Top 10 Best FC Barcelona Players of All Time

When you think of footballing royalty, FC Barcelona is a name that instantly springs to mind. This Catalan club has a rich history, stretching back over a century, and has been home to some of the most talented players the sport has ever seen. From the early days of Kubala and Suárez to the modern era of Messi and Xavi, Barcelona's legacy is intertwined with the brilliance of its players.

Who do you think deserves to be at the very top of this list? Was it Messi, with his otherworldly skills and record-breaking goal tally? Or perhaps Xavi, the midfield maestro who orchestrated countless victories? Maybe you're a fan of the old school and believe Kubala or Cruyff should take the crown.

1. Lionel Messi

   

   Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi, born June 24, 1987, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has won eight Ballon d'Or awards and numerous domestic and international titles. He... read more

   The best player is the one who learns the most effective skills from other brilliant players and makes them his own, applying them in every match and consistently producing out-of-this-world results.

   That player is none other than Messi.

   That's the simplest reason why Ronnie and the rest can't be the best, for those of you out there wondering why.

   Also, his attitude (Messi) is unbeatable. Your attitude determines your performance. He's got the best attitude of a sportsperson the world has ever seen. Sure, he has had his rare behavioral dips in his career, but for the major portion, his behavior is certainly one of the best. No surprise then he's better than the rest. Behavior equals quality of performance. And that applies to every area of life, by the way.

2. Diego Maradona

   

   Diego Armando Maradona (October 30, 1960 - November 25, 2020) was an Argentine professional footballer. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, he was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award. Maradona was nicknamed "El Pibe de Oro... read more

   He and Messi, I would say, are equal, but Maradona won a World Cup, and who can argue with that? Plus, if you watch the film The Greatest Goals, he beats the whole international team of England. Could Messi do that without his playmaker Xavi or his assister Iniesta? I don't think so! But even though I voted for Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi is a team player, while Maradona is more self-centered.

   Players of this era are favored in everything, starting from the boots, balls, etc. These days balls are light, boots are also light, hence enabling players to play better. Gone are the days of Maradona where everything was too heavy. So I say Maradona is number 1 because he was able to perform very well regardless of those conditions.

3. Ronaldinho

   

   Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, born March 21, 1980, is better known by his nickname Ronaldinho or Ronaldinho Gaúcho. He is a Brazilian former professional footballer and a current ambassador for FC Barcelona.

   He primarily played as an attacking midfielder but was also effective as a winger. Ronaldinho... read more

   Sure, Messi may be the best in the world, but don't forget what he did for Barca. He has given Barca many titles, he has made no-look goals, fast plays, he has made Barca go down in history as one of the best teams ever. In fact, no one knew who Lionel Messi was back 11 years ago in 2005, Ronaldinho, Xavi, and Samuel Eto'o were out there scoring goals while Messi was on the bench.

   Messi didn't even score his first goal all by himself! Ronaldinho assisted him. Why do you think Messi is better? Ronaldinho may be trash now, but Ronaldinho was a LEGEND. Goodbye Ronaldinho, we'll remember you in our hearts.

   Ronaldinho simply changed the history of Barcelona. Before him, it was a team in crisis that had been without winning titles for many years.

   Besides that, Ronaldinho played with a lot of good players. That's it: GOOD. While Messi played during the best time of his career with the best players of his generation and was led by the best, Guardiola, one of the best coaches in history.

   Many of you are going to talk about numbers, goals, and assists. But football is way more than numbers and statistics. Ronaldinho played with a smile on his face, like he was having fun with his friends.

4. Xavi Hernández

   

   Xavier "Xavi" Hernández Creus is a former Spanish professional footballer who most notably played as a central midfielder for FC Barcelona and the Spain national team.

   He won four UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona and the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Spain.... read more

   How is Henry better than Xavi? Xavi isn't as flashy as the top six but consistently the best midfielder the club has ever had.

   With the most number of appearances, Xavi deserves to be number 1. This list isn't about the best players. It's about the best players of Barcelona.

   Xavi is one of the best assist men the world has ever seen! Most goals are born with Xavi's pass. Midfield maestro!

5. Andrés Iniesta

   

   Andrés Iniesta Luján is a retired Spanish professional footballer who most notably played for FC Barcelona and the Spain national team. He won the FIFA World Cup with Spain in 2010, scoring the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands. The legendary midfielder also secured four Champions League... read more

   Andres Iniesta is one of the best players ever in the world. He is a nice player and is one of the top 3 players of Barcelona. He deserves to be in the top 5.

   Most underrated player ever. One of the best in the world. It's not right that he or Xavi haven't won a Ballon d'Or. Connects the play. The best midfielder ever.

   Andres Iniesta is one of the five best players ever.

6. Neymar

   

   Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (born February 5, 1992), commonly known as Neymar or Neymar Jr, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward or winger for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal and the Brazil national team.

   He is the all-time top goalscorer for the Brazil national team.... read more

   Neymar is the best soccer player in the world and will get to be better and better, soon even better than Cristiano Ronaldo. I think so, and the world will too, when Neymar gets the best player award and player of the year. You will all regret the bad things you said about him and how you doubted him.

   Good luck Neymar, don't make me regret these words!

   The star of the future. I was not a Neymar fan a couple of years ago - I thought he was overrated. Clearly, he is not, and with Suarez and Messi, he is part of the greatest forward three of all time.

   He hasn't been at Barca long enough to be this high, but if he stays at Barca, which he definitely should, he will move up to the top 5.

7. Johan Cruyff

   

   Hendrik Johannes "Johan" Cruijff (April 25, 1947 - March 24, 2016) was a Dutch professional football player and coach. He won the Ballon d'Or three times, in 1971, 1973, and 1974.

   Cruyff was a leading figure in the development of Total Football, a tactical approach popularized by Rinus Michels... read more

   If the criteria are the amount of contribution to Barca, then maybe there are players who made more than Cruyff. But if the criteria are overall career?! You are talking about the greats of Barca players but Cruyff is beyond that, he is the second best ever after Pelé. Cruyff was Messi + Xavi + Iniesta + Busquets, and we can even add DM10 and maybe Ronaldinho as well. He did all the work they did.

   He was so amazing. He was as good a dribbler as Messi and Maradona, they are slightly better than him. His vision? The second best after Pelé, in Barcelona, he is above all, in the world he is above all except Pelé. His passing, pass distribution was better than that of Xavi. He was versatile and could play in any position like Pelé and Di Stefano.

8. Ronaldo

   

   Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, commonly known as Ronaldo, is a Brazilian businessman, president of La Liga club Real Valladolid, and a retired professional footballer who played as a striker. Nicknamed "O Fenômeno" ("The Phenomenon") in Portuguese, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers... read more

   Ronaldo, The Phenomenon - how I wish this man had been safe from injuries that almost ruined his career. In fact, injuries cut his career short. He could literally play the ball with any part of his body. He was phenomenal, just simply a marvel to watch.

   Nothing was impossible for him. He deserves to be number 4 in the World Soccer Hall of Fame, but I believe he is better than Zizou. Pelé and Maradona are also the best, but they played in an era when defenders were not taken as seriously as they are now, and in an era when defenders' technical ability wasn't that good. But Ronaldo De Lima could beat any defender on any day with skill, pace, and had such a high-level technical ability, beating the goalkeepers. He's the best, and no. 1 ever.

9. Carles Puyol

   

   Carles Puyol Saforcada is a retired Spanish professional footballer who played as a central defender. He spent his entire senior career at FC Barcelona from 1999 to 2014, where he served as team captain for many years. Puyol was also a key part of Spain's national team during its golden era, winning... read more

   Incredible captain. He did all the things that a captain should do. He's definitely the best captain, I know.

10. Romário

    

    Romário de Souza Faria, known simply as Romário, is a Brazilian politician and former professional footballer. He played as a forward and gained international fame for his performance with Brazil's national team, particularly during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where he was a key player in their championship... read more

    A great all-around player with an eye for the goal, very hard for any team's back four to mark him, could turn you on a sixpence. Just ask any Manchester United fan.

    The best ever. If he could play more seasons with Barca, he could be the best record holder for the team.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Arda Turan

    Pure talent. Amazing world-class skills, inborn.

12. ?

    Ronald Koeman

The Contenders

13. Michael Laudrup

    Just before footballers turned into super-mega-stars worth billions, with their own clothing brands and sponsored by every possible mainstream retailing company around the world, and before hype and headlines turned mediocre players into celebrities, there were players who only played football and whose legacy only relied on their skill and talent. The best of these were Laudrup, Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Maradona, Pelé, etc.

    Today's players are undoubtedly great and very skillful indeed. But take away EA Sports, YouTube, Nike finance, smartphone companies, etc., and I doubt any of them except Messi, Ronaldinho, Xavi, and Iniesta (essentially a Laudrup), would be remembered any better. And remember too: Most people voting here are under 30... Just saying.

    But all that said: Laudrup.

14. Thierry Henry

    

    Thierry Daniel Henry is a French professional football coach and former player. In August 2016, he became the second assistant coach of the Belgium national team under head coach Roberto Martínez. Henry previously enjoyed a successful playing career with clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, and the New... read more

    One of the most brilliant footballers I have ever seen. Even though he had his best years at Arsenal, in Barca, he was a perfect player. Since he left the club, there has been an empty place in left forward.

    I wish he never played for Arsenal because he was amazing at Barca.

15. David Villa

    

    David Villa Sánchez is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a striker. He was the all-time leading scorer for the Spain national team and played a key role in winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 UEFA European Championship. Villa was also the first player signed by New York... read more

    He is an amazing player. Most of his matches are very, very good, but he needs to play like a legend.

    He needs to play like he did during Spain's World Cup-winning era. In this La Liga match, he needs to be the best scorer and top scorer. Best of luck, Villa!

    Your biggest fan from Nepal.

    His dedication to his national team is unmatched! He is undoubtedly one of the top Barcelona strikers.

    David Villa is a very good player. He is my favorite soccer player ever.

16. Samuel Eto'o

    

    Samuel Eto'o Fils is a Cameroonian former professional footballer who played as a striker. He had an illustrious career at clubs such as Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea. Eto'o retired from professional football in 2019 and is regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time.

    Eto'o is one of the greatest players to have ever adorned the colors of Barca. Even though he was ridiculed out of the club by exchanging him for Ibrahimovic as well as a huge amount of money, he still proved his worth by helping Inter lift the Champions League. He is indeed a great player of all time.

    He was a natural striker in the purest form. He was lightning-fast, good with one-touch-shoot capabilities, brilliant runs, and an incredibly hardworking player. He had excellent acceleration within the first 5 or 10 yards. Oh, a wonderful player.

17. Luis Suárez

    

    Luis Alberto Suárez Díaz, born on January 24, 1987, is a Uruguayan professional footballer. He currently plays as a striker for Inter Miami CF, an American club competing in Major League Soccer (MLS).

    Suárez retired from international football in September 2024, concluding his tenure as Uruguay's... read more

    Suarez's position on this list depends on how long he stays at Barca. If he sticks around for 5+ years, he will be top 5. Neymar should be higher now because he is younger and can reasonably be expected to stay longer, but Suarez is the number 2 player in the world now.

    He is so good at football. He's just amazing with those skills and the power in his shots. It's like if the keeper was close to Suarez and saved a powerful shot, he'd probably break a finger. Luis Suarez!

    Luis Suarez is the brightest of his generation. You think Ronaldo is better than him? Check out his goal against Norwich in the Premier League.

18. Zlatan Ibrahimović

    

    Zlatan Ibrahimović (born October 3, 1981) is a Swedish former professional footballer who played as a striker for multiple clubs during his career, including Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), FC Barcelona, and Manchester United. He scored over 500 career goals for club and country while winning league titles... read more

    He shouldn't be playing for PSG now, stupid Pep.

    An absolute boss but not the best, just a boss. The Chuck Norris of soccer.

19. László Kubala

    He was The One.

    Funny how true Barcelona fans have no clue who he was. He was the reason Barcelona built the Nou Camp. The one who curved the ball in a way none did before. The one who shot from direct free kicks. He was the first player EVER to score seven goals in a La Liga game. With 280 goals in 345 games, he is still in the top 3 of all-time Barcelona scorers.

    The player of the century in Barcelona. Every true Barcelona fan knows him and thanks him for what Barcelona is now. Legend.

20. Rivaldo

    

    Rivaldo Vítor Borba Ferreira, widely known as Rivaldo, is a retired Brazilian professional footballer. He was part of the Brazil national team that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup and received the Ballon d'Or in 1999. Rivaldo was known for his powerful left foot, technique, and ability to score from long... read more

    Yes, he is well celebrated in the world, but not quite to the level he should be. This man was never fully recognized in football, in my opinion. He was underrated by football. What an educated left foot, thinking of his combination with Ronaldo, they had such an understanding and were a great pair to watch.

    Rivaldo could pick and pass to Ronaldo anywhere on the field. He knew where he would be all the time. Indeed, he deserves to be in the top 10 of Barca's all time. Sandiso Nkwinti, SA!

    Rivaldo, one of the best players ever. Power, geniality, lethal left foot, and magic. Does Messi do these? A very, very underrated player ever, Rivaldo!

21. Sergio Busquets

    

    Sergio Busquets Burgos (born July 16, 1988) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. He spent 14 years at FC Barcelona, where he served as club captain from 2021 to 2023 and won 32 trophies, including multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles. In June... read more

    Deserves at least top 15. At least.

22. Deco

23. Gerard Pique

    

    Gerard Piqué Bernabéu is a retired Spanish professional footballer who played as a centre back. He spent most of his career at FC Barcelona, where he won numerous titles including multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League trophies. Piqué also represented the Spain national team and was part of the squad... read more

    Is he a wall or a human being? It's hard to tell due to his defending.

24. Jordi Alba

    

    Man, this guy is amazing. Watching him on the left side along with Alves on the right was great.

    This guy is good, and they coordinate well with Messi. I think he has assisted Messi the most.

25. Giovani dos Santos

    He looks the same as my cousin. And is an awesome player. I guess.

    He's one of the best Mexican players out there. He's quick with great skill.

26. Javier Mascherano

    

    Javier Alejandro Mascherano (born June 8, 1984) is an Argentine football coach and former player. He earned 147 caps for the Argentina national team and played for clubs including River Plate, Corinthians, West Ham, Liverpool, Barcelona, Hebei China Fortune, and Estudiantes. He retired from professional... read more

    He is the best defender in recent years.

    A long passer and sliding tackle beast.

27. Gheorghe Hagi

    

    One of the best players in the world. He lost the chance to start playing in Europe due to communism in his country.

    How is Giovani higher up than him?