Former Wolves full-back and 2018 promotion winner Barry Douglas reflects on his most elegant, skilful and stylish teammates, kits and moments which make up his beautiful game.
Most beautiful player | Ricardo Quaresma
One of the toughest opponents I played against was Ricardo Quaresma. He was so talented he could go inside, he could go outside and he was very unpredictable – especially for an opposing full-back, as it was pretty impossible to show him one way because he could do that outside-of-the-boot cross as well. But for a teammate, it would be Pablo Hernandez. In training, when he got the ball at his feet, it was like it was stuck on with glue. He was such a clever, tidy and skilful footballer.
Most beautiful Wolves teammate | Ruben Neves
There was so many skilful players at Wolves from my time there. You could pick any single one of them – even Ryan Bennett! But in terms of elegance, it’s got to be Ruben. He wasn’t necessarily the most skilful, but he was just so elegant on the ball with how he passed it and the weight of pass. He was just nice to watch. But any of the forward players; Cav [Ivan Cavaleiro] was amazing that year, so were Helder [Costa] and Bona [Leo Bonatini], then you had Jota – God rest his soul. He wasn’t elegant, but he was like a machine, and more of a powerhouse.
Most beautiful opposition | Arsenal
Friendlies in pre-season were always ones where you played against the really good teams, quite often the skilful Spanish teams, but one of the most skilful I ever faced would have been Arsenal when I was at Leeds and we played them in the FA Cup. It was a complete contrast of two halves, and in the first 45 minutes, we could have been 3-0 up, but then they just flipped the switch in the second half, and it was keep ball for them. They were so good on the ball, so in terms of skill-based, I think Arsenal were up there.
Most beautiful goal | Neves vs Derby County, 2018
I’d say mine against Brentford with my right foot, which was a beautiful team goal, has got to be up there! I’ve been fortunate enough to see some absolute screamers, but there are two that stand out, one from Wolves and one from Leeds. Obviously, Ruben’s against Derby was an incredible goal – I don’t need to say any more. When I was at Leeds, Luke Ayling scored an unbelievable volley against Huddersfield. He did it a week before in training and then replicated it in the game, so to see him do that live was beautiful.
Most beautiful kit | Lech Poznan 2015/16 home
One that I really enjoyed wearing was when I was at Lech Poznan in 2015/16. It was a nice royal blue with a collar on it, and it was just a nice, smart kit. Obviously, I like all the kits of the teams I’ve played for, but that Poznan one was just a really elegant top and just felt smart to wear.
Most beautiful stadium | Stadio Artemio Franchi
I’ve played in so many, and when it’s a full house, you don’t get much better than Molineux or Elland Road, but some of the European grounds I liked included the Polish national stadium, which was good for cup finals, and Shakhtar Donetsk’s stadium, which was quite an intimidating place. But one that really stood out to me was Fiorentina’s stadium. I played there twice and I feel it epitomises the old-style, European football stadiums. It was like half a kilometre walk down the tunnel to get onto the pitch! There was a real football history to it.
Most beautiful moment in history | First time playing for his children
For me, the most beautiful moment in football is at any game where you see those moments of families embracing each other in the crowd after a goal. Whether it’s a kid with their mum or their dad, it’s just beautiful seeing them celebrate with their team. But a core memory for me and one of the most beautiful was seeing my kids watch me play live for the first time. It’s difficult to top that kind of moment. As a player, regardless of the result or the outcome, seeing your family in the stand celebrating something you’ve done is a beautiful moment. Nothing tops that.
This article originally featured in Wolves' official 2025/26 matchday programme. Last season's programmes are still available to purchase online through retailers Curtis Sports.
