Legendary Teams | Barcelona | LaLiga | Features
The 2014/15 campaign saw Barcelona rule Europe with a magnificent treble—La Liga, the Copa del Rey and, towering above all, the Champions League. In that unforgettable season the “M-N-S” strike force of Messi, Neymar and Suárez struck terror into every defence they faced.
Almost nine years have passed since then, and neither Lionel Messi nor Barcelona have lifted the famous “big-eared” trophy again. Let’s look back at the starting XI from that triumphant night in Berlin.
The 2015 Champions League Winners
Goalkeeper: Marc-André ter Stegen — Barcelona
Although the German goalkeeper did not appear in a single league match that season, he was untouchable in the Champions League and key to the title run.
He would soon displace Claudio Bravo permanently, prompting the Chilean’s move to Manchester City, and the 1992-born shot-stopper remains Barça’s first-choice keeper today.
Right-Back: Dani Alves — Free Agent
For years the Brazilian was a model of consistency on Barça’s right flank and is widely regarded as one of the finest full-backs Camp Nou has ever seen.
After collecting 23 trophies he left in 2017, spending time with Juventus and PSG before a stint back home at São Paulo. A short return to Barcelona followed, yet his playing career has stalled since legal troubles surfaced in early 2023.
Centre-Back: Gerard Piqué — Retired
Whatever the era, the Spaniard was a defensive pillar for Barcelona. Age eventually caught up with him and fluctuations in form grew more frequent, leading to his retirement at the end of 2022.
Centre-Back: Javier Mascherano — Retired
Initially signed as Sergio Busquets’ understudy, Mascherano was moved into central defence and soon became indispensable.
He departed in 2018 after 19 major honours, played for Hebei FC and Estudiantes, and hung up his boots in November 2020.
Left-Back: Jordi Alba — Barcelona
For nearly a decade Alba has patrolled the left flank with tireless runs and dependable defending. Born in 1989, he remains the Catalan club’s first-choice left-back.
Defensive Midfielder: Sergio Busquets — Barcelona
Since breaking through, Busquets has been immovable at the base of midfield. He has now played close to 700 competitive games and owns 33 winner’s medals with the Blaugrana.
Central Midfielder: Ivan Rakitić — Sevilla
The Croatian shone in his debut season, initially viewed as the perfect successor to Xavi. In later years his form wavered, and in the summer of 2020 he returned to Sevilla.
Central Midfielder: Andrés Iniesta — Vissel Kobe
A cornerstone of Barça’s golden 2008-12 era— and vital long after—Iniesta amassed 32 titles before swapping Spain for Japan and a new adventure with Vissel Kobe.
Forward: Lionel Messi — Paris Saint-Germain
No matter the season, Messi was the heartbeat of Barcelona: 34 trophies, 672 goals, countless memories. In the summer of 2021 his 21-year association ended when he joined PSG on a free transfer.
Forward: Luis Suárez — Grêmio
Suspended for the first four months of 2014/15, Suárez exploded on his return, finishing with 25 goals and sealing the treble. Pushed out in 2020, he spent two years at Atlético Madrid and now leads the line for Grêmio in Brazil.
Forward: Neymar — Paris Saint-Germain
Operating from the left, the Brazilian logged 39 goals—his best Barça total—in that treble season. In 2017 he joined PSG in a record €222 million deal. Despite periodic talk of a comeback, a formal bid to bring him back to Camp Nou has never materialised. He is currently reunited with his close friend Lionel Messi in Paris.