Carles Puyol

Carles Puyol is a Spain international football player who currently features for the Spanish and European giants Barcelona. He usually plays as central defender although in his time he has played at right-back and at left-back.

Puyol began his football career in for his hometown club La Pobla de Segur as a striker but shifted into the now accustomed central defensive position. He was inducted into FC Barcelona B team at the age of 17 in 1996 and three years fast forward, Puyol was promoted to the first team.

Puyol has since been at the heart of Barcelona in more ways than one. He is a staunch Catalan and is captain of the club. He is also a firm favourite with the Barcelona faithful. Puyol was adjudged as the best defender in the UEFA Champions League in the 2005-2006, the year that Barcelona did the Spanish league and Champions League double.

Puyol won the Champions League again with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011 and La Liga in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Puyol is also at the heart of the Spanish national team and has played close to 100 matches for his nation. He won Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 with his country.