5 longest-serving players on Barcelona's current roster
Undoubtedly one of the biggest clubs in the world, Barcelona have established themselves as one of the most prestigious clubs in the top echelons of club football. Founded in 1899, the club's 118-year-old history is rich with success and tales of excellence and is adorned by the names of some sensational footballers who have plied their trade at the Catalan club.
Domestically, In 118 years, the club has won 25 La Liga titles, 30 Copa del Rey titles, 12 Supercopa de Espana titles. Since the turn of the century, the Blaugrana have also transitioned into a European superpower, winning 5 UEFA Champions League titles, as well as 5 UEFA Super Cups.
Naturally, the club has been represented by some of the finest footballers the game has ever seen - Patrick Kluivert, Johan Cruyff Ronaldo, Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, Carles Puyol and Xavi in the past, while players like Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez still find themselves donning the famous red and blue.
Barcelona has also churned out a number of other key figures in the football world like Pep Guardiola, Ronald Koeman and Txiki Begiristain. Often extracting talented players from their famed academy, La Masia, Barcelona have rarely been short of top quality talent over the years.
While some players have stayed at the club for years, some have come, conquered and left on their own time. To play for Barcelona is a dream most footballers cherish. However, only a fortuitous bunch go on to realize their dream. On that note, here is a look at 5 of the longest-serving players on Barcelona's current roster:
#5 Jordi Alba
Joined the club: 1st July 2012
Contracted until: 30th June 2020
Seasons spent at Barcelona: 6
Starting his career as a left winger, Jordi Alba was a member of Barcelona's youth side until he was released in 2005 before he moved to Cornella and then Valencia. Notably, he spent 3 seasons at Valencia, where he transitioned from a left-winger to a left-back.
Subsequently, Barcelona decided to bring him back to Camp Nou as they paid Valencia a reported fee of €14 million and signed the Spaniard on a five-year contract in 2012. Since then, Jordi Alba has made 239 appearances for the Blaugrana in all competitions and has even scored 12 times.
More importantly, the 29-year-old has won 13 major titles with the Catalonian club, including 4 La Liga titles, 4 Copa del Rey titles and 1 UEFA Champions League trophy. Presently recognised as one of the best left-backs in the world, Alba is contracted until 2020 but will be expected to be a part of the Barcelona outfit for longer.