Revisiting Barcelona’s Iconic 2011 Squad as Serio Busquets Nears Exit

• Barcelona boasted a golden generation of players during the 2010/11 season under Pep Guardiola
• The squad was widely known for its mesmerizing style of play, commonly known as "tiki-taka"
• Lionel Messi and Xavi are among the top players, who prominently featured in the squad

Barcelona are arguably one of the most successful teams in the world, considering what they have achieved over the years.

The La Liga giants boast a rich history that has seen them dominate the Spanish top flight for years.

However, the 2010/11 season was perhaps the most remarkable, with the Catalan side cementing their place as one of the most outstanding teams in Europe.

According to Bleacher Report, Barcelona's style of football at the time was as close to perfection as it got.

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Securing a third successive La Liga crown and demolishing Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley to lift the Champions League were some of the greatest highlights for the then-Pep Guardiola-tutored side.

Who was in Barca's 2010/11 squad?

However, Pep would not have recorded the success had he not had the squad he had at his disposal.

From the magical Lionel Messi to Xavi Hernandez, the midfield maestro, and Carles Puyol, the brave captain - Barcelona had it all.

So good they were that Sir Alex Ferguson could not help but gush over them.

The legendary manager was quoted describing them as "the best I have faced" in reference to the mauling his charges got in the final of the Champions League.

Where are the iconic players?

More than a decade after the squad's historic journey, each player's post-Barcelona path has taken intriguing twists and turns.

Sports Brief takes a look at where the players who once formed the heartbeat of one of the greatest teams in history are after their glory days at Camp Nou.

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Manager: Pep Guardiola

Guardiola was the man in charge of the iconic. While the Spaniard went on to join Bayern Munich, he moved to the Premier League with Manchester City, where he is to date.

Goalkeeper: Victor Valdes

Valdes brought to a halt his 12-year stay with Barca in 2014.

He went on to have stints at Man United and Standard Liege before he retired at Middlesbrough.

He later transitioned into football management and was in charge at Spanish lower league side UA Horta until 2021.

Left-back - Eric Abidal

In 2011, the France legend made a stunning recovery from a liver tumour to feature against Man United in the Champions League the following year.

In 2013 joined Monaco and Olympiacos, where he retired in 2014.

Centre-back - Javier Mascherano

The former Liverpool and West Ham star went into management after he retired from football.

He is in charge of the Argentina Under-20s.

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Centre-back - Gerard Pique

Pique called time on his illustrious career in November 2022.

He has since ventured into several activities, including creating a new football concept, 'Kings League'.

Right back - Dani Alves

Until recently, Alves was in the books of Mexican club UNAM.

However, his contract was terminated in January after he was arrested for assault.

Midfielder - Sergio Busquets

After 18 years at Camp Nou, Busquets has resolved to depart Barca.

The Spaniard came through the youth ranks at Barcelona.

Midfielder - Xavi

Xavi, like Busquets, was part of Barcelona's golden generation.

The legendary midfielder is now the club's manager after he replaced Ronald Koeman in 2021.

Midfielder - Andres Iniesta

Iniesta is currently in the books of Vissel Kobe in Japan.

Forward - Lionel Messi

Messi is currently plying his trade in the French Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain.

However, a return to Barcelona has been mooted after a disastrous career in the French capital.

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Forward - David Villa

BBC reports that the iconic forward is working as the technical advisor and head of global football operations of Indian club Odisha FC.

He is also the owner of USL Championship side Queensboro FC.

Forward - Pedro

Now aged 35, Pedro is still actively playing, with the Spaniard plying his trade in the Serie A with Lazio.

Barcelona to offer Messi contract

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Messi facing a massive pay cut if he decides to rejoin Barcelona in the summer after details emerged of the proposed contract being offered to him.

The World Cup winner looks set to leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract with the Ligue 1 club expires in the summer, with his ex-club one of the favourites to sign him.

According to reports, the deal Barcelona is set to offer Messi would see the Argentine superstar earn only a quarter of the salary he earned in his last season at Camp Nou.