2006 Barcelona Home – Ronaldinho #10 Medium

Season Overview

The 2006–07 season was a fascinating and ultimately frustrating campaign for FC Barcelona. Entering the season as both La Liga champions and UEFA Champions League holders, Barcelona were widely considered the best team in world football. Expectations were enormous as Frank Rijkaard’s side sought to build a dynasty around a core of world-class talent.

Barcelona remained competitive on all fronts but struggled to maintain the consistency and hunger that had defined previous seasons. In La Liga, Barça finished 2nd, level on points with Real Madrid but losing the title on the head-to-head tiebreaker. It remains one of the most painful title losses in club history, particularly after leading the league for significant portions of the campaign.

In the Champions League, Barcelona’s defense of their crown ended surprisingly early. They were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Liverpool, losing 2–1 on aggregate despite being among the tournament favorites.

While the season ended without major silverware, it represented the final year of Barcelona’s first great Rijkaard-era team before Pep Guardiola’s revolutionary side emerged shortly afterward.

The 2006–07 Barcelona home kit, produced by Nike, featured the club’s iconic blue and garnet vertical stripes, paired with the historic UNICEF sponsorship, one of the most celebrated shirt partnerships in football history. Elegant, meaningful, and instantly recognizable, it remains one of the most iconic vintage football shirts ever produced.

Player’s Impact – Ronaldinho

The 2006–07 season was one of the final elite campaigns of Ronaldinho at Barcelona. Wearing the legendary #10 shirt, Ronaldinho remained the team’s creative centerpiece and one of the most entertaining players in world football.

Ronaldinho scored 21 goals in all competitions, including 17 in La Liga, while continuing to produce moments of brilliance that few players in football history could replicate. Operating as a free-roaming attacking playmaker, he drifted across the front line, creating chances through dribbling, vision, and audacious skill.

Although injuries and growing off-field distractions began to affect consistency compared to his Ballon d’Or-winning peak, Ronaldinho remained capable of deciding matches with a single moment of genius. His combination of flair, creativity, and joy on the ball continued to define Barcelona’s identity.

The season also represented a symbolic passing of the torch. While Ronaldinho remained the face of Barcelona, a young Lionel Messi was rapidly emerging as the club’s future superstar.

Full Squad List (Barcelona – 2006–07 Season)

Manager: Frank Rijkaard

Goalkeepers:
Víctor Valdés, Albert Jorquera

Defenders:
Carles Puyol (captain), Gianluca Zambrotta, Lilian Thuram, Rafael Márquez, Oleguer, Sylvinho, Eric Abidal

Midfielders:
Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Deco, Edmílson, Thiago Motta, Ludovic Giuly

Forwards:
Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o, Lionel Messi, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Javier Saviola