Ronaldinho, Rafael Marquez & Shakira all backing Barcelona against Real Madrid

Ronaldinho and Rafael Marquez have joined Shakira in voicing their support for Barcelona ahead of this weekends eagerly awaited La Liga El Clasico with Real Madrid.

The Brazilian attacker and Mexican defender both previously played for the Catalan giants, while popstar Shakira is the girlfriend of current Camp Nou centre-back Gerard Pique.

Ronaldinho left the club in 2008 after five hugely successful seasons, and although he is now plying his trade with Flamengo, he revealed in El Mundo Deportivo that he will be keeping a close eye on proceedings at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"I wish you all the luck in El Clasico, Barca, and I hope you win, the 31-year-old forward said.

What the result will be, I do not know. I just want [Barca] to win. I will be encouraging them from a distance. Come on Barca!

The fixture has also evoked happy memories for Ronaldinho, who memorably received a standing ovation from the Madrid fans in November 2005 after inspiring Barcelona to a 3-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"I remember that game very well, he said. It was a unique gathering. I was lucky enough to score two goals and that the rival fans were clapping. I'll never forget [it].

Like Ronaldinho, Marquez will also be watching the game from afar as he is now lining up for the New York Red Bulls in the USA.

"I'm Barcelona 100 per cent, the Mexican defender, who enjoyed seven years at Camp Nou, is quoted as saying by Sport. It's a very tight El Clasico and anything could happen.

Shakira, meanwhile, is currently in her native Colombia, but she too will be glued to a television screen on Saturday.

"Of course, because I am now officially considered a cule, the singer joked in Marca.

However, she refused to make! any bol d predictions, adding that both sides are incredible and that it will surely be a great football show.

Starting last month and continuing every Friday through to January, Goal.com will publish extracts from Graham Hunter's highly-anticipated book, Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World. Check out today's enthralling extract on how Barcelona's path to greatness all started with Spain's triumph at Euro 2008. Don't miss it!