French Connection to FC Barcelona – Mostly Unsuccessful

FC Barcelona has had 21 French footballers throughout its history. It made France the fourth foreign country with the most players who have dressed as Barça players behind Brazil (40), the Netherlands (23) and Argentina (22). But the last to arrive has not finished having a positive step for the club, as is the case of Dembélé, already a PSG player, severing ties with Barcelona.

If we take the 21st century as a reference, which began on January 1, 2001. A total of 13 French players have signed for Barça and only four (Giuly, Henry, Abidal and Umtiti in their first two years) have been able to have an influential performance on the pitch and they had earned the respect of the fans.

1. Philippe Christanval

The central defender arrived as a player for the future. But he only spent two seasons at Barça. In which he added 47 games for the Blaugranas

2. Ludovic Giuly

One of the few Frenchmen, who has managed to succeed at Barça in recent years. 26 goals in 125 matches and Key contribution in the 2006 Champions League title. One of which was scoring a decisive goal in the semi-finals against AC Milan.

3. Lilian Thuram

The Worldcup winner played 58 games in two seasons for the Catalan club before announcing his retirement in 2008.

4. Thierry Henry

Another Frenchmen who had a good performance with Barça. He scored 49 goals in 121 games in three seasons, highlighting the conquest of the 2009 sextet. He was an important piece in Pep Guardiola’s legendary Barcelona team.

5. Eric Abidal

One of the best left-backs in the history of Barça. He was in charge of lifting the Champions League at Wembley in 2011. Eric played 193 games in six seasons as a Barça player. He was the predecessor of the club legend Jordi Alba.

6. Jeremy Mathieu

The French player was signed from Valencia to add competition on the left side. Mathieu spent three seasons at Barça and did not have an influential performance in the 91 games he played.

7. Samuel Umtiti

His first two years at Barça were outstanding, but then injuries frustrated his time as a Barça player. He added 133 games before leaving on loan last year to Lecce and this summer he terminated his contract with Barça to sign for the Stade Rennais. Samuel was rock solid before his injuries hit him. He won the Worldcup with an injury that went onto ruin his legacy at Barcelona and destroyed his career.

8. Lucas Digne

He came from PSG to compete in the left flank, but the presence of Jordi Alba left him with almost no opportunities. He had two seasons and 46 games as a Barça player before heading to Everton.

9. Ousmane Dembele

The winger ends his six-year spell at Barça, marked by recurring injuries. He came as a star from Borussia Dortmund and could only score 40 goals in 185 games. He will now seek his fortune at PSG after severing his ties with Barca by exercising a right in his employment contract. The Catalan club which trusted him at his lowest was left with no harmony by this indisciplined Frenchmen and his unfaithful entourage.

10. Jean Clair Todibo

The center-back came from Toulouse in January 2019. But he did not have any prominence and only played 5 games as a Barça player before chaining assignments at Benfica, Schalke 04 and Nice, a team in which he has exploited his full potential. He was often reported of his indisciplined activities.

11. Clement Lenglet

The central defender signed from Sevilla and was important in his first seasons. But unfortunately he ended up without a place in the squad in recent times. He played 160 games in five seasons before going on loan to Tottenham. He has many numbers to leave the club for good this summer.

12. Antoine Griezmann

Another multi-million dollar signing that didn’t go well. Griezmann scored 35 goals in the 102 games he played for Barça and returned to Atlético Madrid. As a rojiblanco he has recovered the best version of himself last season.

13. Jules Koundé

The defender arrived at Barça last summer, being the undisputed starter. He has the time and responsibility to change the bad dynamics of his compatriots at the Barça club.

Source: MD