The Barcelona legend played an instrumental role in Spain’s 2008 European Championship triumph before the country’s first-ever World Cup win in South Africa 2010. Years later, a renewed Spanish team led by coach Luis de la Fuente won the 2024 Euros in Germany before claiming the ultimate glory in US soil this year.

Bolavip asked Puyol what advice he would share for this Spanish team based on his experience, as Spain couldn’t replicate their 2010 World Cup success in Brazil 2014.

“Well, winning again after already winning is always very difficult, but I think this generation is very young,” Puyol responded to Bolavip during a press conference held by LALIGA and ESPN. “We were at a more mature age, so we didn’t have as much time, whereas I think this generation still has one or two World Cups left to reach its peak and be at the top.

“The youth system in Spanish football is very good; great players are always emerging. So I think we have a bright future ahead of us.“

Puyol’s legacy and Spain’s post-2010 World Cup era

Puyol, who also addressed Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid, earned 100 caps for Spain and left an indelible mark in world soccer. He’s also remembered for his unforgettable time at Barcelona, having captained the Blaugrana side for 10 years (from 2004 to 2014).

He couldn’t participate in Spain‘s Euro 2012 victory due to injury, but his contribution to those glorious days was still unquestionable. However, Spain suffered a shocking group stage exit at the 2014 World Cup, bringing a sudden ending to an extremely successul run.

Flash-forward to 2026, Puyol believes the new generation of Spain has a chance to keep the success going. There’s still a long way to go for the next World Cup though, and first, this Spanish team will have to defend its Euro title like Vicente del Bosque’s men did back in 2012.

Puyol, who captained Barcelona from 2004 to 2014, knows perfectly well what is like to face a Madrid side led by Mourinho. In his response to Bolavip, the legendary defender made it crystal clear how highly he thinks of the Portuguese manager.

“Well, we’re talking about a great manager,” Puyol said when asked by Bolavip about his memories facing Mourinho and how dangerous his return to Madrid can be for Barcelona. “I met him at Barcelona when I was young and coming through the academy, and when I made it to the first team, we could already see that he knew a lot about football.

“Then he went to other clubs, built a good résumé, and eventually arrived at Real Madrid, where Real Madrid had a very good team. We were going through a very strong period, and I remember a great rivalry and many individual battles. The Barça-Madrid rivalry is huge, but in those years, on top of that, it was Guardiola against Mourinho, Messi against Cristiano, and two great, great teams.

“So we’ll see how he does now. I still think Barcelona have a very good team and will be able to have a good season, but it’s clear that one of their biggest rivals is Real Madrid, and with Mourinho they could be stronger.”

McManaman believes that Mourinho ‘needs to finish above Barcelona’

McManaman, who made 158 appearances for Real Madrid from 1999 to 2003, has a deep understanding of the expectations surrounding Mourinho in his second stint at the club.

“He needs to win,” McManaman responded to Bolavip. “It’s simple as that. He needs to beat Barcelona, he needs to win the league. I don’t necessarily think he needs to win the Champions League, but he needs to finish above Barcelona.

“He’s been brought in because the last two years have been disappointing. So he needs just to get the best out of the players, but more importantly, it’s to finish above Barcelona. He has to do it instantly. Real Madrid can’t go three years without winning anything. So Jose has to hit the ground running and he has to be successful straight away. That’s what he’s been brought in for.”

McManaman is being realistic. Those are the standards at Real Madrid. If not, just ask Carlo Ancelotti. Carletto may have led the club to its 15th UEFA Champions League/European Cup title in 2024, yet one bad season the next year sealed his fate. Well, it was a bad season for Real Madrid’s standards. Finishing second in LALIGA and failing to win either the UCL or Copa del Rey led to Ancelotti’s departure and Xabi Alonso’s hiring in 2025.

Alonso didn’t last long though, and his replacement, Alvaro Arbeloa, couldn’t deliver major silverware either. Mourinho, who won three titles (LALIGA, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup) in his first stint in Madrid, now has to bring back glory days immediately.

Puyol, who also talked about Spain’s future, knows Mourinho’s return poses a threat to Barcelona and McManaman understands that winning the Champions League might be a tall ask, but anything less than a league title could be all she wrote for the Special One. Needless to say, this LALIGA season will be must-watch for world soccer.

Many things have contributed to the Blaugrana’ssuccess, including their excellent academy program, dedicated fan base, fresh approach to the game, and stellar roster of superstars.These players will go down in football lore as some of the bestever thanks to their extraordinary skill, leadership, and charisma.

With so many legendary players having worn the Barcajersey, picking an all-time greatest XI is no easy feat. As a result, supporters have usedChatGPTto assemble a squad thatwould representeverything that makes the Spanish club so special.

What is Barcelona’sbest XI of all timeaccording toChatGPT?

The renowned Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been selected to startbetween thesticks, as perTwitter account total Barça.Carles Puyol, Ronald Koeman, Gerard Pique, and Migueli, all of whom are now retired, make up the back four.

Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, and Johan Cruyff—three of the Blaugrana’s all-time finest players—form a formidable trio in the middle of the field.Modern club hero Lionel Messishares the starting lineup with the late Laszlo Kubala. An intriguing selection is Ronaldo Nazario, whoseadventurein Catalonia lasted all of one season (1996–1997).

Having played for Real Madrid for a total of five seasons at Santiago Bernabeu, he is widely regarded as a Los Blancos legend, rather than a Barcelona great. Either one ofRonaldinho, Neymar, or Luis Suarezcould have perhapsbeen a better option.Dani Alves,Rafael Marquez,Rivaldo,Romario,Sergio Busquets,and many more are just a few of the greats that weren’t included.

The change in the criteria means there is a strong candidate to win the prize, and that is Karim Benzema. Last season, the French superstar took all the limelight by leading Real Madrid to a memorable UEFA Champions League success and a La Liga title.

With Lionel Messi not even making the 30-man shortlist, it doesn’t look like Benzema will have to face stiff competition to claim the Golden Ball. Still, Barcelona legend Carles Puyol believes there’s another star who deserves it more than Karim.

Carles Puyol doesn’t name Karim Benzema as favorite for 2022 Ballon d’Or

“Lewandowski deserves the Ballon D’or,” Puyol said during the sixth edition of the XAP charity paddle tennis tournament, via Barca Universal. However, he did show praise for the Real Madrid striker.“Benzema and Lewandowski are the best strikers in the world. Karim has been putting Madrid on his back since Cristiano left and Lewandowski has been incredible at Bayern.”

Puyol captained Barcelona for nearly a decade and also wore the armband of the Spanish national team that won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, so it’s always interesting to hear his opinion.

It’s safe to say that Robert Lewandowski should havewon a Ballon d’Or by now. Most people – including Lionel Messi – agree that he deserved to win in 2020 had the ceremony not been canceled. In fact, many felt it was unfair that the Argentine was chosen over Lewy in 2021.

Thatsaid, the 2022 award should belong to Benzema. He was undoubtedly the most impactful player of the season, scoring in crucial moments to fireReal Madrid to their 14th Champions League title.

Messi sent a letter to the club officials telling them his final decision. Fans, players and even former club’s presidents reacted on social media and sports programs, and one of them was Barcalegend Puyol, who was Messi’s teammate for 10 years in Barcelona’s first team.

Meanwhile, Suárez, who was told by Barcelona new manager Ronald Koemanthat he would not be needed for next season, replied to Puyol’s message. But Puyol and Suárez were not the only well-known players whowrotemessages on their social media accounts.

Carles Puyol’s message to Lionel Messi

“Respect and admiration, Leo. All my support, friend,” wrote Puyol on his Twitter official account. Suárez showed his support by replying the message. This will be the end of an era for Barcelona, with Messi and Suárez both leaving the club.

Players react to Messi’ decision

Players from different parts of the world reacted to Lionel Messi’s decision to leave Barcelona and wrote messages on their social media accounts. Luis Figo, Rio Ferdinand, Luis García and Gary Lineker are some of them.