Having finished second in La Liga the previous season, Barcelona once again competed in the UEFA Champions League as well as the Copa del Rey.

The squad was restructured significantly following the retirement of key players Luis Enrique and Marc Overmars, as well as the return of Edgar Davids to Juventus and first team regulars Patrick Kluivert and Phillip Cocu moving onto new clubs.

Ronaldinho's and new signing Samuel Eto'o's performances won them places in FIFPro's XI of 2004–05.

Ronaldinho was later named FIFA World Player of the Year for 2005 for the second time in succession and with the highest points total ever;[1] Eto'o came third.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.