Samuel Umtiti Remains Barcelona’s Last World Cup Winner

FC Barcelona’s squad heads to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Brazil forward Raphinha in the lineup. The club’s last World Cup winner remains centre‑back Samuel Umtiti. Umtiti lifted the trophy with France at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Under coach Didier Deschamps he scored the semi‑final winner against Belgium and started the final versus Croatia. Ousmane Dembele was also in the French squad but did not feature in the decisive moments. Umtiti played the tournament despite serious knee problems, opting against surgery to stay available. The decision delivered his career’s highest honour but marked the peak of his performance level. Persistent knee issues later limited his Barcelona appearances and led to an early retirement in his thirties. Lionel Messi reached the 2014 World Cup final with teammate Javier Mascherano, both still at Barcelona, but lost to Germany. Messi’s 2022 triumph came after he had left the club, though it was celebrated by Barcelona supporters. Sixteen Barcelona players are listed for the 2026 World Cup, giving the club another chance to add a new champion. Whether anyone will displace Umtiti’s record on July 20 or keep it through 2030 remains to be seen.