Barcelona’s Historic Milestone: Frenkie de Jong Equals Koeman’s Record

In a thrilling La Liga Round 6 encounter, FC Barcelona triumphed 3-1 over Real Oviedo away from home. But it wasn’t just the victory that made headlines. In a moment of personal achievement, Frenkie de Jong made his 264th appearance for Barcelona, tying the legendary Ronald Koeman for the 8th spot on the club’s all-time foreign appearance list.

A Milestone to Remember

De Jong, who came on as a substitute in the match, has quietly established himself as a key figure for the Catalan giants since his arrival in 2019. The Dutch midfielder has been an essential part of Barcelona’s midfield, contributing not only with his passing and vision but also with his defensive work and leadership on the field.

With his 264th appearance, de Jong joins a prestigious list of Barcelona legends, matching Koeman, one of the club’s most iconic players, who was also a foreigner in the famed blue-and-red shirt. It is a testament to De Jong's consistency, longevity, and impact that he has reached this impressive milestone, already securing his place in Barcelona’s rich history.

Barcelona’s Top Foreign Appearances: A Look at the Legends

Here is a glance at the top foreign players with the most appearances in Barcelona’s storied history:

1. Lionel Messi - 778 appearances
   The greatest player in Barcelona’s history, Messi’s name is synonymous with the club. His 778 appearances stand as a monumental record that will be hard to break for years to come.

2. Marc-André ter Stegen - 422 appearances
   The German goalkeeper has been a rock in goal for Barcelona for nearly a decade, and his impressive number of appearances reflects his status as one of the club's best shot-stoppers of all time.

3. Dani Alves - 408 appearances
   One of the best right-backs in football history, Dani Alves' time at Barcelona was marked by numerous titles, including the UEFA Champions League. His 408 appearances are a testament to his incredible fitness, consistency, and ability to shine on the biggest stages.

4. Javier Mascherano - 334 appearances
   The Argentine midfielder and defender was a crucial player in Barcelona’s dominance in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Known for his leadership and grit, Mascherano made over 300 appearances during his time at the club.

5. Ivan Rakitić - 310 appearances
   The Croatian maestro played a key role in Barcelona’s midfield during a golden era, helping the team win numerous titles, including the treble in 2015. His technical ability and composure made him an integral part of the squad.

6. Giovani dos Santos (Cocu) - 292 appearances
   The Dutch international Cocu was an important figure during the late 1990s and early 2000s. His versatility allowed him to play in multiple midfield positions, and his leadership was a key component of the team.

7. Luis Suárez - 283 appearances
   The Uruguayan striker is Barcelona’s third-highest scorer of all time. Suárez’s relentless work ethic and natural finishing ability made him a fan favorite and a crucial player during his time at the club.

8. Ronald Koeman / Frenkie de Jong - 264 appearances
   Both Koeman and De Jong now share this spot on the list. Koeman, a legendary figure who played a central role in Barcelona’s first European Cup victory in 1992, now has company in De Jong, who is still very much in the prime of his career.

The Legacy of Frenkie de Jong

Frenkie de Jong’s 264 appearances are just the beginning of what could be a long and fruitful career at Barcelona. As the club continues to rebuild and chase new titles, De Jong will be at the heart of it, leading from midfield with his vision, intelligence, and maturity. His name will undoubtedly climb higher on this list as the seasons go on, and if his current form is anything to go by, he could one day find himself among the top five.

What’s Next for Barcelona?

As Barcelona continues their 2025/26 La Liga campaign, De Jong’s importance to the squad will only grow. The club is undergoing a transition phase with a new generation of players coming through, and De Jong’s leadership and experience are invaluable assets to the team.

With this win over Real Oviedo, Barcelona continues to build momentum for the rest of the season. Fans are excited about the future, and with players like De Jong, there’s a sense of hope that the club will once again reach the summit of both Spanish and European football.

Frenkie de Jong may have equaled a legend’s record, but his journey at Barcelona is far from over. If he continues at this pace, it’s only a matter of time before he becomes one of the club’s most influential foreign players in history.