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The 26-time La Liga champions FC Barcelona have had some fine individuals on their books over the years. Thanks to La Masia’s production and Barcelona’s performance in the transfer window, the Catalan giants have managed to establish a unique brand of football.
Barcelona are not only satisfied with winning, they are also determined to entertain their fans while they are at it.
The entertainment comes from creators - players who can manifest something extraordinary out of the ordinary. Today’s list is about honoring those Barcelona stars who have caught us off-guard time and again.
Here are the six most creative Barcelona players of the century.
#6 Luis Suarez
When we talk about Luis Suarez, we generally focus on the ruthlessness he displays in front of goal. However, that is not all there is to Suarez’s game, he is far from a one-dimensional goalscorer.
Luis Suarez, who joined Barcelona after a gut-wrenching Premier League campaign with Liverpool, enjoyed a six-season spell at Camp Nou. He formed a fearsome trio alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar, scoring practically in every game for fun.
Over the course of his Barcelona career, Luis Suarez scored 195 goals in all competitions. Many of these goals were a result of Suarez’s creativity, coming from his knack for converting half-chances into world-class goals.
The Uruguayan also set up his team-mates a whopping 113 times, which is extraordinary for a natural centre-forward.
#5 Andres Iniesta
Defining the brilliance of Andres Iniesta has to be one of the daunting tasks there are. The La Masia graduate oozed class and finesse, leaving an imprint on even Barcelona’s staunchest rivals.
Sitting in the middle of the park, Iniesta acted as Barcelona’s midfield general. No, he was not a very vocal player, but his football could cut through any defense in the world.
His passing, movement, and goals mesmerized Barcelona fans for 16 long seasons and it still does not feel like enough. Over the course of his decorated Barcelona career, Iniesta provided 138 assists in 674 matches.
#4 Neymar
When Barcelona acquired Neymar’s services from Santos in 2013, they expected him to eventually take the mantle from the great Lionel Messi.
His move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 shattered Barcelona’s dreams, but fans are still grateful for the football the Brazilian produced at the Camp Nou.
Neymar, who operated primarily on the left wing at Barcelona, used flicks and shoulder-drops to leave his opponents for dead. He had a telepathic connection with Lionel Messi and the two regularly used to set each other up.
Between 2013 and 20117, Neymar won two La Ligas and a Champions League alongside other trophies. The current PSG star scored 105 goals and provided 76 assists over his four-season spell at Barcelona.
#3 Xavi
For over 17 seasons, Xavi proudly wore the Barcelona crest on his chest. The former central midfielder experienced all the highs and lows of the club, standing tall and true through it all.
As a player, Xavi was better than almost all players of his generation. The Spaniard was at the heart of Barcelona’s famed ‘Tiki Taka’ system, acting as the metronome of his team.
Xavi packed a trait that made him one of a kind. The 2010 World Cup winner was practically press-resistant. Irrespective of how aggressively his opponents came at him, Xavi always found a way through, often setting up Barcelona for a counter-attack.
He was also an excellent free-kick taker and used to take most of Barcelona’s free-kicks before Lionel Messi stepped up. Over the course of his Barcelona career, Xavi won 25 trophies, including eight La Ligas and four Champions Leagues.
#2 Ronaldinho
Coming at a time when Barcelona were in dire need of some magic, Ronaldinho successfully changed the landscape of the great club. Not only did he give Barcelona a leg to stand on, but he also led the charge against Real Madrid’s Galacticos.
In the history of this great club, no one has entertained Blaugrana fans more than Ronaldinho. The Brazilian was the definition of footballing artistry and creativity. He could topple defenses with the drop of a shoulder, beat the best defenders with a well-timed “Elastico.”
He brought back the winning pedigree that Barcelona were missing and led them to the Champions League in 2005-06. For his exploits as a Barcelona player, he won the Ballon d’Or in 2005.
#1 Lionel Messi
To no one’s surprise, Lionel Messi sits comfortably at the top of our list and deservedly so. The Argentine is the best player Barcelona have ever had, leaving a legacy that is almost impossible to replicate.
Before joining PSG in 2021, Lionel Messi spent the entirety of his professional career at Barcelona. He progressed through the La Masia academy and made his first-team debut aged 16 years, four months, and 23 days.
The finesse of his free-kicks, the vision he had, and the surreal chances he created helped Barcelona become one of the best in the business.
Between 2003 and 2021, Lionel Messi contributed to numerous build-ups, scored 672 goals, provided 301 assists and won 35 major trophies. For his exploits in a Barcelona shirt, Messi won six Ballons d’Or, becoming the first player to achieve the feat.
