Former Barcelona Legend and Spain Captain Ferran Olivella Passes Away

Former Barcelona defender and ex-Spain captain Ferran Olivella has sadly passed away at the age of 86.

The club legend died just as Barca were able to celebrate winning La Liga last night, with the Catalan giants releasing a tribute to their former player.

Olivella played over 200 matches for Barcelona, winning two La Liga titles with the club, while he also captained Spain to glory in the European Championships in 1964.

Barcelona wrote: “FC Barcelona wishes to express its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ferran Olivella, a former Club player between 1956 and 1969. Rest in peace.” 

And a statement from Real Madrid added: “Real Madrid C. F., its president and its Board of Directors sincerely regret the passing of Ferran Olivella, a legendary player of F. C. Barcelona and Spanish football.

“Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and affection to his family, his teammates, his clubs and all his loved ones.”

Born in Barcelona, he signed for the club's youth team at the age of 17 and after making his first few senior appearances for second-division side Espana Industrial, he was integrated into the first team at the Nou Camp.

During his 13 years stint, Olivella played 509 competitive games for the club and won back-to-back league titles in 1959 and 1960 as reported by Barcelona.

As a player, he was a tremendous defender from a young age, and he played a key role in the FC Barcelona youth side's promotion to the first division during the 1955/56 season.