It’s every sportsman’s dream to play in an Olympic Games, where the best of every discipline come together to compete in a fantastic spectacle that is the focus of the whole world’s attention. Only five of Barça’s first team squad – including the boss -have ever had that wonderful experience.

Argentina Gold

It was a difficult summer in 2008, but it ended happily with Leo Messi finally returning from the Beijing Olympics with a gold medal after the Argentinean team, which included Javier Mascherano beat Nigeria in the final thanks to a Di Maria goal set up by Messi himself.

Xavi and Puyol

After missing out at the 2004 and 2008 games, Spain will again be present in at London 2012. The last time the Spanish team made it through to a Games was at Sidney in 2000, when they lost on penalties to Eto’o’s Cameroon. Xavi and Puyol were both in the young Spanish squad and both played in the final.

Guardiola

In the unforgettable summer of 1992, Pep Guardiola, alongside Chapi Ferrer, Luis Enrique, Abelardo, Kiko and Alfonso, helped Spain win their only gold medal in the competition, beating Poland in the final at the Camp Nou. Can the latest crop of Spanish youngsters repeat that feat next year in London?