Top 10 Best Barcelona Players Of All Time – Ranked

FC Barcelona are one of the biggest football clubs in the world. Over its century of history, the club has seen some of the greats of the game play for the Spanish giants. The Blaugrana is synonymous with Catalonia, and its slogan, “Més que un club,” which means ‘more than a club’, reflects that it is more than a club—a symbol of pride, identity, and values.

In their eventful long history, the Spanish giants have been home to legendary figures who have transformed the game of football, such as Johan Cryuff, to the modern-day greats like Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta. They have enjoyed significant success, winning numerous domestic and European titles, cementing their stature as one of the best clubs in the world, and being home to the best players. Thus, it’s tough to amass the list to only 10; however, based on the below-mentioned ranking factors, we’ve compiled a list of the best Barcelona players ever.

Ranking Factors

Longevity: The primary ranking aspect that we are looking for is their tenure at Camp Nou, donning the iconic Blaugrana shirt. It reflects the longevity and durability of their Barcelona spell.

Impact: Any player’s impact in bringing triumph to the team with their individual brilliance and key performances on the pitch. Statistics like goals, assists, clean sheets, and appearances are also taken into account.

Achievements: The number of trophies, titles, and honors any player has claimed during their time with the Catalans. Trophy count and personal accolades are also vital factors in defining the rankings of these phenomenal players.

10. Ronald Koeman (Netherland)

The Dutchman joined Barcelona in 1899 from PSV Eindhoven to be part of Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’ and spent six years at Camp Nou. He had a tremendous ability to score from distance, an expert in penalties and set-pieces, as a result, he managed to score 106 times for the club. Also to be noted, his goal scoring ability as a defender was as good as his defending, passing and vision that made him a powerhouse in the backline. Koeman helped Barca to claim their maiden European trophy in 1992 at Wembley Stadium.

Appearances	264
Goals	106
Assists	15
Titles	9

9. Carles Puyol (Spain)

A one-club man and a loyal servant to FC Barcelona. Carles Puyol came through the ranks of the club’s youth system and played his entire professional career at Barca till 2014. The Spaniard’s reliability and commitment to defend the goal were something that cannot be doubted; he was phenomenal in the air, brave on the ground, and a true leader of the team. The 5’10 ft centre-back enjoyed a monumental spell and became one of the most successful football captains in history while leading the club as their skipper.

Appearances	593
Goals	19
Assists	13
Titles	21

Also Read: Top 10 Best Real Madrid Players of All Time (Ranked)

8. Sergio Busquets (Spain)

Busquets probably never got the acknowledgement he deserved for his dedication and services to the club. He is arguably the greatest defensive midfielder to have played for the club. The La Masia graduate was a crucial part of Barcelona’s most successful period and lifted 32 major titles. He played over 700 matches, being the third-highest appearance maker in history. The Spanish midfielder had impeccable passing ability, the calmness to keep the ball at his feet under pressure, and the eye to deliver line-breaking passes.

Appearances	722
Goals	18
Assists	40
Titles	31

7. Gerard Piqué (Spain)

One the greatest centre-backs of this generation, Gerard Piqué is an icon of Barcelona. The defender returned to the club from Manchester United in 2008 and quickly became a key player, forming a formidable defensive partnership with Carles Puyol.

Pique had all the attributes that were required to excel in his position: height, pace, physicality, athleticism, passing and sharp defensive skills, and most importantly, passion to fight for the crest. The World Cup winner claimed 8 La Liga titles and 3 Champions League titles while recording 699 appearances and 58 goals from 2008 to 2022.

Appearances	616
Goals	58
Assists	16
Titles	30

6. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

The Cameroon icon is widely considered as one of the best African players of all time and indeed the best Barcelona strikers, thanks to his exceptional Barcelona. Samuel Eto’o found the net 152 times in a total of 234 games in Barcelona colors while helping them claim the treble in the 2008/09 campaign.

The African was a prolific goal scorer known for his swiftness, goal-scoring prowess, and effectiveness in the attack. At Camp Nou, Eto’o experienced his prime years linking up with the likes of Deco, Ronaldinho, Iniesta, Xavi, and Messi, the forward became unstoppable.

Appearances	234
Goals	152
Assists	39
Titles	8

5. Ronaldinho (Brazil)

Ronaldinho was a pure joy to watch on the field; his tricks, skills, and ability to edge past a string of defenders with ease were nothing short of awe-inspiring. The Brazilian forward was a fan favourite, wearing the iconic number 10 shirt before handing it over to Messi to carry on his legacy.

In the summer of 2003, Ronaldinho arrived at the club from PSG to play under Frank Rijkaard and steered the Catalan giants to lift two successive Spanish league titles and UEFA Champions League. Nicknamed Gaúcho, he was awarded the 2005 Ballon d’Or accolade.

Appearances	207
Goals	94
Assists	71
Titles	5

4. Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)

Johan Cruyff’s remarkable achievement as a manager often overshadows his brilliance as a player with Barcelona. The Dutchman’s influence on the sport is something that can not be explained in words; subsequently, Cruyff is lauded as one of the most influential footballers of all time.

He is acclaimed to have revolutionised the game with his playmaking, mesmerising dribbles, orchestrating attacks, unlocking defensive lines, and playing accurate balls. The Ajax and Barca legend won two silverware with the Blaugrana.

Appearances	180
Goals	59
Assists	23
Titles	2

3. Andrés Iniesta (Spain)

Andrés Iniesta Luján is regarded as the greatest midfielder of all time. The midfield maestro was incredibly skilled and talented in his ball control and ability to glide past opposition with fascinating gameplay and passing prowess. Iniesta joined the club at 12, starting with the Under-14 team and rising through the ranks to the main team.

He left Camp Nou as a legend who was not only loved by his own fanbase but also respected by the rival team and fans. The Spanish icon was an integral part in adding 32 trophies to the club’s trophy collection.

Appearances	674
Goals	57
Assists	140
Titles	32

2. Xavi Hernandez (Spain)

It was a close competition between Andres Iniesta and his midfielder partner Xavi Hernandez for the second place on this list of the best Barcelona players of all time; however, the latter takes up the spot. Xavi is a true definition of an elite-class midfielder; his mastery to create spaces and eye to make unanticipating passes to stun the opposition, while effortless movement and slick passing was a work of art. The Euro and World Cup winner with Spain devoted his entire club career of 25 years with Barcelona, reflecting unwavering loyalty and passion for the club.

Appearances	767
Goals	85
Assists	185
Titles	25

Also Read: Ranking The 10 Best Defenders In La Liga Currently

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Now arrives the crown jewel among the greats, Lionel Messi, who tops the ranking list of the best Barcelona players of all time. The Argentine is the pinnacle of greatness; his legacy at Barcelona is an attainment that no other player can replicate. Messi amassed a staggering 672 goals and made 778 appearances across all competitions to become the club’s all-time top scorer and highest appearance maker.

The 8th-time Ballon d’Or victor cemented his status as the greatest Barcelona player and won every possible silverware for the Catalans, including ten League titles, 7 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, and 3 European trophies.

Appearances	778
Goals	672
Assists	303
Titles	35

Top 10 Greatest Barcelona Players of All Time

In this list, we have shortlisted the best Barcelona players of all time. Barcelona have had a prestigious history and countless iconic players to have represented the Catalans over the years. Here’s the list of the best Barcelona players ever.

Rank	Player	Country	Position	Barcelona Spell
1	Lionel Messi	Argentina	Forward	2004–2021
2	Xavi Hernandez	Spain	Midfielder	1998–2015
3	Andres Iniesta	Spain	Midfielder	2002–2018
4	Johan Cruyff	Netherlands	Forward/Midfielder	1973–1978
5	Ronaldinho	Brazil	Forward/Midfielder	2003–2008
6	Samuel Eto’o	Cameroon	Forward	2004–2009
7	Sergio Busquets	Spain	Midfielder	2008–2023
8	Gerard Piqué	Spain	Defender	2008–2022
9	Carles Puyol	Spain	Defender	1999–2014
10	Ronald Koeman	Netherlands	Defender/Midfielder	1989–1995