When FC Barcelona and Chelsea meet, it is never just another Champions League night. These are clubs whose paths have crossed too often to count, sharing moments of brilliance, heartbreak, and a long list of footballers who have worn both shirts. From Ronaldinho, Eto’o, and Pedro to Cesc Fàbregas and Marc Cucurella, their shared history tells a story of respect and rivalry.
Among all those names, two figures stand out today not only for what they did on the pitch but for the roles they now play within the Barça structure: Deco and Juliano Belletti. Both were once proud ‘Blues’ at Stamford Bridge and now help shape the future of the Catalan club behind the scenes.
Deco, the one Chelsea always wanted
Deco’s relationship with Chelsea began long before he actually joined them. In 2004, the English club offered 45 million euros to Porto for the Portuguese maestro, far more than what Barça could afford at the time. Yet Deco stayed loyal to his promise to join Barcelona, won the Champions League with Porto, and then signed for the Blaugrana that same summer.
He became one of the key pieces of Frank Rijkaard’s Barça, winning six major titles, including the 2006 Champions League. Four years later, Deco finally moved to Chelsea for 10 million euros. He scored twice in his first two Premier League games and went on to win the Premier League, two FA Cups, and the Community Shield. Injuries cut his time short, but his class was never in doubt.
Today, Deco serves as Barcelona’s sporting director, responsible for building the next great generation at Camp Nou, still carrying that same mix of intelligence and composure that once defined his game.
Belletti, the hero of Paris
A year before Deco joined Chelsea, Juliano Belletti made the same journey. The Brazilian full-back forever holds a place in Barça history for scoring the winning goal in the 2006 Champions League final against Arsenal. That unforgettable moment in Paris turned him into a hero.
Chelsea paid 5.5 million euros for Belletti in 2007, and he quickly became a fan favorite in London as well. Over three seasons, he scored five goals, provided six assists, and added another four trophies to his career. Injuries limited his impact, but his attitude and professionalism made a lasting impression.
Years later, Belletti would reveal that it was Carlo Ancelotti, his coach at Chelsea, who inspired him to become a coach himself. Today, he is back home, helping young talents transition from Barça Atlètic to the first team, just as he once made that climb.
Bottom line
When Barça face Chelsea, history always plays its part. The names of Deco and Belletti remind fans of a golden era filled with respect, ambition, and mutual admiration between two European giants. Their journeys from Camp Nou to Stamford Bridge and back symbolize more than transfers; they are chapters in a story that continues to grow every time these clubs meet again.
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