Ranking Barcelona's 6 most creative players in the 21st century

#3 Xavi

FC Barcelona v SD Eibar - La Liga

For over 17 seasons, Xavi proudly wore the Barcelona crest on his chest. The former central midfielder experienced all the highs and lows of the club, standing tall and true through it all.

As a player, Xavi was better than almost all players of his generation. The Spaniard was at the heart of Barcelona’s famed ‘Tiki Taka’ system, acting as the metronome of his team.

Xavi packed a trait that made him one of a kind. The 2010 World Cup winner was practically press-resistant. Irrespective of how aggressively his opponents came at him, Xavi always found a way through, often setting up Barcelona for a counter-attack.

He was also an excellent free-kick taker and used to take most of Barcelona’s free-kicks before Lionel Messi stepped up. Over the course of his Barcelona career, Xavi won 25 trophies, including eight La Ligas and four Champions Leagues.

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#2 Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho of FC Barcelona and David Sommeil of Manchester City

Coming at a time when Barcelona were in dire need of some magic, Ronaldinho successfully changed the landscape of the great club. Not only did he give Barcelona a leg to stand on, but he also led the charge against Real Madrid’s Galacticos.

In the history of this great club, no one has entertained Blaugrana fans more than Ronaldinho. The Brazilian was the definition of footballing artistry and creativity. He could topple defenses with the drop of a shoulder, beat the best defenders with a well-timed “Elastico.”

He brought back the winning pedigree that Barcelona were missing and led them to the Champions League in 2005-06. For his exploits as a Barcelona player, he won the Ballon d’Or in 2005.

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#1 Lionel Messi

FC Barcelona v Deportivo Alaves - La Liga

To no one’s surprise, Lionel Messi sits comfortably at the top of our list and deservedly so. The Argentine is the best player Barcelona have ever had, leaving a legacy that is almost impossible to replicate.

Before joining PSG in 2021, Lionel Messi spent the entirety of his professional career at Barcelona. He progressed through the La Masia academy and made his first-team debut aged 16 years, four months, and 23 days.

The finesse of his free-kicks, the vision he had, and the surreal chances he created helped Barcelona become one of the best in the business.

Between 2003 and 2021, Lionel Messi contributed to numerous build-ups, scored 672 goals, provided 301 assists and won 35 major trophies. For his exploits in a Barcelona shirt, Messi won six Ballons d’Or, becoming the first player to achieve the feat.