After having been spotted by scouts following some impressive displays, he earned a move to play in the Maltese Premier League with Floriana in July 1999.

In 2002, Barbara received his first call up to the Maltese national team due to a number of impressive performances for Floriana.

With Barbara in high demand he moved on from Floriana after four years of service, and joined ambitious newly promoted club Marsaxlokk on 25 January 2003.

Following two successful years, and a series of impressive displays with Marsaxlokk, Barbara earned a move to join up with Birkirkara in January 2005.

Barbara found his move to mainland Europe in the shape of German Regionalliga West (IV) side SC Verl, where he signed a two-year contract.

He made his debut for Verl on 16 August 2008 in a league match against Bayer 04 Leverkusen II, being introduced in the second half as a 55th-minute substitute for Waldemar Jurez.

[1] Following his dismissal by Verl, Barbara was given a trial and took part in a pre-season tournament with English Football League Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, however he was not offered a contract.

Barbara had hoped to win a contract elsewhere in Europe, but after weeks of speculation and deals not materialising, this put a host of Maltese Premier League on alert.

The first to express a strong interest where Floriana, with new manager Roddy Collins reportedly offering Barbara the option of linking him with a club in the United Kingdom in January.

Due to Barbara's great form, he had been heavily linked with a move to the MLS or another high level league.

[11] Barbara made his international debut for Malta during a UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying match away to Israel, which ended with an impressive 2–2 draw.

Barbara has played as a midfielder, a striker, and a winger during his times with the national team, and is great at creating goal scoring opportunities.