Jules Koundé Equals Ousmane Dembélé’s Milestone and Targets Éric Abidal’s Barcelona Appearance Record

Jules Koundé reaches 185 Barcelona appearances, equaling Ousmane Dembélé as he closes in on Éric Abidal’s all-time French player record for the club.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 7:57 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Ysscores

A Landmark Achievement at Spotify Camp Nou

The career of Jules Koundé at FC Barcelona reached a significant statistical milestone on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, during a narrow -0 victory over Celta Vigo. By appearing in the starting lineup at the Spotify Camp Nou, the 27-year-old defender recorded his 185th official match for the Catalan side. This appearance brings him level with his compatriot Ousmane Dembélé, effectively making Koundé the joint-second most capped French player in the history of the Blaugrana, a testament to his durability and tactical importance since arriving from Sevilla in 2022.

Chasing the Legacy of Éric Abidal

Koundé is now within striking distance of the all-time record for French players at Barcelona, currently held by legendary left-back Éric Abidal. Abidal, who played for the club between 2007 and 2013, amassed 193 official appearances. With Koundé sitting at 185, he requires only nine more matches to stand alone at the top of the list. Given the frequency with which manager Hansi Flick utilizes the versatile defender, analysts suggest this historic record could be broken before the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign or very early in the following season.

Versatility Becomes a Tactical Cornerstone

The Frenchman’s ascent through the club's historical ranks is largely attributed to his seamless transition from a traditional center-back to an elite right-back. While Koundé initially expressed a preference for the heart of the defense, his consistent performances on the flank have made him an immovable object in the starting eleven. This adaptability has allowed him to accumulate matches at a rapid pace, providing Barcelona with a defensive reliability that has been essential during a period of significant squad transition and financial restructuring.