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Carles Puyol

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Template:Catalan name

Carles Puyol
Personal information
Full name Carles Puyol i Saforcada
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
 Barcelona
Number 5
Youth career
1993–1995 Pobla de Segur
1995–1997 Barcelona
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1997–2000 Barcelona B 89 (6)
1999– Barcelona 346 (7)
International career‡
1995 Spain U18 3 (0)
2000 Spain U21 4 (0)
2000 Spain U23 5 (0)
2000– Spain 94 (3)
2001– Catalonia 5 (0)
Medal record
Representing  Spain
Men's Football
Silver medal – second place 2000 Sydney Team Competition
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 8 January 2011
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 21 December 2010

Carles Puyol i Saforcada (Catalan pronunciation: [ˈkaɾɫəs puˈjɔɫ]; born 13 April 1978) is a Spanish footballer who plays for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

Mainly a central defender, he can also appear on either flanks, especially as a right back.[1] He also serves as a longtime team captain for his only club FC Barcelona after taking over from Luis Enrique in August 2004.

Club career

Early years

Born in La Pobla de Segur, Lleida, Catalonia, Puyol started playing football for his hometown club, as a goalkeeper. However, after injury problems with his shoulder, he switched to striker. Puyol has said that in his youth, "My parents were skeptical about me becoming a footballer and encouraged me to study."[2] In 1995, he joined FC Barcelona's youth system at La Masia, switching positions again, to play as a defensive midfielder. In 1997, Puyol stepped up to play for the club's B-team, occupying the position of right back.

1999-2008

In 1999, then-coach Louis van Gaal promoted Puyol to the first team. He made his first division debut on 2 October 1999, at Real Valladolid, in a 2–0 win. After that, he successfully made another conversion, now to central defender. During the 2003 off-season, as Barcelona was immersed in a financial crisis, Manchester United showed interest in acquiring Puyol's services,[3] but no move ever materialized; two years later, the player extended his contract for a further five seasons.[4] Puyol was named club captain at the end of the 2003–04 season, after the retirement of Luis Enrique.He continued to be a defensive cornerstone for Barça, being awarded the "Best European right back" award by UEFA in 2002 and "Best European centre back" in 2005, 2006 and 2008, as well as receiving the "UEFA Club Best Defender" trophy in 2006. Puyol helped the Catalans win an impressive two consecutive league titles in the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 seasons. In 2005-2006, Puyol helped Barça win its second Champions League title, 14 years after the first.

2008-present

On 16 September 2008, Puyol made his 400th appearance in all competitions for Barça's first team in the Champions League match against Sporting Clube de Portugal.[5] In the league season, the Barça captain dealt with some injury problems, but still contributed to the team by appearing in 28 matches and helped to win another league title, his only goal coming in El Clásico at Real Madrid on 2 May 2009, which finished with a resounding 6–2 away win;[6] from 2008–10 combined, other than the two league titles, he was essential in conquering the 2009 UEFA Super Cup, the 2009 Champions League and the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup, appearing in nearly 100 official matches. Puyol describes Barça as "the team who every Catalan child wants to play for... I am living the dream playing football for Barça and it is my dream to retire playing here."[2] On the 29th of November 2010 he played in the 5-0 win over arch rivals Real Madrid, in which he was pushed in the face by fellow Spanish international Sergio Ramos, after which Ramos was sent off for a red card.

International career

"Puyol is the key, not just because he is one of the best defenders in the world but because of his character. He never lets up."

 —Xavi[7]

Puyol won his first Spanish cap on 15 November 2000 against the Netherlands, and remained a regular fixture ever since. He played for the nation at the 2000 Olympics, 2002 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2004, 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008, 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2010 World Cup.

At Euro 2008, Puyol started throughout the vast majority of the competition, as the defensive backline only conceded two goals in five games, with an eventual final win against Germany. He was named in the Team of the Tournament alongside defensive partner Carlos Marchena, of Villareal CF.

Puyol started three out of five games at the 2009 Confederations Cup, and captained the team when Iker Casillas was rested for the last group stage match. As Spain finished third, he and four other teammates were named in the Team of the Tournament.

At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Puyol started every match and played almost every minute (he was substituted by Carlos Marchena in the 84th minute in the quarter final against Paraguay[8]). He scored the only goal in the semifinal against Germany with a powerful header from a corner taken by Barcelona teammate Xavi, sending the national team through to their first World Cup final,[9] and scoring his third international goal in 89 matches. In the final, he played the full 120 minutes, as Spain defeated the Netherlands 1–0.

On 1 August 2010, Puyol announced that he would continue to play for the national team for at least another two years.[10]

Playing style

Puyol is known for his intense commitment and ruggedness as a defender. According to Barcelona's head doctor, Puyol is "the strongest, who has the quickest reactions, and who has the most explosive strength."[11] Club fans refer to him as "The Wall".[12] He is also known by some fans in the UK as "Sir Charles" as he seems to be like a Knight due to experience, authority and defending prowess. Miguel Ángel Nadal, who played with him for a short period of time, said, "Carles plays with maturity, has great positional sense, and above all, has pride in his shirt."[11]

Puyol is known for his leadership and work ethic. He often continues training alone after the end of a team practice session or on days off.[7] He said in 2010, "I don't have Romário's technique, [Marc] Overmars' pace or [Patrick] Kluivert's strength. But I work harder than the others. I'm like the student who is not as clever, but revises for his exams and does OK in the end."[11] He is often described as the heart of the Barcelona team. Fellow defender Gerard Piqué said: "He's someone who, even if you're winning 3-0 and there's a few seconds left in the game will shout at the top of his voice at you if he thinks your concentration is going."[13] Another former team mate said, "Even four goals down he thinks we can still win."[7] Another Barcelona player described Puyol as "a pain in the arse" but that "that's exactly what we need".[7]

Club statistics

As of 16 January 2011[14][15]

Club Season League Cup Europe Other [16] Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Barcelona B 1996–97 1 1 – 1 1
1997–98 42 3 – 42 3
1998–99 38 2 – 38 2
1999–00 8 0 – 8 0
Total 89 6 – 89 6
Barcelona 1999–00 24 0 5 0 8 0 0 0 37 0
2000–01 17 0 2 0 5 0 – 24 0
2001–02 35 2 1 0 15 0 – 51 2
2002–03 32 0 0 0 14 0 – 46 0
2003–04 27 0 4 0 7 0 – 38 0
2004–05 36 0 1 0 8 0 – 45 0
2005–06 35 1 3 0 12 0 2 0 52 1
2006–07 35 1 7 0 8 1 5 0 55 2
2007–08 30 0 7 0 10 1 – 47 1
2008–09 28 1 6 0 11 0 – 45 1
2009–10 32 1 2 0 9 0 5 0 48 1
2010–11 15 1 2 0 5 0 0 0 22 1
Total 346 7 40 0 112 2 12 0 510 9
Career totals 435 12 40 0 112 2 12 0 599 15

International statistics

[17] Template:Football player national team statistics ||1||0 |- |2001||4||0 |- |2002||10||1 |- |2003||8||0 |- |2004||10||0 |- |2005||10||0 |- |2006||10||0 |- |2007||5||0 |- |2008||14||1 |- |2009||8||0 |- |2010||11||1 |- !Total||91||3 |}

International goals

No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1. April 17, 2002 Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland  Northern Ireland 4–0 5-0 Friendly
2. October 11, 2008 A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn, Estonia  Estonia 0–3 0-3 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
3. July 9, 2010 Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, South Africa  Germany 1–0 1-0 2010 FIFA World Cup

Honours

Barcelona

Nation

Individual

Personal life

In 2006, Puyol said that when not working, he leads "a very quiet life... I've not been to a nightclub in Barcelona for years either. When I go out, I stay in a restaurant with my friends."[2] He practices yoga and Pilates, and according to a friend is highly interested in Tibetan Buddhism and culture. Puyol met the Dalai Lama in 2007.[19]

His father, Josep Puyol, died in a farming accident in 2006 while Carles was on his way to play a match against Deportivo de La Coruña. He was informed by coach Frank Rijkaard upon landing [20]". He has said that this combined with an injury led to a dark period. Spanish National Team physio, Raúl Martínez, came to Barcelona and in Carles' words "gave me a great telling off. He made me react, and I began to try to be more cheerful, and not overwhelmed by it all." [21]

In 2009, Puyol told Goal.com: "I do not like to go out much, although it is good to disconnect and I like to read."[22] His musical tastes include the band Napalm Death.[23]

Puyol's long shaggy hair has been a distinctive feature throughout his career. Louis van Gaal, who at the time was the FC Barcelona coach, suggested he get it cut when Puyol was 19, Van Gaal had already made clear his feelings about Puyol when, after his first training session with the senior players, he called the defender, then 19, into his office. "What's your problem, can't you afford the money for a haircut?" Van Gaal asked him. "I said nothing," Puyol remembered, "and to this day have kept my hair as it is.".[11][24]

He's been in a relationship with Spanish model Malena Costa since September 2010.[25] They were first seen together in an Alejandro Sanz concert in Barcelona, a month later Puyol confirmed the relationship on October 16, 2010 at Camp Nou dedicating his winning header against Valencia CF (2-1), by making a heart symbol with both hands. “I dedicate the goal to my girlfriend,” said Puyol after the game.[26] On November 5 they made their first public appearance at the Cirque du Soleil’s show ‘Varekai’ in Barcelona.[27]

References

  1. ^ Players to watch – Carles Puyol; BBC Sport, 25 May 2004
  2. ^ a b c Mitten, Andy May 14, 2006, "Puyol's love of labour not lost on fans." The Independent
  3. ^ Man Utd move for Puyol; BBC Sport, 10 August 2003
  4. ^ Barca skipper Puyol pens new deal; BBC Sport, 22 September 2005
  5. ^ The captain makes it to 400 games; FC Barcelona official website, 16 September 2008
  6. ^ Barcelona run riot at Real Madrid and put Chelsea on notice; The Guardian, 2 May 2009
  7. ^ a b c d Lowe, Sid April 29, 2008, "Puyol returns to give Barcelona lift and leadership" The Guardian,
  8. ^ Villa strike sends Spain into last four with WCup win over tenacious Paraguay; ESPNsoccernet, 3 July 2010
  9. ^ Puyol heads Spain into final Villa saves Spain after penalty drama; ESPNsoccernet, 7 July 2010
  10. ^ Puyol to Keep Playing for Spain
  11. ^ a b c d Puyol anchors Spanish defense with combination of hard work, grit; Sports Illustrated, 9 July 2010
  12. ^ Puyol, a star on defense, wins it with offense; The New York Times, 8 July 2010
  13. ^ Defending the caveman; Times Live, 11 July 2010
  14. ^ Official site statistics
  15. ^ Soccernet player statistics
  16. ^ Includes other competitive competitions, including the Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup
  17. ^ http://www.national-football-teams.com/v2/player.php?id=6377
  18. ^ "Spain dominate Team of the Tournament". UEFA.com. 30 June 2008. Retrieved 30 June 2008.
  19. ^ "Carles Puyol Sends Spain to First World Cup Final". VOA Tibetan. July 8, 2010. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  20. ^ "[1]
  21. ^ "[2]"
  22. ^ Brown, Lucas (Mar 15, 2009), "Carles Puyol on life, leadership and trophies at Barcelona" Goal.com, retrieved 2010-07-23
  23. ^ "Manchester United v Barcelona: Live". Telegraph Media Group Ltd. 27 May 2009. Retrieved 2010-08-16.
  24. ^ 2010 FIFA World Cup profile; FIFA.com
  25. ^ Carles Puyol y Malena Costa no esconden su amor
  26. ^ Picture of the Day: Celebrations
  27. ^ Offside: Barca boys on the red carpet
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Carles Puyol.
Sporting positions
Preceded by FC Barcelona captain
2004–Present 		Succeeded by
Incumbent

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