Jose Mari Bakero arrived in Barcelona in the summer of 1988 from Real Sociedad where he had been one of the key players. The club was starting a new era with Johan Cruyff beginning as coach. Bakero quickly became one of the most important, loved and respected members of the squad. It wasn't by chance that he would soon end up being named captain. He donned the Barça jersey 347 times in eight and a half seasons. Despite being a number 6 and playing further away from the opponents' goal, Bakero scored 97 goals. His heading ability and nose for goals made him a player to fear for opponents. His final game with Barça came on 18 November 1996 at the Camp Nou against Valladolid. Bakero said farewell by scoring one of the six goals the team scored that day and he left to a great ovation. He spent his final season as a professional in Mexico with Veracruz.

Trophies with Barça:

• 4 Liga: (1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994)
• 1 European Cup (1992)
• 2 Copa del Rey (1990 and 1997)
• 2 European Cup Winners' Cup (1989 and 1997)
• 1 European Super Cup (1993)
• 4 Spanish Super Cup (1991, 1992, 1994 and 1996)

He played for Spain 30 times, scoring seven goals, including at the World Cups in Italy (1990) and the USA (1994) and at a European Championship in Germany (1988).