Barcelona defender sets a new milestone with special streak following Alaves win

Jules Kounde has been a standout performer for Barcelona this season under manager Hansi Flick. His consistency on the field has been remarkable, with the defender playing 68 consecutive matches for the club. 

According to Mundo Deportivo, this impressive streak began on December 3, 2023, and since then, Kounde has featured in 65 of those games as a starter, with just one appearance as a substitute. 

This shows his value to the team, as he has become a crucial part of Barcelona’s defence and attack.

In the current season, Barcelona have played a total of 34 matches across all competitions, including La Liga, the Champions League, Copa del Rey, and the Super Cup. Kounde has started in 32 of these games, only coming off the bench twice. 

One of those substitute appearances came in the match against Alaves, where Kounde was late to the activation session, earning himself the wrath of Flick, who decided to punish him by leaving him on the bench. 

He also had another rare substitute role in the derby.

A look back

Jules Kounde has played 68 consecutive matches with Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Looking back to the previous season, 2023-2024, Kounde’s contributions were similarly significant. He started to become a regular fixture in the starting lineup from December 3, 2023, and by the end of the season, he had played in 34 matches. 

Of these, 24 were in LaLiga, five in the Champions League, three in the Copa del Rey, and two in the Super Cup. Again, he missed just two games, further showcasing his importance in Barcelona’s plans.

Interestingly, despite his constant playing time, there has been lighthearted banter around Kounde’s ability to keep up this incredible run. 

Flick jokingly mentioned to a journalist that perhaps Kounde should be rested at some point, adding to the playful nature of the situation. 

According to unconfirmed reports from within Barcelona, Kounde’s playing streak is more than the numbers set by club legends like Xavi, with his limit said to be around 62 games, while Iniesta’s was around 64.

Kounde’s resilience and dedication have made him a vital asset for Barcelona this season, and it is clear that his physical and mental strength will continue to play a major role in the team’s success moving forward.