Carles Puyol

About

Carles Puyol is the vice-captain of Spanish National Team and the captain of FC Barcelona. He plays as a central defender for both teams but is equally capable of playing as a right-back. He's widely recognized for his discipline and never-say-die attitude which soon made him fans' favourite - even die-hard spanish madridistas admit that Barcelona's captain is the heart of the National Team.

Background

Carles was born in La Pobla de Segur where he started playing football. Originally he played as a goalkeeper and later as a striker. Today he plays as a defender. He joined FC Barcelona B at the age of 17 in 1996 and was promoted 1999 by coach Louis van Gaal to the first team. He was elected captain through a voting scheme that involved players and staff.

Club Football

FC Barcelona B 1996-1999; FC Barcelona 1999-

International Football

Spain 2000-

International Goals

Awards and Honours

Silver medal at Sydney Olympic Games: 2000; La Liga: 2004/2005, 2005/2006; Spanish Super Cup: 2005/2006, 2006/2007; UEFA Champions League: 2005/2006;

Personal Awards

UEFA Team of the Year: 2002, 2005, 2006; FIFPro World XI: 2007; UEFA Champions League Defender of the Year: 2006 Best European right-back: 2002

Career Statistics

M = Matches, G = Goals, A = Assists

Personal Info

His idols are Luis Enrique and Paolo Maldini. Not much is known about his private life apart that his father tragically passed away in an accident at work. He is a member of the Fundacion Altarriba, a Spanish animal protection group. He reavealed that his favourite cologne is Aqua di Gio and that his favourite drinks are coffee and water. His favourite song is "A por ellos", song of the Spanish National Team. Interestingly, one of his good friends is Real Madrid's captain Raul Gonzalez. According to Puyol they hear from each other often.

Wife / Girlfriend

Puyol is in a long relationship with Agnes. Nothing is else known about her.

Sponsors

Nike

Important Links

References