Carles Puyol
Defence
WORLD LEGEND
Spain
About
A symbol of leadership, passion, and loyalty, Carles Puyol was the defensive heartbeat of both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team during a golden era for club and country. Known for his iconic long hair and fierce determination, Puyol was the ultimate one-club man, dedicating his entire professional career to Barcelona.
Rising through the famed La Masia academy, he made his first-team debut in 1999 and quickly became a mainstay, captaining the side through one of its most successful periods. A versatile and fearless defender, Puyol could play across the backline but thrived as a centre-back, known for his bravery, reading of the game, and relentless work ethic.
On the international stage, he played a vital role in Spain’s golden generation, helping deliver historic victories at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, including scoring the winning goal in the semi-final against Germany.
CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
International Level
Spain
FIFA World Cup Appearances: 2002, 2006, 2010
UEFA European Championship Appearances: 2004, 2008
Winner: FIFA World Cup 2010
Winner: UEFA Euro 2008
Club Level
Barcelona La Liga: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13
Copa del Rey: 2008–09, 2011–12
Supercopa de España: 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013
UEFA Champions League: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11
UEFA Super Cup: 2009, 2011
FIFA Club World Cup: 2009, 2011
Personal Honours
UEFA Team of the Year: 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008
FIFA FIFPro World XI: 2007, 2008, 2010
La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year: 2001
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2010
UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament: 2008
ESM Team of the Year: 2001–02, 2004–05, 2005–06
Golden Foot: 2016 (as a legend)
One-Club Man Award: 2016
INTERNATIONAL CAREER
Spain (2000 – 2013)
100 apps, 3 goals
CLUB HISTORY
Barcelona B (1996 – 1999) 89 apps, 6 goals
Barcelona (1999 – 2014) 593 apps, 18 goals
Total (1996 – 2014) 682 apps, 24 goals