In more recent times Barca has enjoyed a revival. A combination of a new and enthusiastic president, Joan Laporta and a new manager, Frank Rijkaard saw the club bounce back. On the field an influx of talented new players like Henrik Larsson, Ronaldinho, Deco, Ludovic Giuly and Samuel Eto'o and experienced professionals like Rafael Márquez and Gio combined with a nucleus of home grown players such Carles Puyol, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, Oleguer and Víctor Valdés saw the club win La Liga and the Supercopa de España in 2005. Ronaldinho was also added to the list of Barca players voted European Footballer of the Year. The only disappointment was their defeat against Chelsea (F. Lampard, D. Drogba) in the UEFA Champions League.

Strengthened by the arrival of Mark van Bommel and the emergence of Lionel Messi, the current season has seen Barça continue where they left off. Playing attractive and attacking football, the team is top of La Liga and has qualified for the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Highlights of the season so far have included an emphatic 3-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on November 19th 2005 when even the home fans applauded two-goal hero Ronaldinho.