In the age of Diego Maradona and Pele, the world was convinced that we’d never see players of their ilk ever again. They weren’t the first ‘Gods’ to sprint on a football field and they weren’t anymore once Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo arrived.
With respect to time, we’ll continue to label excellent footballers as ‘gods’ and disregard the ones held in honour before our time; after all, they aren’t playing in the continuously evolving ‘platnium age of football’.
These argument and views have put to bed a host of footballers today’s generation know little about. Here’s looking at five FC Barcelona legends you probably hadn’t heard of:
#5 Dr Paulino Alcantara
Born to a Spanish father and Philippino mother, Paulino Alcantara first moved to Spain when he was three years old – the same year FC Barcelona were formed, 1899. Paulino grew up around football and often played on the streets and in a few youth matches that caught the attention of a few people.
Paulino was crafty with the ball at his feet and had natural pace which he used when he signed on for FC Barcelona who worked hard to sign him up before he could sign for FC Galeno. Alcantara managed to score 200 goals in only 177 appearances during his first stint for the Catalans – quite the feat even at a time when the sport was in a primal stage.
He eventually ended his career with the Catalan side having scored 369 goals – the second highest in their history behind current day maestro, Lionel Messi.
Why he isn’t considered a legend by many is because of his involvement with fascism post his retirement. Having gone to war in Guadalajara, Aragon and Catalonia, Alcantara was part of missions that involved the killing of 1000s of civilians including women and children.
His contributions to the club on the field, however, continue to hold an undisputed, unadulterated legacy.
#4 Andoni Zubizaretta
Most people familiar with current-day FC Barcelona might be familiar with Andoni Zubizaretta’s name. He was with the club in a directorial capacity until 2015 when he was sacked by current President, Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Before all this and on the field, however, Zubizaretta was one of Barcelona’s prized jewels. Signing with the club in 1986 for a goalkeeper record fee of €1.6 million, Zubizaretta was part of the side that won four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, one European Cup, one UEFA Super Cup and one UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
A tall, almost monumental figure between the sticks, Zubizaretta was one of the toughest goalkeepers in the game continuously guiding the team to silverware in his capacity as a captain. He remains one of their most successful goalkeepers and one who helped them get back into the top teams in Europe.
#3 Josep Samitier
Just behind Lionel Messi and Paulino Alcantara in the all-time greatest goalscorers in FC Barcelona's history is former midfielder, Josep Samitier. The Spanish international was a part of the side that dominated Spanish football along with Alcantara in the early 20th century.
Often called El Mag – or the Magician – Samitier was a hard-working midfielder often caught running the show. He helped Barcelona win 12 Catalonia Championships from 1919 to 1932 – all but in 1923. And his contribution in scoring goals was unmatched at the time, especially given he was a midfielder.
Samitier also became famous for being amongst the first superstars to switch FC Barcelona for Madrid CF – who would later be christened Real Madrid. He came back to manage the club later on and even won the La Liga in 1945 as a manager. He remains one of their proudest players and most dynamic midfielders.
#2 Cesar Rodriguez Alvarez
A true wizard in front of goal and one of Barcelona's most successful players is former forward Cesar Rodriguez Alvarez. Having been on FC Barcelona's books for sixteen years, Alvarez remains a favourite for many of fans who knew him – even long after he retired.
Alvarez scored double-digit figures in all but one of his thirteen years with FC Barcelona, even winning the Pichichi trophy in 1948, having scored 28 goals in all competitions. His honours with the club run long and his contribution was key having been a part of many match-winning moments in key stages of various competitions.
Alvarez won five La Liga trophies with Barcelona at the time. If not for military duty transferring him around the country during the war, he would've gone on to win more and more with the Catalans. He took up management soon after retiring and even accolades there, too.
#1 Luis Suarez Miramontes
The original Luis Suarez of Barcelona was a midfielder and on Spanish decent often cited to be amongst the most talented players to have ever laid foot in professional football. Known for his flair, panache and fluidity when on the ball, Luisitio – as he was called – was a joy to watch.
He made 122 appearances for the club in all competitions winning six trophies in that time and scoring 61 goals in all competitions. Suarez was an attacking midfielder by trade and was often the one who made the attack tick with his through-balls and subtle shoulder drops.
The Spaniard also won the coveted Ballon d’Or award in 1960 during his time with FC Barcelona. But the story for him with the club ended on a rather poor note having been a part of the side that lost the European Cup final, 3-2, to SL Benfica in 1961.
