FC BARCELONA PLAYERS

Samuel Eto'o Fils

2009-02-21T04:07:00.000-08:00

Name: Samuel Eto'o Fils - 9 Eto'o
Position: delantero
Place of birth: Nkon (Cameroon)
Date: 10-03-1981
Height: 180 cm
Weight: 75 kg

Samuel Eto'o Fils made an impact on the world of football while still a teenager. He has exceptional physical qualities and made the leap to European football at the tender age of just 16 when Real Madrid signed him up and loaned him out to Leganés.

At the age of 17 years and 3 months he became the youngest player at the 1998 World Cup in France and was the only player who had been born in the '80's.

After Leganés, he went on loan to RCD Espanyol (1998-1999) but played very little and subsequently retuned to Real Madrid (1999-2000). In the 1999-00 season, he played a few times for RCD Mallorca, eventually spending four seasons there (2000-04), with the Balearic Island club sharing his rights with Real Madrid.

During his time with Mallorca, he became the highest ever league goal scorer in the history of the club, with 54 goals. He signed for Barca in the summer of 2004 for a transfer fee of 24 million euros after a long series of three-way negotiations with RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid, thus becoming the first Cameroonian player to defend the Barca colours. He made his debut for FC Barcelona in the first game of the season at Ràcing Santander, on August 29, 2004.

Since then, he has become a veritable goal machine, scoring 25 times in his first season and making a huge contribution to winning the championship. His goal against Levante clinched the league title. He has needed just 67 matches to reach the landmark figure of 50 goals, outstripping some of the great Barca legends of the past.

Since he joined the Club he has been chosen as African Player of the Year 2004, 2005 and 2006, and picked up third place in the FIFA World Player 2005. He is a full international and one of the outstanding players in the Cameroon team and has a huge popular following in his country.

In the 2005-06 season, he was the top scorer in the Spanish League with 26 goals. In the Champions League Final on May 17 in Paris, it was Eto'o who scored Barcelona's equaliser after the Blaugrana had gone a goal down to Arsenal.

CHARACTERISTICS

Fast, strong and direct, Samuel Eto'o, who is 1.80 tall and weighs 75 kilos, boasts considerable experience, despite still only being 23. He's a committed player, whose hunger for goals never gets in the way of his desire to do the best for his team.

Eto'o is fast footed and capable of leaving his markers flailing behind him, with a strong shot and is also an experienced penalty taker.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona

2006-07 Spanish Supercup
2005-06 Champions League
2005-06 League
2005-06 Spanish Supercup
2004-05 League

Real Madrid

1999-00 Champions League
1997-98 Intercontinental Cup

Real Mallorca

2002-03 Spanish Cup

Cameroon

2003 Confederation Cup runners up
2002 African Cup
2000 African Cup
2000 Gold medal Sidney Olympics

Individual Awards

2005-06 Spanish League top goalscorer
2004-05 Third place FIFA WORLD PLAYER
2004-05 African Player of the Year
2003-04 African Player of the Year
2002-03 African Player of the Year

link: FC BARCELONA Samuel Eto'o Fils

Lionel Andrés Messi

2009-01-05T15:24:00.000-08:00

Lionel Andrés Messi, Lionel Messi photos, wallpapers 1024x716

Ronaldo and Messi favorites for Golden Ball Award

2008-12-22T03:03:00.000-08:00

PARIS (AP) -Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo and FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi are the favorites to win this year's Golden Ball, awarded by France Football magazine to Europe's top player.

Ronaldo finished second to AC Milan midfielder Kaka last year, while Messi was third.

Kaka was again among the 30 nominees released Tuesday, but does not believe he will win this time.

''I am realistic. This one won't be for me. It's a shame, but it's logical,'' Kaka said. ''AC Milan did not have a good season.''

Kaka is touting United's winger to take the top prize.

''My favorite is Cristiano Ronaldo,'' Kaka said. ''He won two major titles with Manchester, and he scored a lot of goals.''

The 23-year-old Portugal winger scored 42 goals in all competitions to help United win the Premier League title and the Champions League.

The 21-year-old Messi was also in top form for Barca, scoring several breathtaking goals for the Catalan club, and also helping Argentina defeat Nigeria 1-0 to win the Olympic gold medal in Beijing in August.

''He is the kind of player I really like,'' Kaka said. ''Like Cristiano Ronaldo, he dribbles, he scores. Messi often does it all on his own.''

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is also among the nominees after helping Spain win the European Championship in June, scoring the lone goal in the final against Germany. Torres also scored 24 league goals in his debut season with the Reds.

Lyon striker Karim Benzema, one of only two French nominees along with Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, told France Football that Torres would get his vote.

''He scores goal after goal,'' Benzema said.

source: The Associated Press

Videos Messi Barcelona 2009

2008-11-22T02:44:00.000-08:00

youtube Lionel Messi, videos Messi

Videos de Messi, Video Lionel Messi

Thierry Henry

2008-08-17T02:29:00.000-07:00

Name: Thierry Henry
Position: forward
Place of birth: Les Ulis (Francia)
Date: 17-8-1977
Height: 188 cm
Weight: 83 kg

Thierry Henry is considered to be one of the best forwards in world football over the past decade. Elegance, ability and effectiveness are his main assets.

Born in Les Ulis (France) on August 17, 1977, he made his debut in top flight football with Monaco during the 1994-95 campaign, aged just 17. He began to show some of his ability on the right wing for the Principality-based outfit. After a brief spell at Juventus in 1998-99, Henry joined Arsenal, where he went on to show his true colours and become one of the best players in the history of the north London club.

Having moved into the centre of attack, Henry proved how lethal he was in front of goal at Arsenal even though he became known for drifting out to both flanks to pull his markers across the field. With him in the side, the label of 'Boring Arsenal' was forgotten as the Gunners became an attractive, attacking force in the Premiership and in Europe.

During his time in England he broke virtually every Arsenal club record. He became the Gunners' top goalscorer of all time with 214 goals and became the record scorer in the Premiership (since it was formed in 1992) with 164 goals as well as finishing as the scorer in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006).

His immense trophy haul includes a World Cup winners' medal as he was a member of the successful French squad in 1998. Two years after that he helped his country to win the European Championships in Belgium and Holland and then added the Confederations Cup to his collection in 2003. In ten years as a full international, up until the summer of 2007, Henry has played 92 games for France and netted 39 goals, just two less than the legendary Michel Platini, the French all-time record goalscorer.

At club level, Henry helped Arsenal win the Premiership twice (2002 and 2004) and the FA Cup on three occasions (2002, 2003 and 2005). On a personal note, he finished as Europe's top goalscorer and picked up the Golden Boot in 2004 and 2005.

PROFILE

Speed and technique are two of Henry's main characteristics, which he allies with efficiency and elegance. He is considered to be one of the most skilful players in the game with the ball at his feet as well as being an extremely intelligent footballer.

Despite having been moulded into a central striker under Arsène Wenger, Henry can play across the front line, which could well prove to be very useful as he vies for a place in the Barça team with Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi during the 2007-08 season.

HONOURS

Arsenal
2004-2005 FA Cup
2004-2005 Community Shield
2003-2004 League
2002-2003 FA Cup
2002-2003 Community Shield
2001-2002 FA Cup
2001-2002 League

Monaco
1996-1997 League

France
2006 World Cup runner-up
2003 Confederations Cup
2000 European Championship
1998 World Cup

Personal awards
2005-2006 Premiership top goalscorer
2004-2005 Premiership top goalscorer
2004-2005 Golden Boot
2003-2004 Premiership top goalscorer
2003-2004 Golden Boot
2001-2002 Premiership top goalscorer

Top Ten Transfers Of The Summer 2008

2008-07-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

10. Ezequiel Garay (Racing Santander to Real Madrid)
Last Week: 7

What a capture! Barcelona seemed to have him in the bag, but hesitated a little too much as they waited for Frank Rijkaard to leave and a new coach to take charge. Madrid managed to snatch Sergio Ramos a few years ago, and what a signing that has turned out to be. This one may be no different.

9. Deco (Barcelona to Chelsea)
Last Week: 6

On the wrong side of 30, a first look suggests that he is past it, but nothing could be further from the truth. There is a fire that burns in him as we saw during Euro 2008, and he has a lot more to give to football. He is not what Frank Lampard is, as he will never score as many goals. But then, he is also everything Lampard is not. Superb creativity, a great eye for the game, and an ability to run the show that has seen him win the Champions League with two different clubs. Finally, Chelsea have a player who can orchestrate the pleasing football their owner wants. With Ballack and Essien set to play around him, it will be an ominous midfield.

8. Amantino Mancini (Roma to Inter)
New Entry

Jose Mourinho does not quite promote exciting football, but he does like a fast, aggressive winger forward at least on one flank. That is just what he has found in Mancini, who will be handed the license to thrill just as Arjen Robben was during the glory years at Chelsea. Tends to blow hot and cold, though, as Roma found out last season. Lack of consistency will not go down well with the 'Special One', so he does need to focus a lot more.

7. Amauri (Palermo to Juventus)
Last Week: 5

The Brazilian-Italian striker made it to number three after earning himself a long overdue move to a top four club, but now slips down to seven. He has already shown his potential with Palermo, and the prospect of him getting some top quality service from the Juve midfield is simply mouth-watering. Champions League, here he comes.

6. Daniel Alves (Sevilla to Barcelona)
Last Week: 4

Chelsea, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United – these are just some of the clubs that have queued up for him over the last 18 months or so. However, it is Barcelona who land him after some difficult negotiations with Sevilla. Perhaps a touch overpriced at 30 million euros (he would have been number one on this list at 20m), but then again, he is the best attacking full-back this world has seen since Roberto Carlos.

5. Samir Nasri (Marseille to Arsenal)
Last Week: 3

The highly rated French international is the latest to join the clan of young Gunners. Many view him as a replacement for Aliaksandr Hleb, while others go a step further and call him the next Zidane. He has had some problems with injuries, but let's hope those were exceptions as opposed to the rule. The prodigous playmaker is at number five.

4. Ronaldinho (Barcelona to Milan)
New Entry

A gamble? Yes. But given the chance, would you sign one of the all time greats of football for a third of his market price last summer? You bet you would. At 28, he is far from over. Some diet planning and some tough training, and he will give at least three or four good years to the Rossoneri. A gamble nonetheless, or he would definitely have been number one. Number four for the Gaucho.

3. Luka Modric (Dinamo Zagreb to Tottenham)
Last Week: 2

The hottest young Croatian was snapped up by Spurs despite the interest of clubs such as Barcelona and Chelsea, and what a signing it has already turned out to be. Looks set to become the jewel in Juande Ramos' midfield next season. He remains at the sharp end of our list.

2. Aliaksandr Hleb (Arsenal to Barcelona)
New Entry

A very shrewd buy, and what could very well turn out to be a stroke of genius from Barcelona. With Lionel Messi expected to run the show, what they needed was not a Ronaldinho, but a tireless, no-nosense attacking midfielder to offer support from the other flank - without hogging possession or the limelight. And they got him on the cheap too. A true critics' player in that while fans rave about others, he runs away with the technical plaudits.

1. Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal to Milan)
Last Week: 1

The underrated Frenchman was one of Arsenal's best players last season, and Milan's signing was nothing less than a coup. That it was a free transfer makes it even better. The smartest transfer this summer despite the number of high profile players on the move.

source: goal.com

Lionel Messi Photos

2008-06-15T01:48:00.000-07:00

Lionel Messi

AC Milan agree Zambrotta deal

2008-06-15T01:30:00.000-07:00

FC Barcelona and AC Milan have reached an official agreement so the transfer of Gianluca Zambrotta to the Italian club can be completed. The 31-year-old defender will put pen-to-paper on a four-year contract with the Serie A outfit that will see him play at the San Siro until 2012. The transfer fee is €9m plus €2m more depending upon Milan’s performance in the Champions League over the next four seasons.

Zambrotta has played for Barcelona for the past two seasons after joining the club from Juventus in 2006 and helped the Blaugrana to win the Spanish Super Cup in his first season.

Henry scores but Holland go through (4-1)

2008-06-15T01:28:00.000-07:00

Holland goes through to the quarter-finals after beating France 4-1. Blaugrana Henry was the scorer of France’s only goal.

In one of the best games of the European Cup, Holland goes through to the quarter-finals after beating France 4-1. Blaugrana Henry was the scorer of France’s only goal, Thuram played the full 90 minutes whilst Abidal stayed on the substitute bench.

Exciting first half

In an exciting first half, France were overcome by Holland alter just ten minutes, when Kuyt headed home a corner from Van der Vaart. Holland had other chances, but France responded well, with Govou, Malouda and Ribery keeping Manchester United keeper Van der Saar busy in the opposite goal. Henry wasn’t in the game much, apart from a powerful shot which just missed. After a weak start, Thuram was more than able to keep Kuyt under control.

Classic second half

The excitement didn’t let up in the second half, and despite France’s dominance, sub Van Persie scored from Robben’s cross in the 59th minute. Hernry pulled one back for France in the 71st minute, touching home a cross from Sagnol, but Holland responded seconds later with a goal from Robben. Then, in injury time, Sneijder scored from a powerful 20-yard shot, making it 4-1. Holland have now won Group C and qualified for the quarter finals, but France and Italy still have to battle it out next Wednesday.

source: fcbarcelona.com

Ronaldinho vs Cristiano Ronaldo

2008-05-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Ronaldinho vs Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldinho skills vs Cristiano Ronaldo skills

Barcelona-Manchester United: Key Battles

2008-04-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

In what is labelled as a match worthy of the final itself, Spanish giant Barcelona will take on English juggernaut Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday night at the Camp Nou.

Although United hold a slight advantage in this match, you can never bet against Barca. Both teams have been unbeaten in the competition so far, and this match will be a showdown.

Let's have a look at the key battles on-field that might decide the match's outcome.

1. Lilian Thuram/Gabriel Milito vs. Wayne Rooney/Carlos Tevez:

Barcelona will be without their skipper, Puyol, and hence will be vulnerable at the back. However with the experience Thuram brings, there will be stability at the back, at least on paper.

Gabriel Milito has been great for the last two seasons and has filled Rafael Marquez's shoes very well. He will look to neutralise the threat of fellow compatriot Carlos Tevez.

On the other hand, Man United's two forwards will look to keep the two defenders busy and will pounce on any errors by Barca's backline.

2. Eric Abidal vs. Cristiano Ronaldo:

Stopping the best player in the world will be more than a walk in the park for Abidal.

His defending is as good as his attacking, but will he be able to handle hotrod Ronaldo?

My guess is that Ronaldo will keep him huffing and puffing, even if Abidal manages to keep him on a leash. This battle on the flanks will have a big impact on the tie. Because the winner here will probably be the winner of the tie.

3. Gianluca Zambrotta vs. Ryan Giggs:

Although the veteran winger Giggs is not what he used to be, he has the desire to win Europe once again. Zambrotta, on the other hand, is young, fast and a great crosser of the ball.

However, with experience on his side, Giggs will be a tough challenge for any right back. This battle in the wings is almost as important as the entire match itself, because if Giggs has a bad day at the office, then Patrice Evra will have the near impossible task of stopping Messi and Zambrotta.

So, it is absolutely essential that Giggs keeps Zambrotta busy.

4. Yaya Toure or Deco or Xavi vs Michael Carrick/Owen Hargreaves or Anderson/Paul Scholes:

The midfield is where most games are decided, and this one will be no different. Barcelona has great midfielders, such as two-time winner of the competition Deco and the experienced Xavi.

However, it will be great to see how Yaya Toure handles the pressure against the likes of Carrick and Scholes.

From United's point of view, Hargreaves will be the key man. He will have to keep a lot of attacking players at bay and will be almost sure to start.

Looking at the great form he is in, it doesn't seem a hard job after all.

5. Lionel Messi vs. Patrice Evra:

Patrice Evra will be United's equivalent of Eric Abidal, as he will have to stop a certain Argentinian called Lionel Messi. Messi is just returning from an injury and it will be some time before he comes back to full form.

However, he has a knack of scoring crucial goals and playing well in big games, so in short, Patrice Evra has a mountain to climb. But do not count out Evra just as yet.

His defending has improved a lot this season and he looks like a complete left back. In fact, he has been recently voted by many as the Premier League's best left back.

6. Andres Iniesta or Bojan Krkic vs. Wes Brown:

When Ronaldinho started flirting with injury, not many thought that Iniesta would be able to fit the bill. However, this season he has been Barca's best and most consistent midfielder.

In the absence of R10, he has blossomed into a creative genius with feet that glide on the turf. However, Wes Brown is no rookie himself. He is as dogged as any defender could be, and he is also great in overlapping with Ronaldo.

Brown can also double up as a central defender. The absence of Gary Neville has not hurt United much, thanks to Wes Brown.

Bojan is another one of Barca's youth academy graduates and has been instrumental in many a win, but I doubt he will start given that Messi is returning.

7. Thierry Henry/Samuel Eto'o vs. Rio Ferdinand/Nemanja Vidic:

United fans will be rejoicing all around the world at the return of Vidic, but he will have the daunting task of stopping two of the world's most dangerous strikers in Eto'o and Henry.

With Ferdinand on his side, the job becomes a bit easier, as they have formed the best defensive partnership in Europe. Henry himself is no stranger to United and will try and exploit all mistakes made by the United's back two. All in all, this encounter will be thrilling.

Eto'o, who has been injury prone, will look to find the back of the net, but Vidic will be a man mountain to climb, to say the least.

GOALKEEPING

The goalies of the respective teams will have to be on top of their game to give their team the edge. The experienced Van der Sar seems to have an edge here, as he has been in great form this year. Valdes on the other hand has been accident prone.

Samuel Eto'o wallpapers

2008-03-24T14:55:00.000-07:00

free wallpaper

Samuel Eto

Samuel Eto photo

Samuel Eto'o Fils

Lionel Andrés Messi

2008-03-05T15:50:00.000-08:00

Lionel Messi

Name: Lionel Andrés Messi
Position: forward
Place of birth: Santa Fe (Argentina)
Date: 24-06-1987
Heignt: 1'69
Weight: 67

This Argentinian striker's footballing career started in 1995 at Newell's Old Boys, where he played until the year 2000. At the age of 13, Lionel Messi crossed the Atlantic to try his luck in Barcelona, and joined the Under 14s.

Messi made spectacular progress at each of the different age levels, climbing through the ranks of the different youth teams and then Barça C, followed by Barça B and the first team in record time.

In the 2003-2004 season, when he was still only 16, Messi made his first team debut in a friendly with Porto that marked the opening of the new Dragao stadium. The following championship-winning season, Messi made his first appearance in an official match on October 16, 2004, in Barcelona's derby win against Espanyol at the Olympic Stadium (0-1).

With several first team players seriously injured, the services of several reserve team players were called upon, and Messi became a regular feature of Barça squads. On May 1, 2005, he became the youngest player ever to score a league goal for FC Barcelona - against Albacete when Messi was only 17 years, 10 months and 7 days old. That record would eventually be beaten by Bojan.

At the Under 20 World Cup in Holland, Messi not only won the title with Argentina, but was also the leading goalscorer and was voted best player in the tournament. Aged 18 years, he had become one of the hottest properties in the world game. Shortly after, he made his first full international appearance in a friendly against Hungary.

His breakthrough as a player came in the 2005-06 season, starting with an amazing performance in the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Juventus. He was also outstanding at the Santiago Bernabéu, in Barcelona's unforgettable 3-0 win, and also at Stamford Bridge, in the Champions League match against Chelsea. Injury kept him sidelined for much of the latter stage of the season. Messi played a total of 17 league games, 6 in the Champions League and 2 in the Copa del Rey. Messi scored eight goals.

CHARACTERISTICS

Messi is an unusual player. He is highly creative, and has the skills to take on defenders with ease. He is a versatile left-footed player who can play either in the middle or on either wing, or even as a centre forward.

Although he is quite short, he is so fast and physically strong that he can cope with larger opponents. He is incredibly powerful, and a specialist in such dead ball situations as corners, free kicks and penalties.

Leo Messi is cool-headed and able to assume several responsibilities in times of need. He is a player who is destined to have a very successful career in football.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona
2006-07 Spanish Supercup
2005-06 Champions League
2005-06 League
2005-06 Spanish Supercup
2004-05 League

Argentinian National Team
2004-05 World Cup Under-20

Messi Out for Six Weeks

2008-03-05T15:48:00.001-08:00

Barcelona's Argentina striker Lionel Messi will be out of action for six weeks after tearing a muscle in his left leg during Tuesday night's Champions League victory over Celtic.
The Catalan club confirmed on Wednesday that Messi will miss both legs of Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final encounter.

It will also be a race against time for the 2007 World Player of the Year runner-up to be fit for the semi-finals if Barcelona get past an opponent who will be named after the draw on March 14.
Messi picked up the injury after 34 minutes during Barcelona's 1-0 win over the Scottish side, which booked their spot in the quarter-finals by easing through 4-2 on aggregate.

It is third time in the last three years that Messi has had the same injury, the last occasion being on December 15 against Valencia, which ruled him out of the 'El Clasico' derby the following week against Real Madrid.
In addition to his chronic problems with his left thigh, Messi has had four other significant injuries in the last two years which have caused him to miss a month or more.

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard was forced, under intense questioning from the media, to defend the club's medical services in the wake of Messi's latest injury on Tuesday night.
"To doubt that they are doing their best is an insult. The medical staff and the club in general are working to prevent these sort of problems. They are working hard but there is always a player that can be injured," said Rijkaard.

Messi's injury reopens the door for Thierry Henry to claim his place in the starting lineup.
The Frenchman has rarely impressed since his big-money move from English Premiership side Arsenal to the Spanish giants last summer.
Rijkaard also has other options to replace Messi on the right flank in the shape of Portuguese international Deco or teenage Mexican winger Giovanni Dos Santos.

reference: javno.com/en/sports/clanak.php?id=129366

José Manuel Pinto Colorado

2008-02-17T02:23:00.000-08:00

Name: José Manuel Pinto Colorado
Position: Goalkeeper
Place of Birth: Puerto de Santa Maria (Cádiz)
Date of Birth: 15-11-1975
Height: 185 cm
Weight: 82 kg

José Manuel Pinto signed for FC Barcelona on January 18, 2008 after moving from Celta Vigo, where he spent the last ten seasons.

He arrived as cover for the injured Albert Jorquera after the Catalan keeper damaged knee ligaments during the festive break.

Born in Puerto de Santa Maria (Cádiz) on November 15, 1975, Pinto start his professional career in Andalucia. After spending three seasons with Real Betis's B side, he moved up to the first team and made his debut for the club during the 1997/98 campaign. A year later he agreed to move to Celta Vigo, where would spend the next decade before leaving to go to Camp Nou.

After being replaced by Toni Prats at Betis, Pinto opted to join Celta and it was there that he found stability and was awarded the captain's armband. He went on to play 126 games in la Primera, 56 matches in la Segunda A as well as appearing in the Champions League and the UEFA Cup regularly with the club. As well as helping the side to qualify for the Champions League in 2003/04, Pinto won the Zamora Trophy as the best keeper in the league in 2005/06.

That year, Pinto conceded just 28 goals in 37 league matches (an average of 0.75 per game) and helped guide the team to sixth place in the top flight and into the UEFA Cup. The season before had seen Víctor Valdés win the Zamora.

PROFILE

Pinto is a strong goalkeeper, standing at 1.85m tall and weighing 82kg. His height and agility make him powerful in the air and he also has very quick reflexes to help him make a quick-reaction save when required. It is those reflexes that also make him a superb shot-stopper from close range, but he is not easy to beat from distance either.

HONOURS

Celta de Vigo
2001-02 Copa del Rey Runner-Up

Individual Awards
2005-06 Spanish League Zamora

Gianluca Zambrotta

2008-02-17T02:07:00.000-08:00

Name: Gianluca Zambrotta
Position: defender
Place of birth: Como (Italy)
Date: 19-02-1977
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 76 kg

Gianluca Zambrotta was born on 19th February 1977 in Como (Italy). And it was in Como where he started his sporting career in 1994. With his home town team he competed in Serie B, putting in 48 performances and scoring 6 goals.

His opportunity to compete in Serie A came in 1997 with l?AS Bari. His debut coming on the 31st August 1997 at home against Parma. His performances over the course of 2 years were noticed by Juventus, who secured his services in 1999 in a deal worth 15.85 million Euros.

Having lost the Scudetto on the final day of his first season with Juventus, Zambrotta eventually won his first league title in 2002. It was with the then current coach, Marcello Lippi, who opted that Zambrotta changed to the position of full back.

Things didn´t change for Zambrotta with the arrival of Fabio Capello in 2004. With Juventus he played a total of 217 games, won the Scudetto twice and the Italian Supercup.

With the Italian national team, Zambrotta made his debut in 1999 which saw a 0-0 draw against Norway. Since then he has firmly established himself as first choice and has managed to take part in 2 European cups and 2 world cups. His greatest moment coming in Germany when they beat France on penalties to lift the World Cup.

Zambrotta arrived at Barça in the season of 2006-07 with his team mate Lilian Thuram with whom he had spent 5 seasons.

CHARACTERISTICS

Many adjectives can be used to describe the qualities possessed by Zambrotta; dynamic, creative, talented, eficient, etc. He can play on both sides at an equally high level and can also adapt to fill a midfield role if needed. By doing so, this has given him the ability to increase the options available when the team is on the attack.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona
2006-07 Spanish Supercup

Juventus
2002-03 League
2002-03 Italian Supercup
2001-02 League

Italian national Team
2005-06 World Cup

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira

2008-01-21T04:13:00.000-08:00

Ronaldo gold ball picture

Name: Ronaldo de Assís Moreira, Ronaldinho - 10 Ronaldinho
Position: forward
Place of birth: Porto Alegre (Brasil)
Date: 21-03-1980
Height: 1'81
Weight: 80

Ronaldinho signed for Barca in the 2003-04 season following in the footsteps of a number of illustrious fellow countrymen who had enjoyed successful careers with the club: Evaristo, Ronaldo, Romario and Rivaldo.

Ronaldinho began his footballing career with Gremio de Porto Alegre, where his burgeoning talent soon brought him to the attention of the international football world. During the four seasons he spent there, from 1997 to 2001, Ronaldinho also started to claim a place in the Brazilian international side. He won the Copa America in 1999 scoring six goals, including a memorable effort against Venezuela.

In 2001, Ronaldinho decided to try his luck in European football and signed for French league outfit PSG though his debut was delayed due to a financial dispute between the two clubs. Although his time with PSG was not as successful as he would have hoped, Ronaldinho continue to prosper with the international team, winning a World Cup winners' medal at the 2002 Japan-Korea championships.

Right from his very first match in a Barca shirt, the fans were seduced by Ronaldinho's spectacular brand of footballing magic. His ability to change the course of a match with a brilliant solo effort made him the reference point of the Barca attack and one of the truly great footballing icons of the opening decade of the new millennium.

In his first season, the team strung together a sensation run of seventeen consecutive matches without defeat and finished in second place in La Liga, thereby achieving direct qualification for the Champions League. This impetus carried on to the 2004-05 season and Ronaldinho and the rest of the Barca squad soon established a lead at the top of the table that would take them to the league title. In addition, the Brazilian's tremendous talent has received public recognition with individual awards such as the FIFA World Player 2004 and 2005 and the Ballon d'Or 2005.

Since then, Ronaldinho has become the leader of the mighty Brazil side, with which he won a Confederations Cup winners' medal in Germany 2005.

However, the season of 2005/06 was dominated by Ronaldinho and Barça. With the Brazilian at the helm, the blaugrana won La Liga and the Champions League; mesmerizing everyone in the world of football with his agile, rapid and above all, efficient displays. To cap it all off, Ronaldinho was chosen Best player of the Champions League, by UEFA.

CHARACTERISTICS

Skilful, agile, extrovert, fast, inspired, magical. That's Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, known by the nickname of 'Ronaldinho Gaucho'. The Brazilian star grew up with a football glued to his feet in the heart of a family with strong footballing traditions, where both his father and his brother have been successful players.

Ronaldinho's greatest assets are speed and boundless technical skills. His natural position is behind the striker though with the ball at his feet he moves well anywhere in the attack. Although he is not principally a goal scorer, his outstanding ability enables him to score from the most unlikely situations.

Indeed, his reserves of tricks and dribbling skills seem to be inexhaustible and the fans are constantly surprised by his range of seemingly impossible moves. His combinations with the rest of his team mates in attack increase the team's attacking potential enormously.

He is also an outstanding practitioner of the free kick, with the ability to curve the ball around the defensive wall and place the ball in any part of the goal beyond the keeper's reach.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona

2006-07 Spanish Supercup
2005-06 Champions League
2005-06 League
2005-06 Spanish Supercup
2004-05 League

National Team of Brasil

2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
2002 World Cup
1999 America Cup
1997 World Cup Under 17

Individual Awards

2004-05 FIFA WORLD PLAYER
2004-05 Ballon d'Or
2003-04 FIFA WORLD PLAYER

ronaldinho picture

ronaldinho picture

ronaldinho picture

ronaldinho intro

ronaldinho wallpaper

ronaldinho

jumping

link : FC BARCELONA Ronaldo de Assis Moreira

Andrés Iniesta Lujan

2008-01-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Andrés Iniesta Luján - 8 Iniesta
Position: midfielder
Place of birth: Fuentealbilla (Albacete, Spain)
Date: 11-05-1984
Height: 1'70
Weight: 65

Andrés Iniesta joined Barca as a twelve-year-old in 1996 after scouts had spotted him at the Brunette Tournament playing for Albacete.

From the start he progressed rapidly through the club's various youth teams and was promoted to the Barca B team for the 2000-01 season, where he almost immediately became the team's main playmaker under coach Josep Maria Gonzalvo.

Andrés' dream of making the first team finally came true in October 2002 when he was picked to play in the Champions League game against Bruges in Belgium. Van Gaal's Barca won that evening and Andrés made an excellent impression.

Now an recognised squad member, Iniesta has established a place for himself through hard work allied to his undoubted natural skills. In the shadow of some of the team's bigger names, Andres became a key piece of the League winning 2004-5 team, winding up as Rijkaard's most used player, figuring in 35 of the 38 league games. Iniesta also played 8 Champions League matches, scoring twice.

It was in the 2005-06 season that he made his big break into the first team. Playing in the middle of the field as the replacement for Xavi, who was suffering from a long term injury, Iniesta became one of the keys to Barcelona's successes both at home and in Europe. The player from Fuentealbilla appeared in 33 league games and 11 in the Champions League, scoring once. So impressive were his performances that he earned a call-up to the national side for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

CHARACTERISTICS

Iniesta is fast, direct and reads the game superbly. He started playing in Barca B in a holding role in midfield but has gradually adopted a more attacking position in his first team appearances. Van Gaal began to use him in the hole behind the striker and Frank Rijkaard has, on occasions, given him a wider role on the right.

This demonstrates what is perhaps Iniesta's greatest strength his versatility and professional attitude towards whatever job the coach hands him. Andres is not a showy player, an attribute that matches his off the field persona, but gives a guarantee of practicality and elegance.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona

2006-07 Spanish Supercup
2005-06 Champions League
2005-06 League
2005-06 Spanish Supercup
2004-05 League

Eidur Smari Gudjohnsen profile

2008-01-21T03:53:00.000-08:00

Name: Eidur Gudjohnsen - 7 Gudjohnsen
Position: forward
Place of birth: Reykjavik (Island)
Date: 15-09-1978
Height: 185 cm
Weight: 82 kg

Eidur Smari Gudjohnsen is the first player to play for Barca from Iceland, a country perhaps better known in sporting circles for handball or cross country skiing than football.

Gudjohnsen began to make his mark as a footballer from a young age, perhaps inspired by his father, who was also an Icelandic full international. When he was just 16, Eidur made his debut in the Icelandic league and ended up with 7 goals in 17 games - a return that caught the eye of PSV Eindhoven for whom he played for the following two seasons.

Gudjohnsen returned to his native Iceland to play for KR Reykjavik in the 97-98 season before signing for the Premier League club Bolton Wanderers, where he played for two seasons before joining Chelsea. He left the London club to replace Larson at Barca with a record of 62 goals in 219 games in his 6 years at Stamford Bridge, am experienced player with an impressive cv at the highest level.

CHARACTERISTICS

Gudjohnsen has developed his style in the English game and a a Northern European he not surprisingly is a bustling centre forward particularly strong in the air and with both feet. But Gudjohnson also brings an excellent technique and clever ball skills and a versatility which allowed him to show his abilities both up front and in midfield for Chelsea. His skills in midfield helped to convert him into one of the leading assist providers in the English game.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona

2006-07 Spanish Supercup

Chelsea FC

2005-06 League
2004-05 League
2004-05 Carling Cup
2000-01 Charity Shield

PSV Eindhoven

1996-97 League
1996-97 Supercup
1995-96 Cup

link: FC BARCELONA Eidur Smari Gudjohnsen profile

Xavier Hernandez Creus

2008-01-21T03:47:00.000-08:00

Name: Xavier Hernández Creus - 6 Xavi
Position: midfielder
Place of birth: Terrassa
Date: 25-01-1980
Height: 170 cm
Weight: 68 kg

Xavi has spent all his footballing life at the Nou Camp, having joined Barcelona when he was only 11 years old. The progress he made was always very quick and in season 97-98 he moved up from youth team to Barca B.

In Barça B, he became the brains of Jordi Gonzalvo's team which won promotion to the second division.

Xavi's dream of making his official debut with the first team squad became true when he played in the Spanish Super Cup against Majorca in the summer of 1998. He was in the starting line up and scored: a better debut he could not have asked for. Xavi also played an important role in the league-winning season of 1998-99 with Van Gaal as manager, most notably with an important goal in the Nuevo Zorrilla, which turned round the team's fortunes.

Season 1999-2000 was a good one for Xavi as due to the injury to Guardiola he was the first choice number 4 for a large part of the season. After the legendry captain left for Italian football he became the playmaker of the team and has continued to demonstrate the full range of his talents in this position.

With Van Gaal, Reixach, Antic and Rijkaard in charge of the team, Xavi has always been a key member of the team - a fact made clear by the 300 official games he completed whilst still only 25 years old.

With Rijkaard, Xavi has shown that he can not only play at the heart of midfield, but is also more than able to cover any position in the center of the team, an ability reflected in the fact that he was the most used player in the League winning 2004-05 season, playing 36 games in all.

Xavi was at the 2002 World Cup and the Euro 2004 championships and is a regular member of the Spanish national team.

CHARACTERISTICS

Xavi is the playmaker of the team in every game and shows no nerves whatsoever as he guides the team with an extraordinarily cool head. Since taking on the mantle of playmaker at Barca he has shown incredible vision on the pitch. He is another example of the good work being carried out in the youth teams of Barcelona, especially in the position referred to as number 4 and as he has matured he has shown an increasing ability to adapt himself to different positions in the midfield when his manager has called on him.

His passing to the forwards and his ability to take the pressure off and protect the ball better than almost any other player around, have turned him into one of the focal points on the pitch. He also stands out for his defensive capabilities and his capacity as a ball winner.

In addition he has shown himself more than able at dead ball situations, where his potent shot has brought a number of important goals.

Xavi will always remember December 2, 2005. During training in front of La Masia,the Terrassa-born midfielder suffered a bad injury to his left knee as he ruptured his ligaments. Within five months he was back in action. On April 29, 2006 returned to play against Cádiz and stated "I feel like a football player again". He was able to celebrate winning the title and the Champions League with the rest of the squad.

The Barça playmaker was a regular in Luis Aragonés' Spain team during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where the team progressed to the second round before being beaten by France.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona

2006-07 Spanish Supercup
2005-06 Champions League
2005-06 League
2005-06 Spanish Supercup
2004-05 League
1998-99 League

Spanish National Team

2000-00 Silver medal. Sidney Olympic Games
1999-99 Under 20 World Champion

link: FC BARCELONA Xavier Hernandez Creus

Rafael Márquez Álvarez profile

2008-01-21T03:19:00.000-08:00

Name: Rafael Márquez Álvarez
Position: defender
Place of birth: Zamora (Mexico)
Date: 13-02-1979
Height: 182 cm
Weight: 74 kg

Rafael Márquez is the first Mexican ever to play for Barça, having arrived in the 2003-2004 close season as one of the principal reinforcements in defence.

His youth and the progress he's enjoyed in the last few years have combined to make him one of the most promising defenders in Europe.

Beginning his career at Atlas Guadalajara (1996-99) he made his debut in the Mexican first division when he was just 17 years old. Three years later he signed for AS Monaco where he soon fit into the demands of the European game. In 2000 he won the French League title and was named as the league's top defender.

In 2003 his team won the French League Cup. Captain of the Mexican national team he played in the 1999 and 2001 Copas de America and the 2002 World Cup.

Márquez has gained the complete respect and trust of Frank Rijkaard and has become a regular in the Barcelona team. In his first season at the club he was one of the key figures as the side earned direct qualification for the Champions League.

In 2004-05, he demonstrated his versatility. The knee ligament injuries to Edmilson and Thiago Motta meant that Márquez was asked to step away from his usual role in the centre of the defence and play as a defensive midfielder, as he had done for both Monaco and Mexico in the past. He proved to be outstanding in front of the defence as he helped the side win the league title.

As well as winning the Confederations Cup in 1999 and the Gold Cup in 2003, the captain of Mexico has been a regular for his national side under various coaches over the past few years. Márquez has played in the Copa America in 1999, 2001 and 2004 and the World Cup in 2002.

CHARACTERISTICS

Right footed and very skilful, he reads the game well and has a great ability to launch his team in counter attacks. In addition he's a great free kick taker and strong in the air.

Known as the "Kàiser of Michoacán" for his elegance on the ball, dependability and skill coming out of defence, Marquez can also do the business as a central midfielder and has been compared to Franz Beckenbauer.

In the defensive midfield role, Márquez can impose his strength in the air as well as helping to build the play from the back as well as breaking up opposition attacks with his tackling.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona
2006-07 Spanish Supercup
2005-06 Champions League
2005-06 League
2005-06 Spanish Supercup
2004-05 League

Monaco
2002-03 French League's Cup
1999-00 League

Mexican National Team
2003 Golden Cup
1999 Confederation Cup

link : FC BARCELONA Rafael Márquez Álvarez profile

Gabriel Alejandro Milito profile

2008-01-21T03:10:00.000-08:00

Name: Gabriel Alejandro Milito
Position: defense
Place of birth: Bernal (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Date: 7-9-1980
Height: 179 cm
Weight: 78 kg

Gabriel Milito is the twentieth Argentinian to wear the Barça shirt. He is a central defender who started out at Independiente in Avellaneda, and then spent four years at Zaragoza before coming to the Camp Nou.

Gabriel Milito was born in Bernal (Buenos Aires), on September 7, 1980. He came up through the youth ranks at Independiente, making his top flight debut aged 17 with the Avellaneda based club. 'El Mariscal', as he is known, led the side’s defence despite his young age, but his promising future was almost cut short by a serious injury. He tore cruciate ligaments in his right knee in 2001 and was out for nine months. And shortly after his return, he was injured for another four months, this time with a broken meniscus in his right foot.

Once he was back to full fitness, Gaby Milito was one of the main reasons for Independiente’s Opening Championship victory in 2002. He was named Argentinian Player of the Year and in the summer of 2004 made his move to Spain.

Milito was originally headed for Real Madrid. However, before signing his contract the club’s doctors concluded that he was not fully recovered from his knee injury and warned against signing the player. Milito went instead to Zaragoza, and that season won the Copa del Rey at Montjuïc, ironically beating Real Madrid. Later that year, Zaragoza also won the Spanish Super Cup and Milito was heralded as one of the finest defenders in the league. In four years at Zaragoza, he never failed to please.

In the 2005/06 and 2006/07 season, Gaby was joined by his older brother, Diego, at La Romareda. The Milito brothers were the stars of a side that won back to back UEFA Cups.

Gaby Milito has also found his way into the Argentina national team. He made his international debut in 2000 and played at the World Cup in Germany in 2006 and in the 2007 Copa America, where he was a regular feature in Alfio Basile’s side, which reached the final.

PROFILE

The Argentinian international, known as 'el Mariscal', is a respected, authoritarian, imposing and well-positioned centre back. He also a skilful playmaker and can help in attack. Although he is not particularly tall (1.79 m.), Milito is good in the air and can be dangerous from dead ball situations. He also has a very strong personality, and is a natural leader.

HONOURS

Zaragoza
2004-2005 Spanish Super Cup
2003-2004 Spanish Cup
Independiente Avellaneda
2002-2003 Trofeo Apertura

Argentinian national team
1999 South American Under-20 championship

link: FC BARCELONA Gabriel Alejandro Milito profile

Victor Valdes Arribas profile

2008-01-21T02:56:00.000-08:00

Name: Víctor Valdés Arribas
Position: goalkeeper
Place of birth: Hospitalet de Llobregat
Date: 14-01-1982
Height: 183 cm
Weight: 78 kg

Víctor Valdés joined Barca as a youngster on 1st July 1992, from Peña Cinco Copas.

In September of the same year he moved with his family to Tenerife and didn't rejoin the club until three years later.

After quickly proving his worth with the youth teams and Barca B, the club coaches decided that the 2002-2003 season was to be Valdés time to form part of the first team squad. At first, he alternated appearances with Roberto Bonano but finished the season as regular first choice under Radomir Antic.

He consolidated his place as in the starting line-up in the 2003-04 season. He played most of Barca's matches that season and put in some excellent performances, helping the team to finish as runners-up.

CHARACTERISTICS

He is an extremely agile and powerful goalkeeper. Despite his comparative youth, he likes to lead and command his defence. He has much in common with German international Oliver Kahn, of whom he is a great admirer.

In his first season he was occasionally uncertain when coming off his line but soon ironed out this weakness in his second season. He has enormous potential and was considered for the Spain squad for EURO 2004, finally losing out to Athletic Bilbao's Aranzubia.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona
2006-07 Spanish Supercup
2005-06 Champions League
2005-06 League
2005-06 Spanish Supercup
2004-05 League

Individual Awards
2004-05 Spanish League Zamora

reference: http://www.fcbarcelona.com

Carles Puyol Saforcada

2007-12-09T03:40:00.000-08:00

Name: Carles Puyol Saforcada - 5 Puyol
Position: defensa
Place of birth: La Pobla de Segur
Date: 13-04-1978
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 80 kg

Carles Puyol began his footballing career in the local team of the small town where he was born, La Pobla de Segur. His talent soon attracted wider attention and, at the age of 17, he was signed up for the Barca academy at La Masía.

He rapidly became a fixture in Barca B and then progressed to make his debut with the first team on 2nd October 1999 against Valladolid at the orders of Louis Van Gaal. His appearances became more and more frequent until he made the right back position his own. Thanks to his determination to improve and a tremendous work rate, Carles Puyol adapted to the position of central defender.

In the 2003-2004 season, having been chosen as third captain, he played a vital role in the team's sensational run of form that led to the runners-up place in the league. Puyol made 27 appearances in the league and seven in the UEFA Cup.

However, Carles Puyol had to wait until the 2004-05 season to win his first medal with Barca. He was, by then, captain of the first team and an essential part of Frank Rijkaard's league championship winning side. At the end of the season, he finally saw his dream come true of lifting the league trophy in the Nou Camp.

During the 2005-06 season, he played as well as he had the previous year. The Barça captain had the honour of being presented with the league title trophy before the game against Espanyol, before lifting the UEFA Champions League in Paris after the monumental victory against Arsenal in the Saint-Denis Stadium. Puyol only missed five matches all season and none through injury. On three occasions he was rested by coach Frank Rijkaard and was then suspended for the other two games which he did not play in. He also scored one goal as he headed home during the 5-0 victory against Real Sociedad on October 30, 2005.

Carles Puyol is a regular in the Spanish national team and took part in the 2002 World Cup and the 2004 European Nations Cup and in the World Cup Finals in 2006.

CHARACTERISTICS

Carles Puyol started off in the first team at right back but has since developed into a great central defender. He stands out for his tremendous fitness levels and his discipline on the pitch. He's a perfect example of a team player and he never over-complicates the job when he has to cut off an opposing attacking move.

He can also adapt to the left back position when circumstances dictate. Although he is not particularly tall (178 cm), his physical strength makes him very strong in the air and he is capable of man-marking opposing forwards who are taller than him. He also likes to get up in attack, especially for corners and free kicks.

More than anything else, Carles Puyol is a reference point for the rest of the squad due to his character and qualities of leadership and because of his pride in the Barca colours and his total identification with the Club.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona
2006-07 Spanish Supercup
2005-06 Champions League
2005-06 League
2005-06 Spanish Supercup
2004-05 League

Spanish national team
2000 - Silver medal. Sidney Olympic Games

link: FC BARCELONA Carles Puyol Saforcada