Barcelona Best Attacking Midfielders of All Time: FC Barcelona is a famous football team known for its incredible attacking play. Over the years, they’ve some amazing midfielders who were experts at passing, had great vision, and could break through defenses easily. These players not only helped Barcelona win many trophies but also added beauty and innovation to the game.
From the legendary Johan Cruyff to modern stars Lionel Messi and Neymar, Barcelona’s attacking midfielders have impressed fans with their exceptional skills. They control the game, create opportunities, and make precise passes that have been crucial to Barcelona’s success. These players are not just admired by Barcelona fans but are also considered among the greatest in the history of football.
Barcelona Best Attacking Midfielders of All Time
Let’s explore the best-attacking midfielders in Barcelona’s history, appreciating their achievements and the lasting impact they’ve on the club.
5. Neymar
- Date of Birth: 5 February 1992 (age 31 Years)
- Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position(s): Forward, attacking midfielder
At number 5 on our list of Barcelona’s Best Attacking Midfielders of All Time is Neymar. He joined FC Barcelona in the 2013/14 season, signing a five-year contract. The official cost was 57 million euros, making it the eighth highest at the time. However, after a complaint about misusing funds, the actual transfer fee was revealed to be 86.2 million euros, leading to the resignation of FC Barcelona president Sandro Rosell.
Despite the controversy, Neymar made a significant impact on the team. In the 2014/15 UEFA Champions League final against Juventus, Neymar scored a crucial goal in stoppage time, helping Barcelona win 3-1. This victory made him the eighth player to win the highest club title in both CONMEBOL and UEFA regions.
Neymar was also the top scorer in the 2014/15 Champions League season, sharing the honor with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
During the 2015/16 season, Neymar contributed to FC Barcelona’s success in winning the national championship. In his final season with the club, he secured the Spanish Cup. Despite the controversies surrounding his transfer fee, Neymar’s time at Barcelona was marked by notable achievements and contributions to the team’s success.
4. Maradona
- Date of Birth: 30 October 1960
- Height: 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder, second striker
Diego Armando Maradona is considered one of the greatest football icons, and many regard him as the best player in history. He earned the title of the best player of the 20th century. Maradona, also known as Pelusa, was known for his exceptional dribbling, vision, ball control, and passing skills.
As the leading star of the 1986 World Cup-winning team, he was particularly notable for his ability to outmaneuver opponents effortlessly and his impressive endurance, often enduring many fouls as he proved difficult to stop.
Maradona played for FC Barcelona for two seasons, from 1982 to 1984. During this time, he participated in 58 games, scoring 38 goals and providing 24 assists. His achievements with the Blaugranas include winning 1 Copa del Rey, 1 League Cup, and 1 Spanish Super Cup. His time at Barcelona showcased his extraordinary talent and contributed to the team’s success in various competitions.
3. Johan Cruyff
- Date of Birth: 25 April 1947
- Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position(s): Forward, attacking midfielder
Johan Cruyff, a Dutch football legend, is often recognized as one of the best attacking midfielders in Barcelona’s history. Despite his slender physique, Cruyff was known for his impressive technical skills and making him a prototype for modern players. His exceptional passing, goal-scoring ability, and, most notably, extraordinary dribbling skills set him apart as one of the greatest in this aspect of the game.
Starting his career at Ajax Amsterdam, Cruyff achieved considerable success, winning the Dutch championship eight times and the Champions League three times with Ajax before making a move to Barcelona. In Spain, he added to his trophy cabinet by winning the domestic championship and the Copa del Rey with the Catalans, leaving an enduring impact on Spanish football. Cruyff is remembered as one of FC Barcelona’s all-time great players.
Cruyff had significant success, reaching the final of the 1974 World Cup and the semi-finals of the 1976 European Nations Championship with the Dutch national team. Despite being considered the best team in the world at that time, they didn’t secure a title. Following his playing career, Johan Cruyff transitioned to become one of the most influential and successful football managers in history.
2. Ronaldinho
- Date of Birth: 21 March 1980 (age 43 Years)
- Height: 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Position(s): Attacking midfielder, winger
The second spot on the list goes to Ronaldinho, a Brazilian international who left an indelible mark on football with his incredible dribbling skills and creativity. Known as a true magician with the ball, Ronaldinho’s unique combination of speed and ability to outmaneuver opponents set him apart. Alongside his exceptional passing, technique, and finishing, he is also recognized as one of the best free-kick takers in the history of the game.
Starting his career with Grêmio, the young Brazilian talent made a significant impact in Europe with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). In 2003, he joined FC Barcelona, where he showcased the full extent of his talent. Ronaldinho secured two La Liga titles, a Champions League victory in 2006, and even earned a standing ovation from Real Madrid supporters during a classico, highlighting his extraordinary abilities. Any discussion about the best players in Barcelona’s history is incomplete without mentioning Ronaldinho.
His exceptional skills were not limited to Barcelona; Ronaldinho’s talent earned him a place in the Brazilian national team, where he scored 33 goals in 97 appearances. Notably, he contributed to Brazil’s World Cup victory in 2002 alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo, solidifying his status as one of the best Brazilian players in history.
1. Lionel Messi
- Date of Birth: 24 June 1987 (age 36 Years)
- Height: 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
- Position(s): Forward, attacking midfielder
Securing the top spot in our ranking of the Barcelona Best Attacking Midfielders of All Time is none other than Lionel Messi. In recent years, the Argentine has solidified his status as one of the greatest footballers in history. Known for his incredible talent and creativity with the ball, Messi is a formidable dribbler who effortlessly navigates through some of Europe’s best defenses. His passing game is unparalleled, and he stands as one of the best scorers in the history of the sport.
Lionel Messi, having been trained at Barça, spent the majority of his career with his home club and undoubtedly became the best player in the history of FC Barcelona. Holding the record for the most appearances, Messi played 778 matches and is easily the top scorer in Barcelona’s history with an impressive 672 goals. His trophy cabinet includes 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey victories, and 4 Champions League victories.
While achieving success with Barcelona, Messi faced challenges with the Argentine national team. He finally secured his first major international title in 2021 with the Copa América. In the 2014 World Cup, he reached the final, but Argentina fell short against Germany. However, Messi’s dream of winning the World Cup came true in 2022, marking a historic victory for Argentina. Lionel Messi’s impact on FC Barcelona and the sport as a whole is truly unparalleled.
