Courtesy of their many greats, players of FC Barcelona seldom seem to escape immortalized shadows. The Catalan club has been a home to many of the sport’s greats, and these greats have each left their unique imprints on the club in Barcelona.
However, while most seem to struggle within these shadows, others rise beyond. Certain players that have donned the Barcelona jerseys take pride in the art of comparison, and a select few even manage to make it their own. One such star currently captains the side as well.
As reported recently, 24-year-old Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo is expected to face off against Girona with a protective mask. This is due to a facial fracture he suffered against Atletico Madrid and now he must wear protective gear.
Instead of opting for a surgical intervention, Araujo remains convinced that he must feature for Barcelona. In both the act of wearing the mask and his absolute commitment to the club, SPORT marks a parallel with another one of Barça’s great leaders.
On more occasions than one, the legendary Carles Puyol also had to wear the famous protective mask. Specifically, the legendary Barcelona captain wore the gear on three separate occasions. The first one, in 2003, was a bulky model of the mask that was quite uncomfortable to wear.
Ultimately, Puyol would take it off to continue playing. However, the subsequent ones in 2004 and 2012 saw a more reinvented model being used that was much lighter and easier to keep on while playing. Not too long after, the image of Puyol with a mask on became all too familiar a sight.
Moreover, the Spaniard was absolutely committed to Barcelona. Even despite his worst years of going trophyless, he remained loyal and determined enough to continue defending the Barça badge. A bonafide hero of the club, he remains the Barcelona player with the sixth most appearances for the club (593).
Following in his footsteps, however, is Ronald Araujo. Beyond just the mask, the Uruguayan guardian has embodied Puyol’s passion for Barcelona in a way that hardly anyone else has managed.
Putting his body on the line, whether it leaves him with broken fingers or a fractured cheekbone, he has defended Barcelona with everything he has to offer.
Interestingly, Araujo has already made 126 appearances for the Barcelona first team. He is also the third captain of the side and shows no signs of slowing down. No matter what offer or interest comes his way, the Uruguayan remains fully Blaugrana.
