Of 25 players on Barcelona’s roster, just five are not Spanish and from those 20, nine are graduates of the club’s famed La Masia academy.
The Barcelona style of play is instilled throughout this squad with key players drawing influence from the Pep Guardiola era at the Nou Camp, consisting of players like Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Carles Puyol.
Iniesta referred to women’s captain captain Alexia Putellas as “a representation of Barca”,, external and after coming through the ranks alongside Aitana Bonmati and Patri Guijarro, the trio have learned to display an unmatched chemistry in the midfield.
Putellas, a Barcelona fan since she was young, became the first female player to score in the Nou Camp for the club in January against Espanyol.
And defender Jana Fernandez and striker Bruna Vilamala have come a long way from La Masia youngsters to winning their first league title with the first team.
For a lot of these Barcelona players, it’s not only about succeeding on the biggest stage but giving their beloved club the greatest trophy in club football.
Barca’s women’s stadium is named after the leading figure of the club’s philosophy: Johan Cruyff, the club’s legendary ex-player and manager.
And the side has established that same philosophy of passing football, inspired by Cruyff and Guardiola.
“I was always a Barca fan, but I became a fanatic in the Guardiola era,” said Putellas., external
“That football was impressive and the desire to win everything, that’s how they achieved everything they did.”
It’s worth noting that this Barcelona side averages 60% possession and has scored 128 goals in 26 league matches this season, conceding five.