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#3 Johan Cruyff (1973-1978)
Barcelona has always been a club of legends, of great philosophers. These men wrote their own books, gave Barcelona the chance to lead the world, and eventually left without overstaying their welcome. Johan Cruyff was one such philosopher, and Barcelona fans were lucky to have front-row seats when the Dutchman decided to rewrite history.
Cruyff came to Barcelona after winning three successive European Cups with Ajax and two Ballons d’Or between 1970 and 1973. He was, without a doubt, the best player in the world and Barcelona had to pay 6 million guilders, which was a world record at the time, to get him to Catalunya. The maestro of Total Football wasted no time settling in and, right away, helped Barcelona to their first La Liga title in 14 years in the 1973-74 campaign.
Cruyff was virtually the manager on the pitch during his first-spell at Barcelona — a clear premonition of the future. He eventually returned to Catalunya as a manager in 1988 and helped the club to 4 La Liga titles and a European Cup over his 8-year-spell.
#2 Diego Maradona (1982-1984)
Diego Armando Maradona is widely revered as the greatest player to ever play the game. He was a brilliant dribbler, possessed unmatched footballing intelligence, and had the quality to change the outcome of a tie in a matter of seconds. Granted, his spell at Barcelona was not as iconic, but the greatness of the player cannot be overlooked.
Barcelona paid £5 million to get Maradona from Boca Juniors in 1982, which was a record at the time. The Argentine rewarded his recruiters by winning the Copa del Rey the same season, beating Real Madrid in the final. The following year, he became the first Barcelona player to be applauded by Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium following his goal against the All Whites.
Injuries, off-field controversies and temperament issues cut Maradona’s time short at Barcelona. In 1984, he signed for Serie A side Napoli and helped them to their most glorious phase in Italy.
#1 Lionel Messi (2004-2021)
Barcelona have had many legendary players gracing the field for them, but none of them have been as influential, or as great as La Masia graduate Lionel Messi. The Argentina captain, who joined the club’s youth system in 2000, left the club as the most prolific player in La Liga, registering 474 goals and 217 assists in only 520 appearances.
Lionel Messi is a man of many virtues. He is the greatest dribbler of his generation, can score with either foot, has the ability to penetrate any defense with his passes, and is an exemplary leader. His heroics for Barcelona — 10 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions Leagues amongst other honours — led to 6 Ballon d’Or wins, eclipsing Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally of five.
Messi, who signed for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent in August 2021, did not get the farewell he deserved at Barcelona. However, the player whose heart still beats for Barcelona, is certain to come back to the club — either in a technical role or as an honorary ambassador some time in the future.
