Since more than 15 years the prize of FIFA´s World Best Player has been awarded to a Spanish La Liga or Italian Serie A player. During the period of the last 16 years, FC Barcelona represented the most FIFA World´s Best Player (5x): Ronaldinho (2004 and 2005), Rivaldo (1999), Ronaldo (1996) and Romario (1994).


Even more astonishing is that since this time, the Players have come from only 5 different clubs: FC Barcelona (5x), Real Madrid (4x), Juventus 3x, Inter (2x), AC Milan (2x)


The previous winners of FIFA´s World Best Player Award:


2006 - Canavarro (Real Madrid)
2005 - Ronaldinho (Barça)

2004 - Ronaldinho (Barça)
2003 - Zidane (Real Madrid)

2002 - Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
2001 - Figo (Real Madrid)

2000 - Zidane (Juventus)
1999 - Rivaldo (Barça)

1998 - Zidane (Juventus)
1997 - Ronaldo (Inter)

1996 - Ronaldo (Barça)
1995 - Weah (Milan)

1994 - Romàrio (Barça)
1993 - Roberto Baggio (Juventus)

1992 - Van Basten (Milan)

1991 - Matthäus (Inter)

FC Barcelona forward Javier Saviola expressed his admiration for midfielder Andres Iniesta. The Argentine international Saviola praised teammate Iniesta as one of the best Spanish players already but believes the Barca player could become one of the best in the world:

Everyone knows how good he is. He is one of the best Spanish players. He always moves the ball very well, has good positional sense and can score goals. If he continues playing like that, then he could become one of the best players in the world.

Captain and Highbury idol Thierry Henry is the star player and top scorer of Arsenal. Just like Ronaldinho or Eto'o in Barca, every time people look at Arsenal they focus on Thierry Henry as the main protagonist. He's the Premier League top scorer and one of the best strikers in the world. However, the Barca players all agree that it would be a big mistake to ignore the rest of Arsenal´s talented young squad.


Here are some Barca players comments after Wednesday´s training:


Barca´s right wing back Belletti:
"Henry isn't the only player we have to worry about in order to go into the Champions League final with guarantees. We have to worry about the whole squad".


FC Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o:

"Henry might be the most well-known Arsenal player but we know there are other important players such Cesc, Pires and Reyes. One player alone can't win matches".


Ex-Arsenal, now Barca defender Sylvinho:
"Just as happens with some of our players, such as Ronaldinho or Eto'o, there isn't a specific way to stop Henry. The best option is to worry about the team in general. You can't give him any space because he's very fast".


World player of the year Ronaldinho Gaucho: "Henry is a truly great player and he's playing fantastically well. He's one of the best in the world".


Swedish International Henrik Larsson: "He's a fantastic player. He doesn't only score goals. He makes the whole team play".