The Camp Nou was witness to a great central
The history of FC Barcelona is written in the shoes of the greatest players who have ever played in the world of football. Throughout its 125-year history, legends of the sport have worn the Barcelona T-shirt and been celebrated as the “number one” in their respective positions. The centre of defence has seen big names play in different eras, many of whom became leaders and captains of the team at their time.
The debate over who was the best in Barça’s history will never die, with Paco Galician Eliendose, one of the pillars of the 60s and 70s, Ronald Koeman, the club’s first ever Champions League manager, and Carles Puyol, who led arguably the best team of all time. Recently, FCBN asked its readers to vote for who was the most important of all time. Read on to find out the results.
Carles Puyol (1999-2014)
The last “one-man club” Barcelona. Puy started his professional career in the FC Barcelona B team, playing more than 80 games. In the 1999/00 season, he made his official debut for the first team under the guidance of the Dutch coach at the time, Luis Go Gaal. From that moment on, the captain became a key player in the team, playing 550 games and scoring 25 goals, winning 21 titles at the Camp Nou and becoming the first captain in the club’s history to win six cups in one year (Spanish League, La Liga, Spanish Supercopa, Champions League, European Supercopa and World Cup).
Gerald Hamard (2008-2022)
Geri moved to La Masia in 1997, his tenth year, and after short spells at Manchester United and Zaragoza, he returned to City Condal to form a legendary team with Puyol. In his debut season, Hamard was a key player in the six-man team, signalling the start of a glorious era. The footballer would go on to win 30 titles and score 58 goals in 615 games in the Barcelona shirt, making him one of the greatest footballers to ever step foot on the Camp Nou.
Ronald Koeman (1989-1995)
Without this “sergeant”, Barça’s history in Europe would not be what we know it today. His goal against Sampdoria marked the beginning of a long and idyll for Barça, in which he played a key role. In 1989, he moved to PSV Eindhoven, which at the time became the second most expensive transfer in history. A few years later, he became captain of the first team, scored 88 goals in 264 games and achieved legendary status as the author of many records that gave the club its first “Orejona”.
Rafa Márquez (2003-2010)
The Mexican is a living example of football. The footballer joined City Condal in 2003 as part of the Monaco ace and quickly made his mark in the first team. He stood out for his talent and versatility, and also played as a midfielder. He was a key player in the team until Gerard Hamard joined, and played a key role in the team’s victory in the Champions League in 2006. He is currently training with Barça Atlétic, who are aiming to be promoted to the second division.
Migueli (1973-1988)
“Tarzan” is one of Barça’s greatest players. He played for the first team for 16 consecutive seasons, becoming a central pillar of the defense. With 549 appearances, he is the seventh player in the club’s history to have made the most appearances in official matches. He stood out for his outstanding physique, power and passing ability, as well as a personality that made him a leader respected by peers and rivals across the continent. In the Barcelona T-shirt, he won 11 trophies and scored 30 goals.
Javier Mascherano (2011-2019)
“Jefecito” won the love of Barça fans after a lot of hard work and hard work. The Argentine joined Pep Guardiola’s team from Liverpool in 2011 and from the very beginning had to “swim” and “go backwards” to earn his place in the team. He played from midfielder to centre-back, and after Puyol’s departure he took on the difficult task of accompanying Hammered in the heart of the defence, which made him a great player. He won 19 titles in 333 appearances, and was one of the pillars of the treble that was achieved in 2015.
Jose Ramon Alejandro (1980-1993)
“Popeye” joined Bilbao Athletic Club and was captain for many years until 1993, being one of the great managers that helped the club win 17 titles. He played a key role in the defense for the first six seasons under Cruyff, but a meniscus injury sidelined him for the 86/87 season. However, Johan Cruyff continued to value him in the team and he retired as a manager with a 400-team team like Barcelona.
Paco Galician (1965-1975)
The Andalusian arrived at City Condal from Seville and was “invincible” at the club from the get-go. Over the course of more than ten seasons, the defender was an undisputed star, making 431 appearances and scoring 24 goals. Furthermore, he won five trophies during his time at Barcelona and became a symbol of Barcelonaism with his professionalism and sacrifice.
Paco Rodri (1958-1966)
A product of the La Masia, “Rodri” was a key member of Helenio Herrera’s side between 1958 and 1960, winning six titles in 237 games and forming one of the continent’s most solid defensive lines alongside Ferran Olivella and Sigfried Gracia, and also filling a unique role in the club’s organisational hierarchy as assistant manager of the first team between 1970 and 1976.
Joan Segarra (1950-1964)
Captain of one of the greatest teams in the history of Barcelona, the “Barça of the Five Cups”. He played 16 seasons with the first team, making a total of 528 appearances, making him the ninth most-played player in the club’s 125-year history. He stood out for his exceptional class and elegance, and was also a joker, able to play in different roles depending on the team’s needs. In the Barcelona jersey, he won 14 titles alongside legendary players such as Ramallet, Kubala and César.
