Dani Alves 400 competitive matches with FC Barcelona
Dani Alves made it 400 competitive games for Barça after his second half appearance as a substitute in Barça's magnificent 4-0 win away at Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabéu. In this ninth season, the full-back continues to add to his impressive stats, further cementing his place as one of the Club's best ever right-backs.
Camp Nou's right-back supreme
As the first signing of the Guardiola era, Dani Alves arrived at FC Barcelona in the summer of 2008. The full-back's career has been unparalleled ever since. Titles and memorable moments galore, Alves is now second on the appearance list for overseas players to wear the jersey in competitive games, with only Leo Messi (778) ahead of him. Here is a breakdown of the competitive games in which he has featured for the Club: 253 in LaLiga, 82 in the Champions League, 45 in the Copa del Rey, 12 in the Spanish Super Cup, five in the FIFA Club World Cup, and three in the UEFA Super Cup.
Most of these 400 matches were wins. During his nine seasons with the Club to date - featuring 292 wins, 66 draws, and 42 defeats - he has never been on the losing side for more than eight games in any one season. He is in line to continue that impressive record, with Barça only having lost twice with him in the side this season.
Most trophies in football history
One of Dani Alves' key characteristics is his winning mentality. Allied with his outstanding ability, he has become the player to win the most trophies in football history. Over his career, the Brazilian full-back has won 46 trophies, 23 of which came with Barça - six LaLiga, five Copa del Rey, three FIFA Club World Cup, four Spanish Super Cup, and three UEFA Super Cup - meaning he has won every possible competition to date.
What's more, Alves has always played a vital role in these triumphs. Always considered a key man by all his coaches, the full-back has put in memorable performances in most of the finals in which he has played. However, his best goal came in - yes, that's right - a Clásico. During the return leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final in the 2011/12 season, with the aggregate score already in Barça's favour (3-1), he fired a powerful shot past Iker Casillas from the edge of the area, a jaw-dropping moment in Camp Nou to round off yet another victory against Real Madrid.
Five jersey numbers inspired by Barça
Throughout his time with Barça, Dani Alves has worn jerseys featuring different numbers with clear links to the Club's values. After wearing the number 20 for his first season, he took on the signature right-back number 2 jersey. This remained unchanged until 2013 when he decided add another two to pay tribute to his teammate Eric Abidal who had recently overcome cancer.
Dani Alves then wore the number 22 jersey up to the summer of 2015. After achieving a historic treble, the team saw one of its most important players leave the Club in Xavi Hernández, vacating the number 6 jersey. Alves again showed his bravery by accepting the challenge to wear such a symbolic shirt in the Club's history.
Now in his second spell, the full-back decided to follow the same formula. Again showing his commitment to Barcelonism, the Brazilian took on his latest number to pay tribute to both Andrés Iniesta and Hristo Stoickhov.
A change of jersey number and position
Dani Alves' return to FC Barcelona has been lively so far. Playing from the classic full-back position in defence, the number 8 has been employed in a range of attacking positions under Xavi Hernández. So much so that the Brazilian is often seen in midfield, pulling the strings for the team. Superb in possession and perfectly positioned, Alves helps recycle the ball quickly, further highlighting his skills.
This change in position allow the full-back from Juazeiro to continue making runs into the box - one of his strongest assets. Already with two assists to his name, he also became the oldest player to score for Barça during the game against Atlético Madrid at Camp Nou.