Here are the top ten Brazilians to play for Spanish giants FC Barcelona

Here are the top ten Brazilians to play for Spanish giants FC Barcelona

Isaac Darko
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:06 PM
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  • Spanish giants FC Barcelona have signed over 25 Brazilians in the history of the club
  • The latest addition is Raphinha, who has signed a five-year deal for a reported €65m including add-ons, from Leeds United
  • With Raphinha looking to write his name in Barcelona's history books, Sports Brief looks at 10 of the best Brazilians to have played for the Blaugrana

Raphael Dias Belloli, popularly known in football circles as Raphinha, was unveiled by FC Barcelona on Friday, July 15.

The 25-year-old, who was presented to the fans at the Cuitat Esportiva, has become the club's third signing in the ongoing summer transfer window.

The Brazilian forward has been on the radar of the Blaugrana since January as Xavi looks to bolster his frontline for the upcoming season.

Raphinha, Ronaldo, Romario, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Dani Alves, Neymar
Here are the top ten Brazilians to play for Spanish giants FC Barcelona
Source: Twitter

With Raphinha becoming the latest Brazilian to sign for Barcelona, Sports Brief looks at the top 10 Selecao stars who have donned the jersey of the Catalan giants.

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Romario (1993 - 1995)

Romario joined Barcelona from PSV Eindhoven in 1993. The mercurial striker form a deadly combo upfront with Hristo Stoichkov in Johan Cruyff's "Dream Team.

He spent just a year and a half at Camp Nou, notching 30 goals in 33 games in his first season which helped Barcelona to clinch the 1993/94 La Liga title.

He is best known in Barcelona colours following his wonderful hat-trick in a 5-0 triumph over fiercest rivals Real Madrid. Romario was also no stranger to controversy - as he was banned for five games for punching current Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, who was then a player for the Madrid-based club.

He eventually left Catalunya midway through the 1994-95 season due to bad attitude and a drop-off in form.

Ronaldo (1996 - 1997)

Ronaldo followed the footsteps of Romario to sign for Barcelona from PSV Eindhoven in 1996. Barcelona paid the then world record fee of €19.5m to secure his sevices.

In his first season, Ronaldo led Barca to win three major trophies - the Copa del Rey, the Cup Winners' Cup and the Supercopa de Espana.

The three-time World Player of the Year scored an astonishing 47 goals in 51 games in the 1996-97 season.

The 2002 World Cup winner also followed Romario by winning the FIFA World Player of the year award with the club in 1996.

Ronaldo's time at Camp Nou lasted just one season as he had problems renegotiating his contract with the Barca hierarchy. He eventually joined Inter Milan in the summer of 1997 for another world record fee of €27m.

Rivaldo (1997-2002)

A third Barcelona Brazilian to win the FIFA's top individual honour, Rivaldo also claimed the Ballon d'Or for his performances in 1999.

He scored 136 goals in 253 appearances for Barca, winning two LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Super Cup. However, for all of that success, Barcelona failed to reach a single major European final during Rivaldo's time at the club.

Ronaldinho (2003 - 2008)

Ronaldinho shot to stardom with his silky skills and joyful approach to the game after joining Barcelona in 2003.

The virtuoso forward was the defining figure under Frank Rijkaard, helping to lay the foundations for one of the most successful eras in the Catalan club's history.

A two-time FIFA World Player of the Year during his time at Barca, Ronaldinho claimed two LaLiga titles and a Champions League crown when at the peak of his powers.

Edmilson (2004 - 2008)

Edmílson was the next Brazilian, after Ronadinho, to sign for Barcelona.

The defensive midfielder joined the Catalan giants from Lyon for a reported €10 million in 2004.

Despite having a great debut season with Barca, Edmilson was sideline for several months due to injuries in the following campaign.

He fully recovered in time to feature in Barcelona's most important game of the season - the 2006 UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal.

He played 45 minutes and was substituted for Andreas Iniesta. Barca won the match 2-1.

Sylvinho (2004 to 2009)

Barcelona signed Sylvinho from Celta Vigo for a transfer fee of €2 million. The versatile left-back secured three domestic leagues, in 2005, 2006 and 2009, as well as the Champions League in 2006 and 2009.

He played an instrumental role in Barcelona's 2–0 victory over defending champions Manchester United in the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final.

That was his final game in Barcelona colours.

Dani Alves (2008-2016)

Dani Alves boasts more Barcelona honours than any of his compatriots on this list.

During his time at Camp Nou, Alves laid his hands on six La Liga titles, four Copas del Rey and Supercopa de Espana crowns and a trio of wins in the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.

He may not command the attention of his attacking colleagues, but Alves' Barca record should not be overlooked.

Maxwell (2009 to 2012)

Maxwell was Barcelona's first signing after winning the UEFA Champions League in 2009.

The left-back joined Pep Guardiola's side from Inter Milan for reported fee of €4.5 million on a five-year contract.

He played his first game for Barca in the second leg of the 2009 Supercopa de España. Maxwell won two La Liga titles and one titles with Barcelona.

Neymar (2013-2017)

Neymar formed part of the club's famous 'MSN' attacking trident alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez but elected step out of the shadow of the Argentina international by making a world-record switch to Paris Saint-Germain for €222million last year.

He scored 105 goals in 186 appearances for Barca, winning the Champions League, two league titles, three Copas del Rey, the Supercopa de Espana and the Club World Cup.

Things turned somewhat sour between Neymar and the club following his departure, although he did congratulate Coutinho on his move.

Barcelona Confirm Agreement to Sign Talented Brazilian Winger Raphinha

Sports Brief earlier reported that Spanish giants FC Barcelona have reached an 'agreement in principle' to sign Raphinha from English Premier League club Leeds United.

The Catalan club announced on Wednesday, July 13, that the transfer is expected to be completed in the coming hours when the Brazilian winger passes his medical.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Blaugrana are expected to pay a €58 million fixed fee plus various add-ons, which could amount to €67 million in a total package.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)
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