When you hear La Masia, a wave of pride and nostalgia sweeps over football fans, especially Barcelona FC's staunch supporters. La Masia de Can Planes, Barcelona's legendary youth academy, isn’t just a place—it’s the birthplace of a philosophy that shaped the modern game.
From the cobbled streets of Catalonia to the grandest football stages, La Masia has produced players who delivered as pros and began dazzling the world when they were kids. Their talent, skill, and vision redefined football, making them some of the greatest to ever play the game.
Here Are the 11 Best La Masia Academy Graduates of All-Time
11. Victor Valdés
Victor Valdés was Barcelona’s goalkeeper for over a decade, playing 536 games and winning 6 La Liga titles, 3 Champions League trophies, and 2 Copa del Reys. Known for his excellent shot-stopping and ability to play with his feet, he was crucial in Barcelona's possession-based game.
His leadership and consistency between the posts helped lay the foundation for Barcelona's golden era under Pep Guardiola. Valdés' contributions to the club's success were significant, even if he sometimes faced criticism for errors.
10. Pedro Rodríguez
Pedro Rodríguez made his mark at Barcelona with his versatility, pace, and crucial goals. Joining Barcelona’s first team in 2008, he helped the club secure numerous trophies, including 5 La Liga titles and 3 Champions League wins.
After moving to Chelsea in 2015, Pedro continued his success with 2 Premier League titles and other domestic cups. His time at Roma and Lazio in Italy further showcased his enduring talent. Pedro’s ability to adapt and perform at top levels across Europe highlights his importance as a La Masia graduate.
9. Thiago Alcántara
Thiago Alcántara, a product of La Masia, is known for his technical brilliance and creativity in midfield. Although his time at Barcelona was relatively short, he was part of their treble-winning team in 2011.
His move to Bayern Munich in 2013 marked the start of a more prominent career, where he became one of the world’s top midfielders. With Bayern, he won multiple Bundesliga titles and the Champions League in 2020.
In 2020, Thiago joined Liverpool, further cementing his reputation with a Premier League title and additional successes. His playing style, based on dribbling, passing, and vision, makes him one of La Masia’s most accomplished graduates. He is one of the top 9 footballers who retired in 2024.
8. Cesc Fàbregas
Cesc Fàbregas, a standout talent from La Masia, made a name for himself at Arsenal as a young star and later became their captain. His vision and passing ability were key in Arsenal’s success, and his return to Barcelona in 2011 saw him win La Liga and the Champions League.
Fàbregas continued his career at Chelsea, where he secured two Premier League titles, before moving to Monaco and then Como. A key figure in Spain’s 2010 World Cup and 2008 and 2012 European Championship victories, Fàbregas solidified his legacy as one of La Masia’s finest.
7. Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets, one of the most intelligent defensive midfielders in history, has been crucial for both Barcelona and Spain. His ability to read the game, break up opposition attacks, and maintain possession made him a linchpin in Barcelona’s midfield.
Busquets has won 8 La Liga titles, and 3 Champions League trophies, and played a key role in Spain’s World Cup 2010 and Euro 2008/2012 triumphs. His understated brilliance has made him indispensable for both club and country.
6. Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué returned to Barcelona in 2008 after a stint at Manchester United and became a central figure in the defence. He formed a legendary partnership with Carles Puyol, winning 8 La Liga titles and 3 Champions League trophies.
Piqué was also essential to Spain’s World Cup victory in 2010 and their Euro wins in 2008 and 2012. His ball-playing abilities, leadership, and imposing presence made him one of the best centre-backs of his generation. He is one of the best playmaking centre-backs of all-time.
5. Carles Puyol
Carles Puyol, the embodiment of heart and leadership, spent his entire career at Barcelona, captaining the club for many years. Known for his fearless defending, Puyol helped Barcelona win 6 La Liga titles, 3 Champions League trophies, and multiple domestic cups.
His leadership was crucial to Spain’s success, including their 2010 World Cup and Euro 2008/2012 titles. Puyol’s commitment and dedication to Barcelona set the standard for future generations.
4. Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola, though now famous as a manager, was a skilled defensive midfielder for Barca, winning 6 La Liga titles and the 1992 European Cup. His intelligence, passing, and tactical vision helped define the team’s style under Johan Cruyff.
After retiring, Guardiola’s managerial career took off, especially the Blaugrana, where he led the team to multiple trebles. His influence on modern football is profound, particularly in developing possession-based play.
3. Xavi Hernández
Xavi Hernández is a footballing legend whose vision and passing defined Barcelona’s style of play. With 25 major trophies, including 4 Champions League titles and 9 La Liga titles, Xavi was the midfield maestro behind Barcelona's success.
His influence extended to Spain, where he played a key role in their World Cup 2010 and Euro 2008/2012 victories. Xavi’s role in shaping the modern midfield is unparalleled, and his tactical understanding did set him apart from his peers.
2. Andrés Iniesta
Andrés Iniesta, one of the most gifted midfielders ever, was pivotal in Barcelona’s dominance throughout the 2000s and 2010s. His dribbling, vision, and ability to control the game made him a key figure in the club’s success, with 9 La Liga titles and 4 Champions League trophies.
His legendary goal in the 2010 World Cup final secured Spain’s victory, and he was instrumental in their Euro 2008/2012 triumphs. Iniesta’s elegance on the field has left an indelible mark on the sport. He is widely regarded as one of the best players with exceptional football control in history.
1. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest player in football history and undoubtedly the best product of La Masia. With 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barcelona, Messi won 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League trophies, and countless other accolades. Words cannot adequately express why he deserves to be number one.
His dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring abilities were unmatched. Messi also led Argentina to a Copa América victory in 2021 and a World Cup in 2022, further cementing his place as one of the greatest players of all time.
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