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Undoubtedly, it is any player's dream to play for Barcelona in front of a packed Camp Nou stadium at least once in his career.
The Catalans' storied history, studded with trophies, has been a magnet for some of the best players ever to have played football. Camp Nou has been home to legends like Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo among others.
The club's recent past has produced many legends as well. Carles Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta, Leo Messi — all long-term serving players, with Messi having been expected to retire with the club. However, fate had something else in store for the great man.
While the 5-time Champions League winners saw their star forward depart for PSG, there remain players who've been with the club for a long time. Let's take a look at them.
5 longest-serving players in Barcelona's current squad
#5 Marc-André ter Stegen - (since July 1, 2014)
Marc-André ter Stegen was signed by Luis Enrique along with Chilean shot-stopper Claudio Bravo. Unfortunately, an injury to ter Stegen meant Enrique had to choose Bravo as Barca's first choice in La Liga. The Chilean went on to win the Zamora trophy the same season.
Meanwhile, ter Stegen was handed the responsibility of guarding Barcelona's goal post in the Champions League and Copa del Rey. The team won both trophies.
The German remained a part of his coach's rotational policy for another year before securing the number one spot on a full-time basis after Claudio Bravo's departure for Man City.
He has sealed a contract with Barcelona until 2025 and is one of the most experienced players at the club.
#4 Sergi Roberto - (since July 1, 2013)
The hero of Barcelona's La Remontada — Sergi Roberto occupies the 4th spot on our list.
A product of La Masia, Sergi Roberto made his senior team debut at the age of 18. Over the years, the Spaniard has often been an asset to all the managers he has played under. Credit for the same goes to his versatile playing nature.
Roberto is equally good at attacking and defensive positions. He could be seen gracing the role of a defender or a midfielder as per the demands of the situation.
In a team like ours, except in goal, he could play in any position, it's no surprise. The most difficult thing is doing it well all over the field and Sergi Roberto does that - Luis Enrique about Sergi Roberto's versatility.
The 29-year-old is one of Barcelona's most crucial players.
#3 Jordi Alba - (since July 1, 2012)
Barcelona's 4th choice captain was once an outcast at Camp Nou. Having joined the Catalan club's youth setup as a winger, Jordi Alba was released for not having enough physical attributes.
However, Barcelona couldn't ignore the finished product that he turned out to be. Jordi Alba, now a wing-back, was offered a contract in 2012. The Spaniard left Valencia to join his boyhood club where he rose to be one of the best wingbacks in modern football.
He has been a crucial part of all of Barcelona's recent successes. 5 x La Liga trophy, 5 x Copa del Rey title, 3 x Spanish Super Cup and 1 x Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup — Jordi Alba has won a heap of trophies for Blaugrana.
#2 Sergio Busquets - (since Sep 1, 2008)
Lauded as one of the best ever midfielders in football, Sergio Busquets has been one of Barcelona's prized possessions since 2008.
Busquets is one of only seven players in history to have won the treble twice (2009 & 2015). In 630 appearances in the red & blue shirt, Busquets has scored just 15 goals (across all competitions).
Despite his absence from the scoresheet he is nothing less than a player of supreme quality. There aren't many who can boss the midfield the way he does. He has earned plaudits from across the globe.
If you watch the whole game, you won't see Busquets—but watch Busquets, and you will see the whole game - Former Spain manager Vicente del Bosque.
He now wears the captain's armband for Barcelona after Messi's departure.
#1 Gerard Piqué - (since July 1, 2008)
One of the brightest pupils of Barcelona's La Masia academy, Gerard Piqué moved to England to enroll himself in Manchester United's youth academy.
Having spent a short stint at Old Trafford, the Spanish center-back was called back to Catalunya by Barcelona's then manager Pep Guardiola.
Piqué has had a stellar career so far with both country and club. He stood like a wall while Barcelona won 2009 and 2015 trebles. The 34-year-old was also an important cog in Spain's dream run between 2008 and 2012.
Having played a staggering total of 567 games for Barcelona, their vice-captain remains one of their longest serving players
