Deji WilliamsPlaying for Barcelona is considered the pinnacle for many footballers. The club’s rich history, global fanbase, and reputation for producing world-class talent make it one of the most coveted destinations in football. However, football careers can be unpredictable, and even former Barcelona players can find themselves without a club for various reasons—whether due to injuries, personal circumstances, or waiting for the right opportunity.
Here, we take a look at six former Barcelona stars who, despite once wearing the iconic Blaugrana shirt, now find themselves in the free agents pool, seeking the next chapter of their careers.
1. Rafinha Alcántara
Not to be confused with Barcelona’s current Brazilian star or the former Bayern Munich full-back, this Rafinha is the younger brother of Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcántara. A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Rafinha spent nine years on the club’s books. However, his time was often punctuated by loans, and he struggled to secure a regular starting spot.
In October 2020, Rafinha left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain, but his playing time in the French capital was also limited. After a brief stint with Qatari club Al-Arabi, Rafinha is now without a club, searching for the right opportunity to revive his career.
2. Douglas Pereira
Signed as a promising right-back in 2014, Douglas’ time at Barcelona was far from ideal. During his five-year spell, he managed only eight appearances and often found himself behind other Brazilian right-backs in the pecking order.
After various loans and short-term deals, Douglas’ most recent club was Turkish side Besiktas. However, since leaving Besiktas in 2022, the 34-year-old defender has yet to find a new club, and it remains uncertain whether he will return to football or retire from the sport altogether.
3. Jordi Gómez
Although most remembered for his successful spells in the Premier League with Wigan Athletic and Sunderland, Jordi Gómez actually started his career at Barcelona. The midfielder only made one appearance for the senior team before forging a solid career elsewhere.
Now 39 years old, Gómez still has some footballing magic left in his boots. His most recent stint was with Omonia 29M in the Cypriot Second Division, but he is currently without a club, weighing up his next move in what has been a long and varied career.
4. Aleix Vidal
Barcelona splashed out £15 million to bring Aleix Vidal to Camp Nou in 2015. While he played a squad role during his time at the club, Vidal made 51 appearances and won six trophies. Following his departure from Barcelona, Vidal enjoyed more regular playing time with clubs like Sevilla, Alavés, and Espanyol.
The 35-year-old right-back has been without a club since being let go by Espanyol in the summer of 2023. However, Vidal appears to be in no rush to return to the game. Instead, he has focused on ventures off the pitch, notably running a successful restaurant, which earned recognition from the Michelin Guide last year.
5. Jean Marie Dongou
A promising talent from Cameroon, Jean Marie Dongou played over 100 matches for Barcelona B and even managed to score on his debut for the senior team. Despite showing early flashes of potential, Dongou’s career never quite took off.
He has spent much of his professional career in the lower leagues of Spain, with brief stints in Greece and Japan. Now 29 years old, Dongou is once again on the lookout for a new club as he seeks to reignite his career.
6. Xavi Torres
Xavi Torres is another player who excelled with Barcelona B but couldn’t make the leap to the first team. After leaving Barcelona in 2009, Torres has enjoyed a globe-trotting career, playing for 12 different clubs across Spain, Kuwait, and Australia.
Most recently, the 38-year-old midfielder played for CD Lugo in the Spanish third tier. With a wealth of experience under his belt, Torres is now without a club and considering his next steps in a career that has spanned over a decade.
Conclusion: The Unpredictable Journey of a Football Career
While playing for Barcelona is a dream for many, these six players show how unpredictable a football career can be. For some, injuries and competition for places prevented them from making a lasting impact at Camp Nou, while others found success elsewhere but now find themselves waiting for their next opportunity.
Despite their current status as free agents, these former Barcelona stars still have plenty to offer, whether they return to the pitch or explore new ventures. As football fans, we can only hope to see them back in action soon, adding more chapters to their unique footballing journeys.
