1. JOAN GAMPER
THE NUMBERS -Season at the club: 1899-1903 -Games played: 51 -Goals scored: 120 -Trophies: Macaya Cup 1901-02 Barcelona Cup 1902-03 |
Founder of FC Barcelona on the 29th of November 1899 and five times president of the club between 1908 and 1925.
The man from Switzerland was a true example of what a sportsman should be; Joan Gamper (Winterthur, Switzerland, 1877 - Barcelona, 1930) had success in swimming, rugby, cycling, athletics and above all, football. He arrived in Barcelona in 1898 and practised the sport in the streets of Sant Gervasi and by 1899, football had been born in Barcelona.
He founded the club and was captain of the team, however, he did not take on the presidential role until 9 years later. His level was superior to that of most others at the time and left many people marvelling at his skills. He was a forward player and scored a tally of goal unthinkable in modern times.
He founded the club and was captain of the team, however, he did not take on the presidential role until 9 years later. His level was superior to that of most others at the time and left many people marvelling at his skills. He was a forward player and scored a tally of goal unthinkable in modern times.
2. CARLES COMAMALA
THE NUMBERS - Seasons at the club: 1903-12 - Matches played: 145 - Goals scored: 172 - Titles: 2 Spanish Championships (1909/10 and 11/12) 4 Catalonian Champions (1904/05, 08/09, 09/10 and 10/11) |
Carles Comamala (Madrid, 1887 – Barcelona, 1976) was a personal friend of Gamper’s and the real successor to the Swiss player in the Barça attack when the club founder retired in 1903. Comamala was an extraordinarily prolific goalscorer.
With a father from the Canaries and a Basque mother, but born in Madrid and brought up in Catalonia, he was not only a great striker, but also a unique character, who stayed in the sport until a ripe old age and then went on to become a club director from 1909 to 1911, and founded new clubs in Irish, Galeno and Universitario, as well as enjoying rugby and swimming and journalism. He was also the president of the Catalan Gymnastics Federation and a renowned sports doctor.
And if all that was not enough, he was also the designer of the FC Barcelona club crest when he won a public competition held in 1910.
And if all that was not enough, he was also the designer of the FC Barcelona club crest when he won a public competition held in 1910.
3. PAULINO ALCÁNTARA
THE NUMBERS - Seasons at the club: 1912-27 - Games played: 357 - Goals Scored: 357 - Trophies: 5 Spanish Championships (1912/13, 19/20, 21/22, 24/25 i 25/26) 10 Catalan Championships (1912/13, 15/16, 18/19, 19/20, 20/21, 21/22, 23/24, 24/25, 25/26 i 26/27) |
Paulino Alcántara (Iloilo, Philippines, 1896 – Barcelona, 1964) is the highest goal scorer in the club’s history with 357 goals in 357 games.
His characteristic deceptive appearance made him popular with the fans to the point of being the first star of the club in the golden ages of the twenties, alongside Samitier, Zamora, Sagi, Piera and many more.
His ability to hit the most powerful of shots crossed frontiers on the 30th April 1922 when, in a game between Spain and France, he hit a shot so hard that it ripped right through the net. For many years after, children from Barcelona would recall that moment and would wish to do the same as the man from the Philippines.
He hung up his boots on the 5th July 1927 in order to become a doctor. However, this was not his goodbye to football. He was on the board of directors between 1931 and 1934 and Alcántara was one of the first footballers to write memoirs of his playing days.
His ability to hit the most powerful of shots crossed frontiers on the 30th April 1922 when, in a game between Spain and France, he hit a shot so hard that it ripped right through the net. For many years after, children from Barcelona would recall that moment and would wish to do the same as the man from the Philippines.
He hung up his boots on the 5th July 1927 in order to become a doctor. However, this was not his goodbye to football. He was on the board of directors between 1931 and 1934 and Alcántara was one of the first footballers to write memoirs of his playing days.
4. RAMON TORRALBA
THE NUMBERS - Seasons with the Club: 1913-28 - Matches played: 475 - Goals scored: 16 - Titles: 5 Spanish Championships (1919/20, 21/22, 24/25, 25/26 and 27/28) 10 Catalan Championships (1915/16, 18/19, 19/20, 20/21, 21/22, 23/24, 24/25, 25/26, 26/27 and 27/28) |
Popularly known as 'la Vella' (the Old One), because of his long career with the Barça, Ramon Torralba (Ardisa, Zaragoza, 1887 – Barcelona, ?) is a legendary figure in the history of FC Barcelona due to his loyalty to the Club during fifteen seasons.
A holding midfield player, he stood out for his strength and limitless capacity for sacrifice. He formed a formidable and celebrated partnership with Sancho and Samitier. Indeed, many people believe that this threesome constituted the best ever Barça midfield.
He was a regular in the starting line-ups from the 1914/15 season until the 1925/26 season and kept himself in excellent physical condition throughout. In the 1924/25 season, at the age of thirty, he still managed to play 42 matches.
He was the first player in the history of Barça to be granted a testimonial match. This took place on 4 February 1917 at the stadium in Industria Street when he was still an acive player. The second, and farewell, testimonial took place on the 1st July 1928 at the Les Corts stadium.
He was a regular in the starting line-ups from the 1914/15 season until the 1925/26 season and kept himself in excellent physical condition throughout. In the 1924/25 season, at the age of thirty, he still managed to play 42 matches.
He was the first player in the history of Barça to be granted a testimonial match. This took place on 4 February 1917 at the stadium in Industria Street when he was still an acive player. The second, and farewell, testimonial took place on the 1st July 1928 at the Les Corts stadium.
5. JOSEP SAMITIER
THE NUMBERS -Seasons in the club: 1918-33 -Played matches: 454 -Scored goals: 326 -Trophies: 12 Catalonia Championships (1918/19, 19/20, 20/21, 21/22, 23/24, 24/25, 25/26, 26/27, 27/28, 29/30, 30/31, and 31/32) 5 Spanish Championships (1919/20, 21/22, 24/25, 25/26, and 27/28) 1 Spanish League (1928/29) |
Considered the most emblematic player in the history of FC Barcelona and the best European forward of his times, Josep Samitier (Barcelona 1902-Barcelona 1972) led the terrific Barça in the golden age of the twenties.
His acrobatics and amazing jumps captivated the Barcelona fans who very quickly made him into their idol calling him “lobster man” and “magician”. The first “boom” of football crowds, came about thanks to him. A football team was created around him due to his exceptional technique and great football skills. Eventually the football field became too small to cater for the crowds and “Las Corts” was built in 1922.
With Samitier Barça acheived twelve Catalan Championships, five Spanish Championships and the first Spanish league that began in 1928-29. Despite starting out as a midfielder he is remembered as an excellent centre forward. The figures are significant: he scored 326 goals wearing the blue and claret shirt which made him the second greatest scorer in the history of the club after Paulino Alcántara.
Samitier also was a trainer between 1944 and 1947, winning the 44-45 Spanish League and the Eva Duarte Cup in 1945. As Club Manager (position which he cccupied until his death) he was responsible for the signing up of Kubala in 1950. On the 16th September 1993, his name was given to one of the streets near “Camp Nou”.
With Samitier Barça acheived twelve Catalan Championships, five Spanish Championships and the first Spanish league that began in 1928-29. Despite starting out as a midfielder he is remembered as an excellent centre forward. The figures are significant: he scored 326 goals wearing the blue and claret shirt which made him the second greatest scorer in the history of the club after Paulino Alcántara.
Samitier also was a trainer between 1944 and 1947, winning the 44-45 Spanish League and the Eva Duarte Cup in 1945. As Club Manager (position which he cccupied until his death) he was responsible for the signing up of Kubala in 1950. On the 16th September 1993, his name was given to one of the streets near “Camp Nou”.
6. JOSEP ESCOLÀ
THE NUMBERS -Seasons at the club 1934-49 -Games played: 253 -Goals: 223 -Trophies: 3 Leagues (1944/45, 47/48 i 48/49) 1 Latin Cup (1949) 1 Spanish Cup (1941/42) 1 Gold Cup (1945) 1 Eva Duarte Cup (1948) 3 Catalan Championships (1934/35, 35/36 i 37/38) |
The gentleman of football, Escolà (Barcelona 1914 – Barcelona 1998), was a forward who would finish up many plays started from behind.
He had exquisite technical abilities and an exceptional shot which helped him become the fifth highest goal scorer in the club’s history with 223 goals. He was admired and respected by many due to his clean and fair play; tempers never flared when he was around.
He came to Barcelona in 1934 and formed part of the forward set up which also included Ventolrà, Raich, Escolà, Fernandez and Munlloch. He fled to France during the civil war and returned in 1940 and achieved success in the blaugrana colours. However, his career was cut short due to sustaining many injuries to his hip and knee.
Years later, he returned to the club to coach the lower division teams where he enjoyed a successful time.
He came to Barcelona in 1934 and formed part of the forward set up which also included Ventolrà, Raich, Escolà, Fernandez and Munlloch. He fled to France during the civil war and returned in 1940 and achieved success in the blaugrana colours. However, his career was cut short due to sustaining many injuries to his hip and knee.
Years later, he returned to the club to coach the lower division teams where he enjoyed a successful time.
7. GONZALVO III
THE NUMBERS - Seasons at the club: 1942-55 - Games played: 331 - Goals scored: 56 - Trophies: 5 Leagues (1944/45, 47/48, 48/49, 51/52 i 52/53) 1 Latin cup (1949 i 1952) 3 Spanish cups (1950/51, 51/52 i 52/53) 1 Gold cup (1945) 3 Eva Duarte cups (1948, 1952 i 1953) |
Marià Gonzalvo (Mollet del Vallès, 1922 - Barcelona, 2007), known as Gonzalo III (his other two brothers also played for FC Barcelona), is one of the best players to ever have worn the blaugrana colours.
From the middle of the pitch he was able to demonstrate his superior qualities and vision. He possessed a good head and could also notch up a few goals to help the team along. His commitment to Barcelona during his lengthy spell was a tribute to his love of the city; having turned down enormous offers from Torino. He left the club in 1957 at the age of 34.
8. JOHAN CRUYFF
THE NUMBERS - Seasons at the club: 1973-78 - Games played: 227 - Goals: 83 - Trophies: 1 League (1973/74) 1 King’s Cup (1977/78) |
Cruyff (Amsterdam, Holland, 1947) is one of the best players in the world of all time and in his time, he was considered number 1.
His immense quality saw him win worldwide recognition and he won the Golden ball award three times (1971, 1973 and 1974).
‘The flack’ signed for FC Barcelona in August 1973 following lengthy negotiations with his former club Ajax. In his first season, Cruyff exploded onto the scene; using his technical brilliance and intelligence to help Barça win the league in 1973-74 – the first time in 14 years.
In the eyes of the fans, they will always remember many images of the goal he scored against Athletico Madrid in Camp Nou and the famous 0-5 victory over Madrid in the Bernabeu in 1974, which will go down in history. Unfortunately his level dropped in the following seasons and Barça only won the King’s cup in 1977-78. Cruyff left the club in 1978.
In 1988, he returned to the club as coach and put into motion the best era in the history of the club: winning 4 league titles among other and winning the European cup for the first time at Wembley in 1992 with the ‘Dream Team’. Cruyff then left the club in 1996.
In 1999 he was chosen as best player of the century in Europe and in September 2006 he was awarded the cross of Saint Jordi from the Government of Catalonia.
‘The flack’ signed for FC Barcelona in August 1973 following lengthy negotiations with his former club Ajax. In his first season, Cruyff exploded onto the scene; using his technical brilliance and intelligence to help Barça win the league in 1973-74 – the first time in 14 years.
In the eyes of the fans, they will always remember many images of the goal he scored against Athletico Madrid in Camp Nou and the famous 0-5 victory over Madrid in the Bernabeu in 1974, which will go down in history. Unfortunately his level dropped in the following seasons and Barça only won the King’s cup in 1977-78. Cruyff left the club in 1978.
In 1988, he returned to the club as coach and put into motion the best era in the history of the club: winning 4 league titles among other and winning the European cup for the first time at Wembley in 1992 with the ‘Dream Team’. Cruyff then left the club in 1996.
In 1999 he was chosen as best player of the century in Europe and in September 2006 he was awarded the cross of Saint Jordi from the Government of Catalonia.
RONALD KOEMAN
THE NUMBERS - Seasons at the club: 1989-95 - Games played: 345 - Goals scored: 102 - Trophies: 1 European Cup (1991/92) 1 European Super Cup (1992) 4 Leagues (1990/91, 91/92, 92/93, 93/94) 1 Copa del Rey (1989/90) 2 Spanish Super Cups (1991 and 1992) 2 Copa Catalunya (1990/91 and 92/93) |
'Tintin' Koeman will always get a mention in FC Barcelona history for scoring the goal that handed Barça victory in the 1992 European Cup at Wembley.
The Dutch defender (Zaandam, 1963) was one of the central figures in the Dream Team, being a masterful player just in front of the defence and being the provider of amazing pinpoint passes that generated so many dangerous opportunities.
He will also always be remembered for being one of the most reliable penalty takers the sport has ever known, for his free-kick abilities, and for the record breaking power he could put behind the ball. He scored 102 goals in his six years at Barça, an incredible tally for a defensive player. Off the pitch, he was popular for his pleasant, down to earth nature, and he became one of the undisputed club idols of the era. He was part of the club’s coaching staff from July 1998 to December 1999.
9. JOSEP GUARDIOL
THE NUMBERS - Seasons at the club: 1990-2001 - Games played: 472 - Goals scored: 10 - Trophies: 1 European Cup (1991/92) 1 Cup Winners Cup (1996/97) 2 European Super Cups (1992 and 1997) 6 Leagues (1990/91, 91/92, 92/93, 93/94, 97/98 and 98/99) 2 Copa del Rey (1996/97 and 97/98) 4 Spanish Super Cups (1991, 1992, 1994 and 1996) 3 Copes de Catalunya (1990/91, 92/93 and 99/00). |
'Pep' Guardiola was one of the best players ever to emerge from the Barça youth system.
He was born in 1971 in Santpedor (Barcelona), and after representing the club at every level, he eventually made his first team debut for FC Barcelona in the 1990-1991 season.
He was an exquisitely talented midfielder with excellent vision, and was the central playmaker in the side, always donning the famous number ‘4’ on his back. His brilliant career coincided with one of the most brilliant periods in recent club history, the so-called Dream Team under the great Johan Cruyff, with many describing Guardiola as the Dutchman’s natural prolongation onto the field of play.
Guardiola shared the dressing room with some of the greatest players in the world in the 1990s: Romario, Laudrup, Bakero, Zubizarreta, Stoichkov, Koeman, Amor, Figo, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Luis Enrique, among so many others. The downside of his illustrious career was a serious injury in the 1997-98 season, which kept him sidelined for a year.
He stayed at Barça until the 2000-01 season, when he decided to try his luck elsewhere at Italian club Brescia. His greatest achievement at international level was the gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.
He was an exquisitely talented midfielder with excellent vision, and was the central playmaker in the side, always donning the famous number ‘4’ on his back. His brilliant career coincided with one of the most brilliant periods in recent club history, the so-called Dream Team under the great Johan Cruyff, with many describing Guardiola as the Dutchman’s natural prolongation onto the field of play.
Guardiola shared the dressing room with some of the greatest players in the world in the 1990s: Romario, Laudrup, Bakero, Zubizarreta, Stoichkov, Koeman, Amor, Figo, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Luis Enrique, among so many others. The downside of his illustrious career was a serious injury in the 1997-98 season, which kept him sidelined for a year.
He stayed at Barça until the 2000-01 season, when he decided to try his luck elsewhere at Italian club Brescia. His greatest achievement at international level was the gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.
Barça B manager during the 2007-08 season, from June, first team manager.
0 komentar:
Post a Comment