5 most influential footballers in Barcelona’s history
Founded in 1899, the Catalan club is the fourth most valued sports teams in 2017 and second only to Manchester United in football. They are the holders of 24 La Liga titles, 5 UEFA Champions League titles, 29 Copa del Rey titles, 3 FIFA Club World Cup titles and much more.
They revolutionised the game of football and the legacy of the club speaks for itself. Barcelona’s La Masia is one of the most renowned youth academies in the world and it has produced some of the greatest talents in world football. Also, many of the greatest footballers in the world were a part of its famous history.
On that note, let’s take a look at the most influential players in the club’s history.
#5 Xavi Hernandez
Coming through the famous La Masia academy, Xavi made his first-team debut aged 18. With 31 trophies, he is only behind Andres Iniesta in the list of most successful Spanish players in history. He is the most capped Barcelona player with 767 appearances in his 17 long years at the club.
He is a role model and true example for those who have graduated after him. The Ironman of Spanish football is still a reference for any midfielder who wishes to excel in the art of playing in the middle of the park.
Regarded by many as the best central midfielders of all-time, the World Cup winner is a master exponent of the tiki-taka style of football. His influence on Barcelona football is undeniable and his legacy can never be forgotten at the Camp Nou.