all of the "big three" clubs, namely Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord.
CB: Migueli (Spain)
Migueli was born in Ceuta. He started his career with Cadiz in 1970. In 1973, he joined FC Barcelona, winning the 1979 and 1982 Cup Winners Cup. He spent 20 seasons over there. Known for his physical power, he was nicknamed Tarzan. He had 32 caps for Spain between 1974 and 1980. He went to the World Cup Finals in 1978 as well as Euro 1980 held in Italy. He was named Don Balón Award (Best Spanish Player) for two seasons: 1977–78, 1984–85.
CB: Carlos Puyol (Spain)
As an one-club man, Carlos Puyol served as the long-time team captain for his only club Barcelona after taking over from Luis Enrique in August 2004, and went on to appear in 593 official games for the club and win 20 major titles, including three Champions League: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11. He earned 100 caps for Spain, winning the World Cup in 2014 and the European Championship in 2008. His abilities and prowess on the field earned him the nickname of "El Tiburón".
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| Carlos Puyol |
CB: Joan Segarra (Spain)
Joan Segarra played for Barcelona from1949 to 1964. He was a part of the great Barcelona team of the 1950's. He was the captain of the "Barça of the Five Trophies". They finally reached the 1961 European Cup Final, but losing to Benfica. He is ranked fifth among all players, by number of starts, in the history of Barcelona. For the national team, he had 25 caps between 1954 and 1958.
Joan Segarra played for Barcelona from1949 to 1964. He was a part of the great Barcelona team of the 1950's. He was the captain of the "Barça of the Five Trophies". They finally reached the 1961 European Cup Final, but losing to Benfica. He is ranked fifth among all players, by number of starts, in the history of Barcelona. For the national team, he had 25 caps between 1954 and 1958.
LB: Jordi Alba (Spain)
Jordi Alba started his career at Barcelona, but was released after being deemed too small. After joining Cornellà, he moved to Valencia in 2007. In 2012 he returned to Barcelona. In 2023, he joined Inter Miami in the MLS. For Spain, he played 95 times between 2008 and 2013. He was a member of the team that won the Euro 2012. he was named on the Team of the Tournament. He attended the 2014 and 2018 World Cup Finals.
LB: Sergi Barjuan (Sopai
Sergi was promoted to Barcelona's first team in 1993. He helped them to win the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1997 and three league titles. In total, he spent 9 seasons there. He moved to Atletico Madrid in 2002. He played there until retiring in 2005. He was capped 56 times for the Spanish national team between 1994 and 2002. He went to two World Cup Finals (1994 and 1998) and two European Championships (1996 and 2000).
DM: Sergio Busquets (Spain)
Sergio Busquets was Spain's unsung hero at winning the 2010 World Cup and the Euro 2012 tournaments. He made his national team debut in 2009. He has earned 142 caps at the time of writing. He captained the 2022 World Cup team. At the club level, he started his career in 2008 with Barcelona. He has been an important member of the team ever since. His father Charles played goalkeeper for Barcelona during the 1990's.
DM: Pep Guardiola (Spain)
At the club level, Pep Guardiola won a Champions' League with Barcelona in 1992. It was Barcelona's first ever European Cup. He was their captain from 1997 to 2001. He also played for Brescia and Roma in Italy, Al-Ahli in Qatar, and Dorados de Sinaloa in Mexico. He was capped 47 times for Spain, winning the Olympic Gold Medal in 1992, and later appeared at the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2000. He also played friendly matches for Catalonia.
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| Albert Ferrer and Pep Gaurdolia |
Josep Samitier played for Barcelona between 1919 and 1932. He is the club's all time third top goalscorer. He joined Real Madrid in 1932 from Barcelona FC and then played for Nice in France from 1936 to 1939. In 1920, Samitier was also a member of the first ever Spanish national squad. The squad won the silver medal at the 1920 Olympic Games. He subsequently made 21 appearances and scored 2 goals for Spain.
AM./CM: Xavi (Spain)
Xavi was perhaps one of greatest playmakers of his generation. He won everything in football. Xavi has won 31 trophies, only surpassed by Andrés Iniesta as the most successful Spanish player in history. For the national team, he had 133 caps and was a part of the team that won the 2010 World Cup and two European Championship in between. He was named Euro 2008's player of the tournament. He was finished third at the Ballon d'Or in 2010 and 2011.
CM: Luis Suarez Miramontes (Spain)
Luis Suarez was considered to be Spain's greatest player until 1970's. Luis Suarez won Ballon d'Or in 1960. In 1964, he led La Roja in winning the European Championship. For club football, he played as a midfielder for Deportivo de La Coruña, CD España Industrial, FC Barcelona, Inter Milan and Sampdoria. He was known for his career with Barcelona and Inter Milan. He was a member of "Grande Inter" and won two consecutive European Cups.
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| Luis Suarez Miramontes |
Andres Iniesta scored the World Cup winning goal in 2010 that gave Spain its first ever World Cup title. At Euro 2012, Iniesta led Spain to their second consecutive continental crown, again being chosen as the Man of the Match of the final against Italy, and was named the Player of the Tournament. He also won four Champions' league trophies with Barcelona where he played from 2002 to 2018. He also played in Japan and UAE at the end of his career.
RW: Estanislau Basora (Spain)
Estanislau Basora was considered of the Barcelona's greatest players. He was a member of Barcelona's team in the 1950's, the greatest Spanish club team before the emerge of Alfred Di Stefano's Real Madrid. He was capped 22 times for Spain between 1949 and 1957. He went to the World Cup Final in 1950. He also represented Catalonia XI on several occasions.
Estanislau Basora was considered of the Barcelona's greatest players. He was a member of Barcelona's team in the 1950's, the greatest Spanish club team before the emerge of Alfred Di Stefano's Real Madrid. He was capped 22 times for Spain between 1949 and 1957. He went to the World Cup Final in 1950. He also represented Catalonia XI on several occasions.
Ronaldinho is the only player ever to have won a World Cup, a Copa América, a Confederations Cup, a Champions League, a Copa Libertadores and a Ballon d'Or. He was a member of the "Three R's" with Rivaldo and Ronaldo that helped Brazil winning the World Cup in 2002. He played 97 times for Brazil. He started his career with Gemio before moving to Europe. He played with Paris St Germain and Barcelona. He formed the REM line with Etoo and Messi.
FW: Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)
Johan Cruyff is the greatest Dutch player ever. He won the Ballon d'Or three times, in 1971, 1973 and 1974. He was considered one of the best players in history. He was noted for his brilliant performance at the World Cup in 1974. He had 48 caps in total. He also won three straight European Cups with Ajax in the 1970's. He moved to Barcelona in 1973 for a world record transfer fees, where he became a legend. He also played in the NASL.
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| Johan Cruyff |
Rivaldo was a part of the attacking trio known as "Three R's" with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho at the 2002 World Cup Finals. He scored 5 goals in 5 games as Brazil took its 5th World Cup. He also went to the World Cup Finals in 1998. He won the 1999 Ballon d' Or. He played for many clubs in his career. He spent five years with Spanish club Barcelona. In 1999, he won the Ballon d'Or and was named FIFA World Player of the Year.
RW/FW: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Born and raised in central Argentina, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child. At age 13, he relocated to Spain to join Barcelona. Messi has won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, a record six European Golden Shoes, and was named the world's best player for a record eight times by FIFA. He holds the records for most goals in La Liga (474),For Argentina, he has played over 180 times. He helped them to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
FW: Laszlo Kubala (Slovakia/Hungary)
Born in Hungary of a multi-cultural background, Laszlo Kubala was known as one of the greatest Barcelona players ever. He still managed to win 4 Li Liga titles in the 1950's in an era dominated by Real Madrid. In 1961, Barcelona eliminated Real Madrid from the European Cup, the first ever loss by Real Madrid at the tournament. He was capped by Hungry, Spain and Czechoslovakia. He was a guest player for Catalonia national football team.
Born and raised in central Argentina, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child. At age 13, he relocated to Spain to join Barcelona. Messi has won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, a record six European Golden Shoes, and was named the world's best player for a record eight times by FIFA. He holds the records for most goals in La Liga (474),For Argentina, he has played over 180 times. He helped them to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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| Leo Messi |
Born in Hungary of a multi-cultural background, Laszlo Kubala was known as one of the greatest Barcelona players ever. He still managed to win 4 Li Liga titles in the 1950's in an era dominated by Real Madrid. In 1961, Barcelona eliminated Real Madrid from the European Cup, the first ever loss by Real Madrid at the tournament. He was capped by Hungry, Spain and Czechoslovakia. He was a guest player for Catalonia national football team.
ST/FW: Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria)
Hristo Stoichkov is Bulgaria's greatest player. At the 1994 World Cup, Stoichkov was awarded the Golden Boot as the joint top goal scorer of the tournament with six goals, as well as earning the Bronze Ball award. Bulgaria reached the semifinal before losing to Italy. At Barcelona, he was part of Johan Cruyff's "dream team" that won four consecutive La Liga titles and one UEFA Champions League. He also won the Ballon d'Or in 1994.
Honorable Mention
Hristo Stoichkov is Bulgaria's greatest player. At the 1994 World Cup, Stoichkov was awarded the Golden Boot as the joint top goal scorer of the tournament with six goals, as well as earning the Bronze Ball award. Bulgaria reached the semifinal before losing to Italy. At Barcelona, he was part of Johan Cruyff's "dream team" that won four consecutive La Liga titles and one UEFA Champions League. He also won the Ballon d'Or in 1994.
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| Hristo Stoichkov |
Ricardo Zamora (Spain), Salvador Sadurní (Spain), Marc-André ter Stegen (Germany), Javier Urruticoechea (Spain), Pedro Artola (Spain), Juan José Nogués (Spain), Miguel Ángel Nadal (Spain), Rafael Márquez (Mexico), Javier Mascherano (Argentina), Sigfrid Gracia (Spain), Gustau Biosca (Spain) Alexanko (Spain), Eladio Silvestre (Spain), Ferran Olivella (Spain), Antoni Torres (Spain), Pique (Spain), Sergi Barjuan (Spain), Ramón Zabalo (Spain), Luis Enrique (Spain), Mariano Gonzalvo (Spain), Guillermo Amor (Spain), Juan Manuel Asensi (Spain), Victor Muonz (Spain), Bernd Schuster (Germany), Carlos Rexach (Spain), Estanislau Basora (Spain), Evaristo (Brazil), Luis Enrique (Spain), Jose Mari Bakero (Spain), Michael Laudrup (Denmark), Neymar (Brazil), Cesar Rodriguez (Spain), Txiki (Spain) Guillermo Amor (Spain), Ronaldo (Brazil), Luis Suarez Diaz (Uruguay), Deco (Portugal), Zoltán Czibor (Hungary), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon), Luis Figo (Portugal), Diego Maradona (Argentina), Sandor Kocsis (Hungary).
Squad Explanation
-- The original team was created in 2016, but I did an intensive review on April, 2024.
-- The greatest ever players for Barcelona would be Xavi, Luis Suarez Miramontes, Ronaldinho, Johan Cruyff, Laszlo Kubala, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Hristo Stoichkov. They are automatic selections. Even before I started this team, I was very sure that Ronald Koeman, Carlos Puyol and Rivaldo would make this team. So, I did not have many spaces left from the beginning.
-- The first Barça winner of the Ballon d'or was Luis Suárez in 1960. He was followed by Johan Cruyff, Hristo Stoichkov, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Leo Messi.
-- During the 1951-52 season, Barcelona emerged victorious in five competitions, earning them the moniker "Barça of the Five Cups" (Catalan: el Barça de les Cinc Copes). Throughout the 1950s, they continued their success by clinching the La Liga title on three occasions, capturing the Copa del Rey trophy five times, and conquering the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup once. I only took Laszlo Kubala, Antoni Ramallets, Joan Segarra and Luis Suarez from that generation.
-- From Johan Cruyff's "Dream Team", I selected Andoni Zubizarreta, Albert Ferrer, Ronald Koeman, Hristo Stoichkov and Ronald Koeman. They won the 1992 European Cup.
-- Since Johan Cruyff joined the club in 1973, Barcelona has been associated with Dutch players. However, in addition to Cruyff, I only had Johan Neeskens and Ronald Koeman. In fact, I also had three Brazilians. The majority of the players I selected were domestic (Spain).
-- Barcelona completed the "Sextuple (football)" in 2009. Victor Valdes, Carlos Puyol, Dani Alves, Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Xavi made this team.
-- The Bleacher Report came up with their All-Time Best XI for Barcelona in 2012. The lineup was as following: Antoni Ramallets, Carlos Puyol, Ronald Koeman, Joan Segarra, Pep Guardiola, Xavi Johan Cruyff, Lionel Messi, Cesar Rodriguez.
-- Goal.com also had their own All-Time Best XI during the Champions' League era. The lineup was as followed: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Dani Alves, Carlos Puyol, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ronaldinho.
Goalkeepers
-- Ricardo Zamora is considered one of the greatest ever goalkeepers from Europe. But I took three goalkeepers with longer careers here. Zamora had issue with the board of Barcelona over pay. This disagreement cut short his career over there. While his departure from Barcelona and subsequent move to Espanyol did not diminish his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers ever for Barcelona, there were other goalkeepers with longer and decorated careers for the club.
-- It was safe to say that Andoni Zubizarreta and Antoni Ramallets were the two greatest goalkeepers ever for the club. Zubizarreta was a big part of Cruyff's "Dream Team" while Ramallets was the goalkeeper of the "Barça of the Five Cups"
-- Salvador Sadurní spent almost two decades with the club. Marc-André ter Stegen recently proved himself by winning a Champions' League. Javier Urruticoechea put in a great performance by saving two penalties at the European Cup final against Steaua Bucharest, but that loss deprived him of a major accomplishment in the club's history. I also looked into Pedro Artola and Juan José Nogués.
-- In the end, I took Victor Valdes for the third goalkeeper. He was one of the most decorated players in Barcelona's history.
Defenders
-- Ronald Koeman scored the goal that won Barcelona their first European Cup. Joan Segarra was the captain of "Five Trophies". Migueli was at one point the all-time appearance leader for the club. The last and not least would be Carlos Puyol. He captained Barcelona's historical treble season. In total, he won 24 major trophies and he won his first one at the age of 27 years old. He also operated as a rightback.
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| Joan Segarra |
-- I also put Gustau Biosca, Alexanko, Eladio Silvestre and Ferran Olivella on honorable mention. Miguel Ángel Nadal is the uncle of Rafael Nadal. Rafael Nadal, however, is a fan of Real Madrid. Antoni Torres and Rafael Márquez also missed out along with Nadal and Pique.
-- Albert Ferrer and Dani Alves were obvious choices on the right side. Ferrer, the right wingback of Cruyff's "Dream Team," was often regarded as the missing link that completed the team's puzzle upon his return to Camp Nou after a loan spell. When Dani Alves joined Barcelona, he became the third-most expensive defender of all-time at the time and he easily lived up to expectation. In 2024, I came upon Ramón Zabalo whom I did not know when I created this team.
-- Sergi Barjuan was on my original choice for the leftback, but I later added Jorge Alba the team. He was capped 56 times for the Spanish national team. He went to two World Cup Finals (1994 and 1998) and two European Championships (1996 and 2000). Sigfrid Gracia also spent a long time with the club. Carlos Puyol who could operate on either side of fullback would be my backup.
Midfielders/Wingers
-- In 2016, I promptly selected six midfielders for inclusion in this team: Pep Guardiola, Josep Samitier, Johan Neeskens, Xavi, Luis Suarez Miramontes, and Andres Iniesta. Sergio Busquets posed a question mark initially, but he was on the verge of being a surefire inclusion.
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| Iniesta and Xavi |
-- From the deep, the team needed Pep Guadiola as the deep-lying playmaker position. Busquets was the most defensive players from that list of midfielders above. After 2016 when I created the list, he played 7 more seasons giving a total of 15 seasons on the first team. He was also their captain for at least two seasons.
-- Johan Neeskens was one of the greatest ever central midfielders in history, but in terms of trophies won, his career in Barcelona was relatively unsuccessful. However, although his impact here was overshadowed by Johan Cruyff, his signing still changed the "DNA" of the team. He also won the Don Balón Award.
-- Josep Samiter was one of the earliest star players on the team. His impressive tally of 187 official goals remained the fifth best in the club's history.
-- Luis Suarez Miramontes was Spain's greatest player before the Golden Generation between 2008 and 2012. At the time of writing, he is the only Spanish Ballon d'or winner. During his prime, he was also the most expensive player in the world after he joined Inter Milan from Barcelona FC.
-- Xavi and Andreas Iniesta needed no introduction. Xavi never won the Ballon d'or. He should have won a few of them from Lionel Messi. However, he was named in the Ballon d'Or Dream Team in 2020. He also won the World Player of the Year in 2010 by "World Soccer". He is probably Spain's greatest player ahead of Luis Suarez Miramontes.
-- To be considered on this team, the players had to be one of the best players in the world in their time. So I left out Mariano Gonzalvo, Guillermo Amor, Juan Manuel Asensi and José María Bakero. I also cannot find space for Victor Muonz and Javier Mascherano. They were more defensive players. Michael Laudrup and Bernd Schuster were close to being the best in the world, but they were not going to get ahead of Luis Suarez Miramontes, Xavi, Iniesta and Samiter. Liked Luis Figo, both players also left for Real Madrid. Luis Enrique went from the other side, but he was not going to beat out Neeskens.
-- This team has too many great central midfielders and attacking midfielders, but lacked players who could play wide. I should have taken Zoltán Czibor, Charlos Rexach or Estanislau Basora for a more balanced side.
-- Luis Figo was the best winger ever wore the Barcelona shirt. However, his controversial move to Real Madrid caused too much pain in Barcelona. Figo was never a serious consideration because of his "deflection". I only put him on honorable mention. On the wide right, I would have to use Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Rivaldo. They had played as a right wing-forward for Barcelona. Ronaldinho would be the key player on the left side as I did not select any true left winger. He won an Ballon D'or while playing here. Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo were few of the most iconic players ever for the club. Even with his betrayal, Figo might have a hard time breaking into the team.
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| Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho |
-- Diego Maradona's career was defined while playing for Napoli and Boca Juniors. He did not do enough for Barcelona. Maradona's name was up for discussion because he was simply Diego Maradona. The rest of the attackers were all icons for Barcelona.
Forwards
-- Johan Cruyff, Laszlo Kubala, Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Hristo Stoichkov were automatic selections for attackers. They were selected in the beginning of my research. I did not have space for another forward.
-- Ronaldo scored 34 goals in 37 games for his only season with Barcelona. No one in Barcelona's history had a better season than he did in the 1996-1997 season. However, he only played one season with Barcelona. Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Johan Cruyff and Hristo Stoichkov have sweated far more for the club. His stint with Real Madrid was not a factor for not taking him. Cesar Rodriguez, Neymar and Samuel Eto'o are ahead of Ronaldo, but they also could not get into the team because of those players.
-- Laszlo Kubala was Barcelona's greatest player before the arrival of Cruyff. Johan Cruyff changed the entire philosophy of the club. No player was more iconic than him. Romario and Stoichkov were the greatest strike partnership ever seen in Barcelona, but Romario did not win the European Cup. He came the season after. He only spent a short time here, and he left the team in a controversial manner. The "REM" or "MSN" line have overtook the Romario/Stoichkov partnership.
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| Laszlo Kubala |
-- Neymar's move to PSG finished his chance. He did not do enough as compared to the others. His career here was overshadowed by Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez Diaz. If he stayed to build a stronger career, he might have gotten his credentials, but it would not happen now.
-- Paulino Alcántara was on the "bubble". He was ahead of Ronaldo, Luis Suarez Diaz, Neymar and Luis Figo because they left the club before building a great legacy here. Based on his numbers, he is still ahead of Samuel Eto'o and Sandor Kocsis. In the end, I did not take him. There were too many forwards.
-- I had one more spot left after I took 24 players. I selected Luis Suarez Miramontes of Spain, not Luis Suarez Diaz of Uruguay. Luis Suarez Diaz has amazing stats at the time of writing, but it would be difficult for him to break into this team. He had Johan Cruyff, Laszlo Kubala, Lionel Messi and Hristo Stoichkov ahead of him. Luis Suarez Miramontes alongside Johan Cruyff and Laszlo Kubala were Barcelona's greatest players before the 2000's. Before Messi, Cesar Rodriguez was Barcelona's All-Time leading scorer. However, his name was less well-known outside of Barcelona than Luis Suarez Diaz. It was a difficult decision. In the end, I added Estanislau Basora to the team. This team needed a true right winger.
-- I had one more spot left after I took 24 players. I selected Luis Suarez Miramontes of Spain, not Luis Suarez Diaz of Uruguay. Luis Suarez Diaz has amazing stats at the time of writing, but it would be difficult for him to break into this team. He had Johan Cruyff, Laszlo Kubala, Lionel Messi and Hristo Stoichkov ahead of him. Luis Suarez Miramontes alongside Johan Cruyff and Laszlo Kubala were Barcelona's greatest players before the 2000's. Before Messi, Cesar Rodriguez was Barcelona's All-Time leading scorer. However, his name was less well-known outside of Barcelona than Luis Suarez Diaz. It was a difficult decision. In the end, I added Estanislau Basora to the team. This team needed a true right winger.
Formation
Both Messi and Cruyff need to learn not to be the center of the team. Luis Suarez Miramontes was kept out of the starting lineup.
iniesta and uruguayan suarez are must haves in my opinion.
ReplyDeletePique way above Ferran because Barcelona greatest team and biggest international successes are after 2005 , Romario staid only 2 seasons that’s very little (he was a star at PSV) better to replace him with Kocsis and finally-diabolik Suarez who clearly deserve to be in this all time squad!!!
ReplyDeleteI really think Eto'o as a no9 do enough, longer than Ronaldo and Romario and better record than Kocsis ... Iniesta better Barca career than Cruyff, 2010 and 2012 top 3 ballon d or. Also i put Puyol in left back position. And finally you must have dmf and Busquets is a guy.
ReplyDeleteZubi,alves,koeman,puyol,sergi,guardiola,Xavi,iniesta,ronaldinho,messi,kubala.
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ReplyDeleteIker Casillas Personal Life
ReplyDeleteIker Casillas was brought into the world on May 20, 1981 in Móstoles, Madrid, Spain as Íker Casillas Fernández. He has been hitched to Sara Carbonero since March 20, 2016. They have two kids. He has played for Real Madrid (Youth Team, 1999-2015) and F.C. Porto (2015-). He Played for Spain in 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
While Cruyff was surely great individually for Ajax/Netherlands but has he really achieved anything with Barcelona to put him ahead of Iniesta, Ronaldinho or Busquets? Also i think Pique should be ahead of puyol
ReplyDeleteZubi,Alves,Puyol,koeman,Sergi,Guardiola,Xavi,Iniesta,Ronaldinho,Messi,cruyff.bench, migueli,Ferrer,ramallets,Segarra,Luis Suárez,stoichkov,kubala.
ReplyDeletei think at this time, you can replace Romário with Luis Suárez and make him as a starter, in my opinion Suárez is the one that can fit into the Tiki-Taka system. I always use your
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteRamallets
ReplyDeletePuyol Segarra Koeman Abidal
Suarez-Miramontes Xavi
Basora Messi Kubala Ronaldinho
Alves doesn't fit together with Basora. But the latter was the top player in his time. Puyol can interchange positions with Segarra. Miguel Ángel Nadal and Éric Abidal are personal favorites. I kept Abidal but chose Koeman, who was more iconic than Nadal and Migueli. It's hard choices for the backline. Segarra is the only defender described as the team's best player in Barcelona's successful periods.
A second team is in order:
Zubi
Alves Migueli Nadal Alba
Busquets
Cruijff Rivaldo Laudrup
Samiter Eto'o