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La Masia, FC Barcelona’s iconic youth academy, has produced some of football’s most legendary players and set the standard for talent development worldwide. Producing technically brilliant midfielders and unbelievable attackers. Here, we dive into the top 10 players who rose from Barcelona’s famed academy to rule the football world.
Lionel Messi
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Undoubtedly the greatest talent to emerge from Barcelona's youth academy and arguably the best to ever represent the club, Messi joined the La Liga giants in 2001 from Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys, where he had trained since he was six.
Recognizing his extraordinary potential, Barcelona committed to covering his medical treatment after he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. At 16 years, four months, and 23 days old, Messi made his first-team debut on 16 November 2003, entering the field in the 75th minute of a friendly match against José Mourinho's Porto.
His performance, which included creating two scoring opportunities and a shot on target, impressed the technical staff. Following this, he started training daily with Barcelona’s reserve team, Barcelona B and joined the first team for weekly sessions.
From 2008 to 2021, Messi achieved unprecedented success at Barcelona. He led the club to numerous titles, including 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, and 4 UEFA Champions League trophies.
His influence on the field was transformative, as he could play across various attacking positions, adapt to different tactical setups, and still deliver fantastic performances. Messi’s goal-scoring record during this time was astonishing; he became Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing legendary figures like César Rodríguez.
One of his most memorable achievements was scoring 91 goals in the 2012 calendar year, breaking the previous record set by Gerd Müller. Messi became the captain of Barcelona in 2018 and remained so till 2021.
Over his 18-year career with Barcelona’s senior team, he made 768 appearances the most in the club's history became their top goal scorer, and earned 7 Ballon d'Or awards.
Xavi Hernandez
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Xavi celebrated as the greatest playmaker of his generation and a symbol of Barcelona’s tiki-taka passing style, joined La Masia at age 10. While initially inspired by Barcelona playmaker Pep Guardiola, he also grew up watching English football. Xavi made his La Liga debut on 3 October 1998 in Barcelona’s 3–1 victory over Valencia.
Starting with a mix of reserve and senior team appearances, his consistent performance soon earned him a spot as a key player in Louis van Gaal’s title-winning squad, ending his debut season with 26 appearances and the 1999 La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
Xavi assumed the role of Barcelona’s primary playmaker after Guardiola was injured in the 1999–2000 season. He was appointed vice-captain of Barcelona in the 2004–05 season, during which he played a crucial role in helping the team secure both La Liga and the 2004 Supercopa de España titles.
His influence on the field continued to grow, and by the 2008–09 season, Xavi was a central figure in Barcelona’s Champions League success. His exceptional playmaking in the 2009 Champions League Final, where Barcelona defeated Manchester United 2–0, earned him the title of "UEFA Champions League Best Midfielder" for his contributions.
Xavi’s influence extended to La Liga, where he was the top assist provider with 20 assists during the season. His excellence placed him among the top three contenders for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or, where he ultimately finished third, trailing only his Barcelona teammates, Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta.
After club captain Carles Puyol retired, Xavi was appointed as Barcelona's new captain, cementing his legacy within the team. On April 25, 2015, Xavi achieved a historic milestone by making his 500th La Liga appearance, becoming the eighth player in history to reach this number.
His illustrious Barcelona career concluded on June 6, 2015, during the Champions League Final against Juventus, where he entered as a substitute for Andrés Iniesta in the 78th minute. This marked his 767th and final appearance for the club, as Barcelona went on to secure their fifth European Cup.
After coaching in the Middle East, Xavi returned to the Nou Camp in November 2021 as Barcelona’s manager. In his stint as Manager, he helped the club to win the 2022/2023 La Liga title joining the League of Players to win a league title as a player and a coach.
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Andres Iniesta
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At age 12, Andrés Iniesta was playing for Albacete Balompié in a junior seven-a-side tournament when he caught the attention of scouts from clubs across Spain. His family had connections with Barcelona’s youth team coach, Enrique Orizaola, who persuaded them to consider sending Iniesta to La Masia, Barcelona’s renowned youth academy.
A visit to La Masia with his parents convinced them to enroll Iniesta in the academy, setting him on a path toward the club’s first team. Iniesta joined Barcelona’s senior squad during Radomir Antić’s tenure as head coach. He made his debut on October 29, 2002, in a 1–0 away victory over Club Brugge during the UEFA Champions League group stage.
In the 2004–05 season, Iniesta played in 37 out of 38 league matches—more than any other Barcelona player that season—although 25 of those appearances were as a substitute. He scored twice, helping Barcelona clinch the La Liga title.
When Xavi was sidelined with an injury at the start of the 2005–06 season, Iniesta found himself in a more regular starting role in midfield, where he continued to improve and develop. Following the retirements of Carles Puyol and later Xavi, Iniesta eventually became Barcelona’s captain.
He was named man of the match in the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final, assisting Ivan Rakitić's opening goal in a 3–1 win over Juventus at Berlin's Olympiastadion. This victory made Barcelona the first club in history to win two trebles of domestic league, domestic cup, and European Cup. Iniesta was among the seven players who had been part of both historic treble-winning teams.
Though he signed a lifetime contract with Barcelona, Iniesta announced on April 27, 2018, that he would leave the club at the end of the season. He made his 674th and final appearance on May 20 in a 1–0 home victory over Real Sociedad, as Barcelona celebrated their 25th league title and 30th Copa del Rey win.
Over his career, Iniesta became Spain’s most decorated footballer, amassing 35 trophies, including nine La Liga titles and four Champions League victories. Internationally, Iniesta played a pivotal role in Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph, famously scoring the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands, securing Spain’s first and only World Cup title.
Carles Puyol
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Puyol remains very famous for his World Cup semi-final goal against Germany, which helped them qualify for and win the final in 2010. The legendary Catalonian defender, dedicated his entire career to Barcelona, primarily as a center-back, though he was equally skilled on either side of the defense.
Renowned for his leadership and formidable defensive abilities, Puyol earned the nickname "El Tiburón" ("The Shark") for his fierce presence on the field. In 1998, Barcelona considered a transfer to Málaga due to competition from Frank de Boer and Michael Reiziger, but Puyol chose to stay and earn his place in the team.
Promoted by Louis van Gaal, he debuted in La Liga on October 2, 1999, contributing to a 2–0 win against Real Valladolid. Named captain in 2004 after Luis Enrique's retirement, Puyol led Barcelona with unwavering determination until his retirement in 2014.
Over his illustrious career, he played 593 matches, won 18 major titles—including six La Liga championships and three Champions League trophies—and was named UEFA's "Best European Right-Back" in 2002.
Cesc Fabregas
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Cesc Fàbregas began his football journey with CE Mataró before joining Barcelona’s La Masia academy at age 10 in 1997. Admiring then-captain Pep Guardiola, Fàbregas dreamed of Barcelona’s first team. However, with limited chances for promotion, he signed with Arsenal’s academy on September 11, 2003.
In the 2004–05 season, Fàbregas began making senior appearances, debuting against Manchester United in the FA Community Shield. When Vieira was injured, he took on a larger role, starting four consecutive Premier League games.
By 2006–07, Fàbregas had established himself as a creative force for Arsenal, finishing the season with 13 assists—second highest in the league. His standout performance earned him the Golden Boy award, a spot on the 2006 UEFA Team of the Year, and Premier League Player of the Month for January 2007.
Though he was a finalist for both the PFA Players' Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards, these went to Cristiano Ronaldo. Arsenal fans voted him Player of the Season in June 2007.
On November 24, 2008, Fàbregas was named Arsenal captain, succeeding William Gallas. Mid-season, however, a knee injury sidelined him for four months, and Arsenal finished without a trophy, placing fourth in the league and reaching the Champions League semifinals.
Barcelona re-signed Fàbregas on August 15, 2011, for €29 million plus bonuses, ending a lengthy transfer saga. His debut season was successful, winning the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup, with 15 goals, 20 assists, and four best midfielder awards.
On June 12, 2014, Chelsea signed Fàbregas on a five-year contract for around €33 million. He won the Premier League in 2017 and the FA Cup in 2018 before leaving in January 2019. After stints at Monaco and Como, Fàbregas retired on July 1, 2024, closing a remarkable career.
Pep Guardiola
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Widely regarded as the greatest football manager of all time Pep Guardiola joined La Masia from Gimnàstic de Manresa at age 13. Rising through Barcelona's youth ranks over six years, he made his senior debut in 1990 against Cádiz and quickly became a regular in the 1992/1993 season
At just 20, Guardiola played a pivotal role in Barcelona's La Liga and European Cup victories, even being hailed by Italy’s Guerin Sportivo magazine as the world’s best player under 21. Under Bobby Robson in 1996–97, Guardiola helped Barcelona secure the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, and the European Cup Winners' Cup.
Named captain by new manager Louis van Gaal in 1997, Guardiola led with distinction. However, on April 11, 2001, he announced he would leave Barcelona after 17 years, his final appearance for the club came on June 24, 2001, against Celta Vigo, appearing in 479 games and winning 16 trophies over 12 seasons.
On the international stage, Guardiola debuted for Spain on October 14, 1992, in a friendly against Northern Ireland, and that year captained Spain to a gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics.
Guardiola's managerial journey began with Barcelona B in 2007, and by 2008, he took charge of the senior team. Over four seasons, he led them to three La Liga titles, and two Champions Leagues, and achieved the club’s first treble in 2009.
In 2013, he moved to Bayern Munich, winning three Bundesliga titles, a Club World Cup, and two DFB-Pokals over three seasons. Now at Manchester City, Guardiola continues to break records, including setting the longest Champions League winning streak at 26 games (2022-2024), surpassing Manchester United’s previous record of 25 (2007-2009).
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Victor Valdes
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Born in Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Víctor Valdés joined Barcelona’s youth setup from Peña Cinco Copas on July 1, 1992. By the 2003–04 season, he had claimed the position of first-choice goalkeeper, and in the 2004–05 season, he was instrumental in Barcelona’s first league title in six years, earning the Zamora Trophy as Spain’s best-performing goalkeeper with the fewest goals conceded.
In 2005–06, Valdés played a vital role in Barcelona’s European success, securing the Champions League title. His crucial saves in the final against Arsenal, including two close-range stops against Thierry Henry, helped Barcelona clinch a 2–1 victory at the Stade de France. On June 17, 2007, Valdés equaled Andoni Zubizarreta's record by starting—and never being substituted—in all 38 La Liga games that season.
Valdés set a club record for consecutive clean sheets in European competition, with a shutout against Rangers on November 7, 2007. during his time at Barcelona, he amassed six La Liga titles, three Champions League trophies, and 21 titles in total.
By the 2011–12 season, Valdés had broken Zubizarreta’s records for the most appearances by a goalkeeper in both league and official competitions, cementing his legacy at the club. He retired from football officially in January 2018.
Gerard Pique
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Piqué joined La Masia at age 10, where he quickly distinguished himself as a gifted defender with a natural understanding of the game. However, seeking more first-team opportunities, he moved to Manchester United in 2004.
During his time with United, Piqué honed his defensive skills and gained valuable experience, ultimately contributing to the club’s Premier League and Champions League successes in the 2007–08 season. This formative experience set the stage for his return to Barcelona.
Upon his return to Barcelona in 2008, Piqué was welcomed by manager Pep Guardiola, and he quickly proved himself indispensable to the team. Known for his composure, technical skill, and ability to read the game, Piqué became a core component of Barcelona’s defense, fitting seamlessly into the club style.
His contributions helped Barcelona achieve unprecedented success, including the historic treble in the 2008–09 season—winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League in one season. This marked Barcelona’s first treble, and Piqué’s defensive reliability was crucial to the team’s achievement. Piqué would go on to be part of two more historic trebles, in 2014–15, which established Barcelona as the only club to achieve this feat twice.
Throughout his time at Barcelona, Piqué’s trophy cabinet expanded to include six La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League trophies, six Copa del Rey titles, six Supercopa de España titles, three UEFA Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups.
His defensive consistency and footballing intelligence earned him individual accolades, including being named La Liga’s Best Defender in 2009–10 and multiple selections to the UEFA Team of the Year and the FIFA FIFPro World XI.
Piqué’s international career with Spain was equally remarkable. Forming a formidable partnership with Sergio Ramos, he was a crucial part of Spain’s golden era. In 2010, he helped Spain secure its first FIFA World Cup, anchoring a defense that conceded just two goals in the tournament and set a record for consecutive clean sheets in the knockout stages.
Two years later, he was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2012 triumph, solidifying their dominance in international football. Over his international career, Piqué earned 102 caps, scoring five goals and proving himself as one of Spain’s most reliable defenders on the global stage.
As Piqué retired in 2022, he left a lasting legacy with 616 appearances for Barcelona, 53 goals, and 30 major trophies—a record that solidifies his place as one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.
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Pedro
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Pedro was born on July 28, 1987, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. His football journey began at San Isidro, a local club in Tenerife, where he displayed his technical prowess and versatility as a forward. His talent soon caught the attention of FC Barcelona scouts, and in 2004, at the age of 17, he joined the prestigious La Masia academy.
Pedro’s official debut for Barcelona’s first team came in January 2008 in a Copa del Rey match, and he made his La Liga debut later that season. However, it was during the 2008–09 season that he truly began to shine.
He played a pivotal role as the club achieved an unprecedented treble in the 2008–09 season, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. Pedro’s adaptability allowed him to thrive in various attacking roles, complementing the skills of Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta.
During his time at Barcelona, Pedro won an astounding 20 major trophies, including five La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League titles, three Copa del Rey titles, and two FIFA Club World Cups.
After over a decade with Barcelona, Pedro transferred to Chelsea in the English Premier League in 2015. During his five-year stint with Chelsea, Pedro added to his trophy cabinet with a Premier League title in the 2016–17 season, an FA Cup in 2018, and a UEFA Europa League title in 2019
Sergio Busquets
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Sergio Busquets was born on July 16, 1988, in Sabadell, Spain. Football ran in his family, as his father, Carles Busquets, was a former goalkeeper for Barcelona. Busquets joined La Masia, Barcelona's famed youth academy, in 2005, where he initially struggled to make a name for himself among the academy’s ranks.
However, under the guidance of Barcelona B coach Pep Guardiola, Busquets began to flourish, developing his trademark tactical intelligence and vision. Guardiola, who would later become his first-team coach, saw immense potential in Busquets’ ability to read the game, control tempo, and anticipate opponents' moves.
Busquets made his first-team debut for Barcelona in a 2008 La Liga match against Racing Santander. His performance, marked by calmness, technical skill, and defensive acumen, caught the eye of fans.
Over the years, Busquets became renowned for his "pivot" role, where he excelled in recycling possession, intercepting passes, and dictating play from deep positions.
During his time at Barcelona, Busquets would go on to win a remarkable 32 major trophies, including nine La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and three UEFA Champions League titles.
His impact extended beyond his statistical contributions; Busquets’ mastery of positional play and pressing transformed Barcelona’s midfield, laying the foundation for the club’s sustained success during his time.
In May 2023, Busquets announced his decision to leave Barcelona, marking the end of an era. After nearly two decades with the club, he departed as one of Barcelona’s most decorated players with 32 trophies to his name.
