The Catalan club has been home to a whole host of iconic Samba stars down the years – but who stands out as the best?
Barcelona have signed a grand total of 29 Brazilian players over the last 35 years, with Vitor Roque the latest through the door in January 2024. The former Athletico Paranaense youngster only lasted one year in Catalunya, though, making just 14 La Liga appearances before the Blaugrana accepted a €25 million (£21m/$26m) offer for his services from Palmeiras in the winter transfer window.
Just like compatriots Philippe Coutinho, Malcom and Arthur Melo before him, Roque was unable to live up to expectations at one of the world's biggest clubs. Sonny Anderson, Fabio Rochemback and Geovanni also endured the same struggles at Barcelona, who have a mixed record when it comes to investment in Samba stars.
As such, it was relatively easy for GOAL to settle on the top 10 Brazilian's in the club's history. Ranking those players, however, was a far more daunting task, because most of them can be categorised as Barcelona legends.
In fact, the only man on the list who hasn't earned that status yet is Raphinha. That could change for the former Leeds United man by the end of May, though, because he is spearheading Barca's latest treble charge under Hansi Flick, and is currently the favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or. The question is: who is Raphinha bidding to overtake in the Blaugrana history books?Check out our rankings below…
AFP10Adriano
Signed from Sevilla for just €9.5m in the summer of 2010, Adriano would prove to be one of the bargain buys of the century in his trophy-laden six-year stint at Camp Nou. He never really nailed down a starting role, but was an invaluable utility player who could operate as a full-back or winger on both sides of the pitch, in central midfield and even in the heart of defence when required. Adriano also had a penchant for popping up with important goals, including a brace in Barca's 4-0 Club World Cup final win over Sadd Sports Club in 2011.
World Cup winner Edmilson was also a contender for this No.10 slot, but we've given Adriano the nod because of his incredible versatility and superior honours list, with the former Sevilla man ending his time at Catalunya with four La Liga titles, two Champions League crowns and three Copas del Rey.
AdvertisementGetty Images Sport9Sylvinho
All-action left-back Sylvinho made 128 appearances for Barca between 2004 and 2009 after being snapped up from Celta Vigo, racking up 17 goal contributions along the way. The former Arsenal star had a wand of a left foot and was a master at making overlapping runs, which made him a constant threat going forward, and his tactical awareness was second to none.
Sylvinho fell down the pecking order after Eric Abidal's arrival at Camp Nou, but he continued to give everything when called upon, and produced an outstanding performance to help keep Cristiano Ronaldo at bay in Barcelona's 2-0 Champions League final victory over Manchester United in 2009. That proved to be Sylvinho's final game for the La Liga giants, but he left with five major trophies to his name – a fine return from a player who cost just €2m.
Getty Images8Juliano Belletti
Juliano Belletti replaced Michael Reiziger as Barcelona's first-choice right-back after joining from Villarreal in May 2004, and quickly became a fan favourite because of his passion and forward-thinking style of play. Frank Rijkaard was rewarded for putting his faith in Belletti right from the off; he gave Barca natural width in attack and worked tirelessly out of possession as they stormed to back-to-back league titles.
Belletti is, however, most fondly remembered for scoring Barcelona's winning goal in the 2006 Champions League final against Arsenal. With just nine minutes left on the clock, he somehow managed to fire the ball through Manuel Almunia's legs from a tight angle after latching onto a pass from Henrik Larsson in the box. Remarkably, that was the only goal of Belletti's entire Barca career, but it forever cemented him a place in the club's Hall of Fame.
Getty Images7Raphinha
Raphinha scored two goals in his latest La Liga outing for Barca, including a stoppage-time penalty that gave Flick's side a vital 4-3 win against Celta Vigo. That took the 28-year-old past the half-century mark for goal contributions this term, a feat that has only been accomplished by three other Barcelona players – Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.
No one would have backed Raphinha to reach those heights after his underwhelming first two years at Barca, but Flick has unlocked his full potential since replacing Xavi as head coach last summer. Raphinha's quality in the final third has given Barca an edge in the most important matches, and he's also led by example with his efforts off the ball.
We may well have to push Raphinha into the top five if Barca complete a clean sweep of silverware; he's the best player in Europe right now, plain and simple.
