Jules Kounde etched his name into FC Barcelona folklore on Saturday night, firing a dramatic 116th-minute winner to seal a thrilling 3–2 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
With the match finely poised at 2–2 deep into extra time, Kounde intercepted a pass intended for Brahim Díaz and launched a stunning strike that left Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois helpless. His goal proved decisive, sparking wild celebrations among the Barcelona faithful.
Kounde Joins an Elite Legacy
Kounde’s heroics earned him a place alongside legendary Barça defenders who have delivered iconic goals when it mattered most:
- 1988: José Ramón Alexanko’s crucial goal secured the Copa del Rey against Real Sociedad.
- 1989: Luis María López Rekarte netted late to win the Cup Winners’ Cup final against Sampdoria.
- 1992: Ronald Koeman scored the club’s most celebrated defender’s goal — a thunderous free-kick that won Barcelona their first European Cup.
- 2006: Juliano Belletti, now Barça Juvenil A manager, scored the winner in the Champions League final against Arsenal — his only goal for the club.
- 2009: Even Yaya Touré, deployed in defence, scored a vital goal in the Copa del Rey final versus Athletic Club, kickstarting Barcelona’s historic treble season.
Kounde now adds his name to this prestigious list, with a strike that could come to define his Barcelona career under new manager Hansi Flick.
A Key Player for Barcelona
Kounde’s performance in the final capped a superb season for the Frenchman, who has been a mainstay in Flick’s system. His contributions at both ends of the pitch have underlined his importance, and Barcelona are reportedly eager to reward him with a contract extension.
