5 of the greatest South Americans to have worn the colours of FC Barcelona
The history of FC Barcelona is littered with the magic sprinkled by South American talents who have held the Camp Nou spellbound with their trickery, skills, passion, and performances.
Like most of the giant clubs from the European Latinate nations (Spain, Italy, Portugal), Catalunya has been seen as “home away from home” by countless South American players for whom the language, culture, and environment of Barcelona feel very similar to that of their home countries.
Given the rather large number of players from that continent who have worn the blue & red colours of the Blaugrana, there have been a number of disappointments, especially from the one South American nation that has provided the most players for the Catalan giants; Brazil.
However, there are some whose names will always bring back feelings of awe and happiness whenever Culés recall their exploits.
A lot of talented South Americans have been left off the list: Neymar, Diego Maradona, Romario et al among others due to their rather short stay at the club.
Here is a list of five FC Barcelona players of South American descent who have wowed football fans the world over:
Also Read: 5 of Barcelona’s best centre-backs of all time
#5 Rivaldo (1997–2002)
Thin, hungry-looking but with a left foot fashioned by the gods themselves and an ability to rival the best players that Brazil has ever produced, Vítor Borba “Rivaldo” Ferreira was a one-of-a-kind player who was typical of football in that era where the creative-minded number 10 was king: the genius who could sleepwalk through an entire game but change the complexion of the match with one moment of magic.
The shining light of what were some turbulent times for Barca, Rivaldo’s artistry, skills, goalscoring and assists were some of the more illuminating aspects of life as a Cule during the dark days of Josep Lluís Núñez’s presidency (1978-2000).
It is an indictment of the club at that time and not a reflection of the Brazilian number 10s talent that he would only win 4 trophies; 2 La Liga titles, a UEFA Super Cup and a Copa del Rey during his stint at the club.
He is best remembered for the outrageous quality of some of the 136 goals he scored in 253 games at the club; a majestic tally despite not being a traditional striker.
Also Read: 5 of Barcelona's greatest strikers of all time