Carles Puyol

Born in La Pobla de Segur, Lleida, Catalonia,{{cite news|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/deportes/futbol/20140515/54407940003/carles-puyol-la-pobla-de-segur-reivindica-hijo-mas-universal.html|title=Carles Puyol: La Pobla de Segur reivindica el carácter y la fortaleza de su hijo más universal|trans-title=Carles Puyol: La Pobla de Segur claims character and strength of its most universal son|newspaper=La Vanguardia|last=López|first=Antoni|language=es|date=15 May 2014|access-date=11 December 2019|archive-date=11 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211205749/https://www.lavanguardia.com/deportes/futbol/20140515/54407940003/carles-puyol-la-pobla-de-segur-reivindica-hijo-mas-universal.html|url-status=live}} Puyol started playing football for his hometown club as a goalkeeper, but after injury problems with his shoulder, he became a forward. He said that in his youth, "My parents were skeptical about me becoming a footballer and encouraged me to study".{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/puyols-love-of-labour-not-lost-on-fans-478129.html|title=Puyol's love of labour not lost on fans|newspaper=The Independent|last=Mitten|first=Andy|date=14 May 2006|access-date=19 July 2010|archive-date=14 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314023529/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/puyols-love-of-labour-not-lost-on-fans-478129.html|url-status=live}} In 1995, he joined FC Barcelona's youth system at La Masia, switching positions again to play as a defensive midfielder. Two years later, he started playing for the club's B-team, occupying the position of right-back.{{cite web|url=https://www.todoblaugrana.com/primer-equipo/carles-puyol-el-eterno-capitan-del-mejor-barca-de-la-historia-24438|title=Carles Puyol, el eterno capitán del mejor Barça de la historia|trans-title=Carles Puyol, the eternal captain of the best Barça in history|website=Todo Blaugrana|language=es|date=13 April 2019|access-date=9 June 2020|archive-date=9 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609042636/https://www.todoblaugrana.com/primer-equipo/carles-puyol-el-eterno-capitan-del-mejor-barca-de-la-historia-24438|url-status=dead}}

In 1998, Barcelona accepted an offer from Málaga to sell Puyol, who was behind Frank de Boer and Michael Reiziger in the pecking order. However, he refused to leave after seeing his best friend Xavi make his first-team debut.{{cite web|last=Lyttleton|first=Ben|date=9 July 2010|title=Puyol anchors Spanish defense with combination of hard work, grit|url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2010/07/09/puyol|access-date=16 July 2010|publisher=Sports Illustrated|archive-date=19 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119045534/https://www.si.com/more-sports/2010/07/09/puyol|url-status=live}}

Louis van Gaal promoted Puyol to the first team the following year, and he made his La Liga debut on 2 October 1999 in a 2–0 away win against Real Valladolid. After that he successfully made another conversion, to central defender. During the 2003 off-season, as Barcelona was immersed in a financial crisis, Manchester United showed interest in signing Puyol,{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3134299.stm|title=Man Utd move for Puyol|website=BBC Sport|date=10 August 2003|access-date=8 July 2010|archive-date=15 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715095225/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3134299.stm|url-status=live}} but no move ever materialised. Two years later, he extended his contract for a further five seasons.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4272140.stm|title=Barca skipper Puyol pens new deal|website=BBC Sport|date=22 September 2005|access-date=8 July 2010|archive-date=16 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100716002803/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4272140.stm|url-status=live}}

File:FCBarcelona.JPG, Rafael Márquez, Xavi and Samuel Eto'o in 2005]]

Puyol was named club captain at the end of 2003–04, 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 (amongst other individual accolades), and helped the Spaniards win two consecutive league titles. In 2005–06 he appeared in a total of 52 games, including 12 in that season's UEFA Champions League which ended in victory against Arsenal, the club's second European Cup.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4773353.stm|title=Barcelona 2–1 Arsenal|website=BBC Sport|date=17 May 2006|access-date=11 December 2019|archive-date=2 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902101230/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4773353.stm|url-status=live}}

On 16 September 2008, Puyol made his 400th appearance for Barcelona in a Champions League group stage match against Sporting CP.{{cite web|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada08-09/09/n080916105269.html|title=The captain makes it to 400 games|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=16 September 2008|access-date=18 September 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731074335/http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada08-09/09/n080916105269.html|archive-date=31 July 2012}} In the league season, despite injury problems, he appeared in 28 matches and helped them win another league title. His only goal came against Real Madrid in El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu on 2 May 2009 which finished with a resounding 6–2 win,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/may/02/la-liga-real-madrid-barcelona|title=Barcelona run riot at Real Madrid and put Chelsea on notice|newspaper=The Guardian|last=Lowe|first=Sid|date=2 May 2009|access-date=8 July 2010|archive-date=31 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031004136/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/may/02/la-liga-real-madrid-barcelona|url-status=live}} and he celebrated his goal by kissing his Catalan flag captain's armband in front of the incensed Madrid fans.{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2017/04/24/58fe5ed8ca47413f548b461c.html|title=Real Madrid-Barcelona: Celebrations in enemy territory|newspaper=Marca|date=24 April 2017|access-date=9 October 2018|archive-date=10 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010011212/http://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2017/04/24/58fe5ed8ca47413f548b461c.html|url-status=live}} He was essential to the team also winning the 2009 Copa del Rey, the 2009 Champions League, the 2009 UEFA Super Cup and the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup to complete an unprecedented sextuple, appearing in nearly 100 official matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/1539298/sextuple-winning-sides-to-receive-tribute-at-camp-nou|title=Sextuple winning sides to receive tribute at Camp Nou|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=20 December 2019|access-date=18 May 2020|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722011612/https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/1539298/sextuple-winning-sides-to-receive-tribute-at-camp-nou|url-status=live}}

File:Carles Puyol Joan Gamper-Tr.jpg armband) in 2008]]

On 13 November 2010, Puyol played his 500th game in all competitions for Barcelona in a domestic league match against Villarreal.{{cite web|url=http://www.totalbarca.com/2010/news/carles-puyol-number-500/|title=Carles Puyol: number 500|website=Total Barça|date=13 November 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306155940/http://www.totalbarca.com/2010/news/carles-puyol-number-500/|archive-date=6 March 2014}} He struggled again with injuries during the 2010–11 campaign,{{cite web|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/09/01/n100901112669.html|title=Puyol injury shock|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=1 September 2010|access-date=18 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122214924/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/09/01/n100901112669.html|archive-date=22 January 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/858955/barcelona-lose-captain-carles-puyol-to-groin-injury?cc=5739|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721191318/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/858955/barcelona-lose-captain-carles-puyol-to-groin-injury?cc=5739|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 July 2012|title=Barcelona lose Puyol to groin injury|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=30 December 2010|access-date=18 July 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/924816/barcelona-captain-carles-puyol-to-undergo-knee-surgery?cc=5739|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715005127/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/924816/barcelona-captain-carles-puyol-to-undergo-knee-surgery?cc=5739|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 July 2012|title=Knee surgery for Barca captain Puyol|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=31 May 2011|access-date=18 July 2011}} but still appeared in 28 matches, again winning the league and the Champions League. He played the final six minutes in the Champions League final, a 3–1 victory over Manchester United at the Wembley Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/13576522|title=Barcelona 3–1 Man Utd|website=BBC Sport|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=28 May 2011|access-date=16 October 2018|archive-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004111958/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/13576522|url-status=live}}

After the defeat to Inter Milan in the 2009–10 Champions League semi-final, Puyol played in 56 matches for Barcelona without losing, a run that only ended on 11 January 2012 at Osasuna (2–3 loss).{{cite web|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/50-games-straight-without-losing-with-puyol-on-the-pitch|title=50 games straight without losing with Puyol on the pitch|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=16 January 2012|access-date=21 February 2012|archive-date=19 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219142752/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/50-games-straight-without-losing-with-puyol-on-the-pitch|url-status=live}} He also scored two goals in the season's Copa del Rey, against Real Madrid and Valencia.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=335877&cc=5739|title=Barca fight back at the Bernabeu|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=18 January 2012|access-date=21 February 2012|archive-date=9 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309065133/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=335877&cc=5739|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/match-archive/2011-2012/copa-del-rey/1-2-1st-leg/valencia_fc-barcelona|title=Valencia – FC Barcelona: Draw with some shine (1–1)|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=1 February 2012|access-date=21 February 2012|archive-date=25 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225070806/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/match-archive/2011-2012/copa-del-rey/1-2-1st-leg/valencia_fc-barcelona|url-status=live}}

On 2 October 2012, in the late stages of a Champions League group stage encounter at Benfica, his first game upon recovering from a knee ligament injury suffered against Getafe, Puyol dislocated his elbow after landing awkwardly in a corner kick challenge. He was initially expected to be sidelined for two months{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0202-0ea4a3c6acd8-2807d5e5b978-1000--elbow-injury-sends-puyol-back-to-barca-sidelines/|title=Elbow injury sends Puyol back to Barça sidelines|publisher=UEFA|date=3 October 2012|access-date=3 October 2012|archive-date=6 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006133711/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=1870771.html|url-status=live}} but fully recovered in one.{{cite news|url=https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/puyol-recibe-alta-barca-1650257/0/|title=Puyol recibe el alta seis semanas después de la luxación en el codo|trans-title=Puyol is released six weeks after elbow sprain|newspaper=20 minutos|language=es|date=16 November 2012|access-date=5 February 2019|archive-date=7 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020745/https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/puyol-recibe-alta-barca-1650257/0/|url-status=live}} On 18 December Barcelona renewed his contract, extending it until 30 June 2016.{{cite news|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/carles-puyol-xavi-hernandez-and-leo-messi-renew-their-contract-with-fc-barcelona|title=Barça has renewed the contracts of Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernández and Leo Messi|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=18 December 2012|access-date=8 January 2013|archive-date=22 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522205452/https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news|url-status=live}} In June of the following year he again underwent surgery on his right knee, his sixth operation as a professional,{{cite news|url=http://sport.es/es/noticias/barca/carles-puyol-cuando-quirofano-salon-casa-2423889|title=Carles Puyol, cuando el quirófano es el salón de casa|trans-title=Carles Puyol, when surgery room is the living room|newspaper=Sport|last=Ortuño|first=Xavier|language=es|date=18 June 2013|access-date=19 June 2013|archive-date=21 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621062410/http://sport.es/es/noticias/barca/carles-puyol-cuando-quirofano-salon-casa-2423889|url-status=live}} which led to thoughts of early retirement.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=2089699.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731195610/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=2089699.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 July 2013|title=Retirement on Puyol's mind after surgery|publisher=FIFA|date=31 May 2013|access-date=19 June 2013}} File:Puyol2011.jpg

On 2 March 2014, Puyol surpassed Migueli to go second in Barça's all-time league appearances table, behind only Xavi, and scored the third goal in a 4–1 home win against Almería.{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2014/03/03/en/football/barcelona/1393868626.html|title=Puyol moves second in Barça league appearances list|newspaper=Marca|date=2 March 2014|access-date=6 March 2014|archive-date=6 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306041249/http://www.marca.com/2014/03/03/en/football/barcelona/1393868626.html|url-status=live}} Two days later, although he still had two more years in his contract, he announced that he would leave Barcelona at the end of the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/carles-puyol-anuncia-que-deixa-el-barca-a-final-de-temporada|title=Carles Puyol announces he is leaving FC Barcelona at the end of the season|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=4 March 2014|access-date=4 March 2014|archive-date=6 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306093222/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/carles-puyol-anuncia-que-deixa-el-barca-a-final-de-temporada|url-status=live}} He said "After my last two major operations, I find it is taking me a lot of effort to reach the level required here, even more than myself and the surgeons thought necessary. That's the reason I have reached this decision".{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0213-0e8935be9a23-28dc41691e35-1000--puyol-announces-he-is-to-leave-barcelona/|title=Puyol announces he is to leave Barcelona|publisher=UEFA|date=4 March 2014|access-date=6 March 2014|archive-date=7 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307065953/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2067439.html|url-status=live}}

Barcelona bid farewell to Puyol on 15 May 2014, after a fifteen-year career in the first team (ten as captain) that brought him 21 titles. At a packed Auditori 1899, his teammates, ex-teammates, presidents and coaches paid tribute to him, and he said "I’ve lived the dream of so many young kids, doing what I most enjoy in life, playing football and training".{{cite web|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/puyol-i-came-here-as-a-boy-and-i-leave-with-a-family|title=Puyol: "I came here as a boy and I leave with a family"|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=15 May 2014|access-date=19 May 2014|archive-date=18 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518084604/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/puyol-i-came-here-as-a-boy-and-i-leave-with-a-family|url-status=live}} He announced his retirement shortly after at the age of 36 but stayed with his only club; he was immediately appointed director of football Andoni Zubizarreta's assistant.{{cite news|url=http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20140531/fc-barcelona/carles-puyol-sera-el-segundo-de-zubizarreta_54408533450.html|title=Carles Puyol será el 'segundo' de Zubizarreta|trans-title=Carles Puyol to be Zubizarreta's 'second'|newspaper=Mundo Deportivo|last1=Polo|first1=Fernando|last2=Poquí|first2=Joan|language=es|date=31 May 2014|access-date=2 June 2014|archive-date=2 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602200908/http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20140531/fc-barcelona/carles-puyol-sera-el-segundo-de-zubizarreta_54408533450.html|url-status=live}} He resigned in January 2015, shortly after Zubizarreta was fired.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/liga/2014-2015/barcelona-sack-director-of-football-andoni-zubizarreta_sto4535140/story.shtml|title=Carles Puyol resigns as Barcelona sack director of football Andoni Zubizarreta|website=Eurosport|publisher=Discovery|last=Adams|first=Tom|date=6 January 2015|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=9 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209181020/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml|url-status=live}}

In September 2019, Puyol rejected an offer to become Barcelona's sporting director.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49833844|title=Barcelona: Carles Puyol rejects sports director offer|website=BBC Sport|date=25 September 2019|access-date=26 September 2019|archive-date=26 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926001452/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49833844|url-status=live}}

File:FIFA World Cup 2010 Spain with cup.jpg after their 2010 World Cup win]]

File:Puyol Catalunya - Argentina.jpg in a 2009 friendly match against Argentina at Camp Nou]]

Puyol debuted for the Spanish senior squad on 15 November 2000 against the Netherlands,{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/diario/2010/07/09/deportes/1278626402_850215.html|title="Sabía que iba a ser gol"|trans-title=I knew it was going in|newspaper=El País|last=Martín|first=Luis|language=es|date=9 July 2010|access-date=11 December 2019|archive-date=11 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211232622/https://elpais.com/diario/2010/07/09/deportes/1278626402_850215.html|url-status=live}} and remained a regular fixture in the following years. He played for his country at the 2000 Olympics, 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004,{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b44fc5b75-bb339e5a3edf-1000--saez-selects-spain-squad/|title=Sáez selects Spain squad|publisher=UEFA|last=Modia|first=Iván|date=20 May 2004|access-date=1 June 2020|archive-date=13 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913181209/http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=181041.html#saez+spain+squad|url-status=live}} 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008, 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2010 World Cup.{{cite web|url=https://espanol.eurosport.com/futbol/del-estreno-goleador-de-puyol-al-testarazo-historico-a-alemania_sto7728886/story.shtml|title=Del estreno goleador de Puyol al testarazo histórico a Alemania|trans-title=From Puyol's scoring debut to historical header to Germany|website=Eurosport|publisher=Discovery|language=es|date=17 April 2020|access-date=9 June 2020|archive-date=9 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209181106/https://espanol.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml|url-status=live}}

During the 2002 World Cup, Puyol scored an own goal in the 3–1 victory over Paraguay in the group stages.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/jun/07/minutebyminute.worldcupfootball20021|title=Spain 3–1 Paraguay|newspaper=The Guardian|last=Ingle|first=Sean|date=7 June 2002|access-date=1 June 2020|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727074417/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/jun/07/minutebyminute.worldcupfootball20021|url-status=live}} In the round of 16 tie against Ireland, he assisted Fernando Morientes; following a 1–1 deadlock after extra-time, his team prevailed following a 3–2 penalty shoot-out victory.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/jun/16/minutebyminute.worldcupfootball20021|title=Ireland 1–1 Spain (Spain win 3–2 on pens)|newspaper=The Guardian|last=Ingle|first=Sean|date=16 June 2002|access-date=18 May 2020|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727101255/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/jun/16/minutebyminute.worldcupfootball20021|url-status=live}} Spain were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the competition by co-hosts South Korea, after a 5–3 shoot-out defeat.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/spain_v_south_korea/default.stm|title=Korean dream lives on|website=BBC Sport|date=22 June 2002|access-date=18 May 2020|archive-date=24 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224143608/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/matches_wallchart/spain_v_south_korea/default.stm|url-status=live}}

Puyol started every game except one at Euro 2008, and Spain's defence only conceded two goals in his five games. They won the final against Germany, and he was named in the Team of the Tournament alongside his defensive partner, Carlos Marchena of Valencia.{{cite news|url=https://as.com/futbol/2008/06/30/mas_futbol/1214776806_850215.html|title=Xavi, elegido jugador de la Eurocopa 2008|trans-title=Xavi, voted player of Euro 2008|newspaper=Diario AS|last=García|first=Óscar|language=es|date=30 June 2008|access-date=13 February 2019|archive-date=14 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214174847/https://as.com/futbol/2008/06/30/mas_futbol/1214776806_850215.html|url-status=live}} He started in three out of five matches at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, and acted as captain when Iker Casillas was rested for the last group stage fixture;{{cite news|url=https://as.com/futbol/2009/06/22/mas_futbol/1245621619_850215.html|title=Sin Casillas, Xavi le cedió la capitanía a Puyol|trans-title=Without Casillas, Xavi gave captaincy to Puyol|newspaper=Diario AS|last=Maroto|first=Joaquín|language=es|date=22 June 2009|access-date=17 December 2019|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217171549/https://as.com/futbol/2009/06/22/mas_futbol/1245621619_850215.html|url-status=live}} they finished third, and he was included in the Team of the Tournament with four of his teammates.{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/2009/06/30/futbol/copa_confederaciones/1246369263.html|title=Puyol, Capdevila, Villa y Torres, en el once ideal de la web en la FIFA|trans-title=Puyol, Capdevila, Villa and Torres, in FIFA's web All-Star IX|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=30 June 2009|access-date=14 February 2019|archive-date=14 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214233332/https://www.marca.com/2009/06/30/futbol/copa_confederaciones/1246369263.html|url-status=live}}

In the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Puyol started every match and played almost every minute (he was replaced by Marchena in the 84th minute of the quarter-final against Paraguay).{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=264118&cc=5739&ver=global|title=Villa saves Spain after penalty drama|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=3 July 2010|access-date=8 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706023637/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=264118&cc=5739&ver=global|archive-date=6 July 2010}} He scored the only goal in the semi-final with Germany, a powerful header from a corner taken by Barcelona teammate Xavi, which sent the national team through to their first World Cup final.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=264121&cc=5739&ver=global|title=Puyol heads Spain into final|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=7 July 2010|access-date=8 July 2010|archive-date=10 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710062458/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=264121&cc=5739&ver=global|url-status=dead}} In the final, he featured for the full 120 minutes as the side defeated the Netherlands 1–0 in extra time.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_64/default.stm|title=Netherlands 0–1 Spain (aet)|website=BBC Sport|last=Fletcher|first=Paul|date=11 July 2010|access-date=9 July 2018|archive-date=11 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711185155/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_64/default.stm|url-status=live}} Spain only conceded two goals throughout the tournament – none of which came in the knock-out stages – also keeping five clean sheets, a record for a World Cup-winning team, shared with the 2006 Italy side and 1998 champions France. He also completed 88% of his passes, the third–highest completion rate of any player in the competition alongside his teammate Sergio Busquets, and was named to the team of the tournament for his performances.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/spain-s-2010-conquerors-in-numbers-2904843|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607103350/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/spain-s-2010-conquerors-in-numbers-2904843|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 June 2018|title=Spain's 2010 conquerors in numbers|publisher=FIFA|date=22 August 2017|access-date=18 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1274177/index.html|title=Spaniards dominate All-Star Team|publisher=FIFA|date=15 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718231854/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid%3D1274177/index.html|archive-date=18 July 2010}}

On 1 August 2010, aged 32, Puyol announced that he would continue to represent the national team for at least another two years.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/02/sports/soccer/02sportsbriefs-puyol.html|title=Puyol to keep playing for Spain|newspaper=The New York Times|date=2 August 2010|access-date=2 August 2010|archive-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801083157/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/02/sports/soccer/02sportsbriefs-puyol.html|url-status=live}} He missed Spain's victorious Euro 2012 campaign due to a knee injury sustained in a league game against Espanyol in early May, which required surgery and five to six weeks' recuperation.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1065289/spain%27s-carles-puyol-set-to-miss-euro-2012-due-to-knee-surgery?cc=5739|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102214808/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1065289/spain's-carles-puyol-set-to-miss-euro-2012-due-to-knee-surgery?cc=5739|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 January 2013|title=Puyol facing fitness fight|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=8 May 2012|access-date=11 May 2012}} The following year, he was ruled out of the Confederations Cup, once again due to physical problems.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2013-06-18-sns-rt-soccer-spainbarcelona-puyoll3n0eu3ff-20130618-story.html|title=Soccer-Barca's Puyol to have further knee surgery|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=18 June 2013|access-date=18 May 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723011301/https://www.chicagotribune.com/|url-status=live}}

Puyol played his 100th and final international game on 6 February 2013, captaining Spain to a 3–1 friendly victory over Uruguay in Doha, Qatar.{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/eventos/marcador/futbol/2012_13/amistosos_seleccion/4/spa_uru/|title=Campeón hasta en los simulacros|trans-title=Champions even in drills|newspaper=Marca|last=Aldunate|first=Ramiro|language=es|date=6 February 2013|access-date=6 February 2013|archive-date=10 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710040817/http://www.marca.com/eventos/marcador/futbol/2012_13/amistosos_seleccion/4/spa_uru/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2013/02/06/futbol/seleccion/1360113641.html|title=100 veces Puyol|trans-title=100 times Puyol|newspaper=Marca|last=Lara|first=Miguel Ángel|language=es|date=6 February 2013|access-date=6 February 2013|archive-date=7 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207200652/http://www.marca.com/2013/02/06/futbol/seleccion/1360113641.html|url-status=live}}

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| quote = "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."

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Puyol is regarded as one of the best defenders and captains of all time. Mainly a central defender, he was a versatile player who could also feature on either flank, mostly as a right-back, in particular in the first part of his career.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/spain/players_to_watch/3594557.stm|title=Carles Puyol|website=BBC Sport|date=25 May 2004|access-date=8 July 2010|archive-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621223424/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/spain/players_to_watch/3594557.stm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37399014/all-greatest-captain-carles-puyol-inspiring-leader|title=Carles Puyol: The inspiring leader|publisher=ESPN|last=Corrigan|first=Dermot|date=27 August 2014|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714105859/https://www.espn.com/soccer/club/name/83/blog/post/1951350/headline|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jan/31/pepe-guardiola-carles-puyol-barcelona|title=Pep Guardiola praises Carles Puyol after Barcelona continue winning run|newspaper=The Guardian|date=31 January 2010|access-date=16 May 2020|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724034724/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jan/31/pepe-guardiola-carles-puyol-barcelona|url-status=live}} He also initially played as a defensive midfielder in his early career,{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/carles-puyol-the-raggy-haired-barcelona-defender-who-even-gained-the-respect-of-the-real-madrid-9170926.html|title=Carles Puyol: The raggy-haired Barcelona defender who even gained the respect of the Real Madrid faithful|newspaper=The Independent|last=Rigg|first=Nicholas|date=5 March 2014|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724020441/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/carles-puyol-the-raggy-haired-barcelona-defender-who-even-gained-the-respect-of-the-real-madrid-9170926.html|url-status=live}} and had previously even been deployed as goalkeeper and striker in his youth.{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1977453-ranking-the-best-seasons-of-carles-puyols-barcelona-career|title=Ranking the best seasons of Carles Puyol's Barcelona career|website=Bleacher Report|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System|last=Atkinson|first=Tre'|date=1 March 2014|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723042053/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1977453-ranking-the-best-seasons-of-carles-puyols-barcelona-career|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/09/sports/soccer/09iht-WCSOCCER.html|title=Puyol, a star on defense, wins it with offense|newspaper=The New York Times|last=Hughes|first=Rob|date=8 July 2010|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723042133/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/09/sports/soccer/09iht-WCSOCCER.html|url-status=live}}

Described as a "no–nonsense" player, Puyol was known for his commanding presence in the air despite his modest stature, as well as his ability to read the game, and his intense commitment and ruggedness as a defender, in particular when challenging for the ball. According to Barcelona's head doctor, he was "the strongest, who has the quickest reactions, and who has the most explosive strength".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/may/17/championsleague11|title=Barça's indestructible warrior ready for the battle of his life|newspaper=The Guardian|last=Talbot|first=Simon|date=17 May 2006|access-date=16 May 2020|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724035827/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/may/17/championsleague11|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe-travel/spain/pep-guardiola-shows-his-genius-with-ability-to-get-more-from-great-team-chlk05mks72|title=Pep Guardiola shows his genius with ability to get more from great team|newspaper=The Sunday Times|last=Marcotti|first=Gabriele|date=17 May 2010|access-date=16 May 2020|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724035834/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/pep-guardiola-shows-his-genius-with-ability-to-get-more-from-great-team-chlk05mks72|url-status=live}} In 2006, Simon Talbot of The Guardian described Puyol as: "Barcelona's very own Captain Caveman, playing football with his heart on his sleeve and his hair in his eyes, throwing himself about the pitch and launching wholeheartedly into kamikaze tackles like a hyperactive, lunatic kid." Club fans referred to him as "The Wall".{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/09/sports/soccer/09iht-WCSOCCER.html?scp=1&sq=puyol&st=cse|title=Puyol, a star on defense, wins it with offense|newspaper=The New York Times|last=Hughes|first=Rob|date=8 July 2010|access-date=16 July 2010|archive-date=13 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113070100/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/09/sports/soccer/09iht-WCSOCCER.html?scp=1&sq=puyol&st=cse|url-status=live}}

Puyol was also known for his leadership and work ethic. He often continued training alone after the end of a team practice session or on days off. 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." Although his positioning, leadership and ability to organise his defence were initially cited as weaknesses early on in his career, he worked to improve on these aspects of his game throughout his time with Barcelona.{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2019/03/18/5c90007be5fdea3e3d8b45c3.html|title=Explosive Mourinho report in 2006 of Rijkaard's Barcelona: What he thought of Ronaldinho, Puyol, Iniesta and Messi|newspaper=Marca|date=18 March 2019|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723112137/https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2019/03/18/5c90007be5fdea3e3d8b45c3.html|url-status=live}} Indeed, Miguel Ángel Nadal, who played with him for a short period of time, later said, "Carles plays with maturity, has great positional sense, and above all, has pride in his shirt". A physical yet fair player, he was also known for his anticipation, strength, aggression, determination, discipline, intelligence and concentration as a defender, as well as his man-marking skills and ability to organise his defence; he also excelled in one on one situations.{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimouomo.com/migliori-uno-contro-uno-2000-2020/#carles-puyol|title=I migliori difensori nell'uno contro uno (2000–2020)|trans-title=The best one-on-one defenders (2000–2020)|website=L'Ultimo Uomo|language=it|date=29 April 2020|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=8 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508185348/https://www.ultimouomo.com/migliori-uno-contro-uno-2000-2020/#carles-puyol|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2010-07-11-defending-the-caveman/|title=Defending the caveman|newspaper=Sunday Times|last=Hawkey|first=Ian|date=11 July 2010|access-date=17 October 2018|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727084219/https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2010-07-11-defending-the-caveman/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://arxiu.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/futbol/temporada_10-11/plantilla/jugadors/puyol.html|title=Carles Puyol Saforcada|publisher=FC Barcelona|access-date=2 December 2015|archive-date=16 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016041642/http://arxiu.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/futbol/temporada_10-11/plantilla/jugadors/puyol.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2011/11/29/2777354/missing-in-action-barcelona-captain-carles-puyol-has-been-absent-|title=Missing in action – Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has been absent in all of the Catalans' last six defeats|website=Goal|publisher=Perform Group|last=Hayward|first=Ben|date=29 November 2011|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723112136/https://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2011/11/29/2777354/missing-in-action-barcelona-captain-carles-puyol-has-been-absent-|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/gallery/spain-2010-world-cup-final-team-070810|title=Meet Spain's 2010 World Cup team|website=Fox Sports|date=20 October 2016|access-date=18 May 2020|archive-date=14 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514214355/https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/gallery/spain-2010-world-cup-final-team-070810|url-status=live}}

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." A former team-mate said, "Even four goals down he thinks we can still win", and another described him as "a pain in the arse", but added "that's exactly what we need".{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/carlos-puyol-announcement-no-obvious-successor-for-barcelona-legend-and-master-of-reinvention-9169174.html|title=Carlos Puyol announcement: No obvious successor for Barcelona legend and master of reinvention|newspaper=The Independent|last=Jenson|first=Pete|date=4 March 2014|access-date=19 December 2014|archive-date=25 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225024209/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/carlos-puyol-announcement-no-obvious-successor-for-barcelona-legend-and-master-of-reinvention-9169174.html|url-status=live}}

Although Puyol was predominantly known for his defensive skills, and albeit not being as talented or naturally gifted as other players who also came out of Barcelona's youth system, he possessed solid technique, and was also known for his composure on the ball as well as his passing ability, despite tending to favour safer or simpler passes rather than riskier ones when playing out from the back.{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2029955-steven-gerrard-and-20-inspirational-captains-in-european-football|title=Steven Gerrard and 20 inspirational captains in European football|website=Bleacher Report|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System|last=Matchett|first=Karl|date=15 April 2014|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723112507/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2029955-steven-gerrard-and-20-inspirational-captains-in-european-football|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2292/editorials/2013/07/05/4095163/why-barcelonas-relentless-pursuit-of-thiago-silva-is-backed|title=Why Barcelona's relentless pursuit of Thiago Silva is backed by the right intentions|website=Goal|publisher=Perform Group|last=Netto|first=Brendon|date=5 July 2013|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723112906/https://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2292/editorials/2013/07/05/4095163/why-barcelonas-relentless-pursuit-of-thiago-silva-is-backed|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/05/18/sueno-mls-tenacious-carlos-amaya-overcomes-size-concerns-en-route-final|title=Sueño MLS: Tenacious Carlos Amaya overcomes size concerns en route to final|publisher=Major League Soccer|last=Stejskal|first=Sam|date=18 May 2016|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723112910/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/05/18/sueno-mls-tenacious-carlos-amaya-overcomes-size-concerns-en-route-final|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1637030-tales-of-carles-puyols-decline-at-barcelona-have-been-greatly-exagerrated|title=Tales of Carles Puyol's decline at Barcelona have been greatly exaggerated|website=Bleacher Report|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System|last=Pettigrove|first=Jason|date=13 May 2013|access-date=17 May 2020}} As such, throughout his career, he was often deployed alongside a ball-playing centre-back such as Piqué; together, they formed an effective central-defensive partnership, both with Barcelona and Spain, with the former's physical defending complementing the latter's more elegant playing style.{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1719927-ranking-the-20-best-defenders-in-world-football|title=Ranking the 20 best defenders in world football|website=Bleacher Report|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System|last=Atkins|first=Christopher|date=30 July 2013|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=10 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910184302/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1719927-ranking-the-20-best-defenders-in-world-football|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2014/03/04/4661158/puyol-is-footballs-last-pure-defender|title=Puyol is football's last pure defender|website=Goal|publisher=Perform Group|last=Macdonald|first=Paul|date=4 March 2014|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723125813/https://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2014/03/04/4661158/puyol-is-footballs-last-pure-defender|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/may/26/gerard-pique-carles-puyol-barcelona|title=Gerard Piqué and Carles Puyol: Barcelona's perfect partners in prime|newspaper=The Guardian|last=Lowe|first=Sid|date=26 May 2011|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723113759/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/may/26/gerard-pique-carles-puyol-barcelona|url-status=live}}

In his youth, Puyol was also known to be a quick and energetic right-sided defender, who had a penchant for getting forward as well as chasing down his opponents;{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/742505-fc-barcelona-transfers-could-david-luiz-be-the-man-to-replace-carlos-puyol|title=FC Barcelona transfers: Could David Luiz be the man to replace Carlos Puyol?|website=Bleacher Report|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System|date=21 June 2011|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723120321/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/742505-fc-barcelona-transfers-could-david-luiz-be-the-man-to-replace-carlos-puyol|url-status=live}} however, he lost his pace with age.{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/507730-top-10-all-time-barcelona-defenders-do-puyol-and-pique-make-the-list|title=Top 10 all-time Barcelona defenders: Do Puyol and Pique make the list?|website=Bleacher Report|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System|last=Sebastian|first=Adi-Oula|date=2 November 2010|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724023104/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/507730-top-10-all-time-barcelona-defenders-do-puyol-and-pique-make-the-list|url-status=live}} This became particularly noticeable in his later career, when he was usually deployed in the centre, in part due to a series of recurring knee injuries, which limited his playing time and affected his physical condition, eventually forcing him to retire prematurely.{{cite web|url=https://in.reuters.com/article/soccer-spain/barca-without-puyol-and-pique-for-valladolid-trip-idINDEEA250BE20140306|title=Barca without Puyol and Pique for Valladolid trip|publisher=Reuters|last=Palmer|first=Justin|date=6 March 2014|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723120321/https://in.reuters.com/article/soccer-spain/barca-without-puyol-and-pique-for-valladolid-trip-idINDEEA250BE20140306|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2011/10/10/2704257/shutting-up-shop-why-spain-need-carles-puyol-to-defend-their|title=Shutting up shop – why Spain need Carles Puyol to defend their European Championship crown|website=Goal|publisher=Perform Group|last=Leong|first=KS|date=27 October 2011|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723120628/https://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2011/10/10/2704257/shutting-up-shop-why-spain-need-carles-puyol-to-defend-their|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025a-0ea661fe5a47-2709f177277c-1000--possession-paramount-for-barcelona-aces/|title=Possession paramount for Barcelona aces|publisher=UEFA|last=Hunter|first=Graham|date=23 May 2011|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723173143/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025a-0ea661fe5a47-2709f177277c-1000--possession-paramount-for-barcelona-aces/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/508273-fc-barcelona-tiki-taka-or-quite-simply-the-beautiful-game|title=FC Barcelona: Tiki Taka or quite simply the beautiful game|website=Bleacher Report|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System|last=Sebastian|first=Adi-Oula|date=3 November 2010|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723120631/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/508273-fc-barcelona-tiki-taka-or-quite-simply-the-beautiful-game|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.football-espana.net/2013/05/31/puyol-injuries-could-end-career|title=Puyol: Injuries could end career|website=Football España|date=31 May 2013|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727073839/https://www.football-espana.net/2013/05/31/puyol-injuries-could-end-career|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/barcelona-great-carlos-puyol-retires-1.2644188|title=Barcelona great Carlos Puyol retires|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=15 May 2014|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=5 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205063343/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/barcelona-great-carlos-puyol-retires-1.2644188|url-status=live}}

File:Germany and Argentina face off in the final of the World Cup 2014 -2014-07-13 (13).jpg, alongside supermodel Gisele Bündchen]]

Puyol's long shaggy hair was a distinctive feature throughout his career. Barcelona manager Van Gaal suggested he get it cut when the player was 19, immediately after his first training session with the senior players. Van Gaal asked him in his office, "What's your problem, can't you afford the money for a haircut?". Puyol recalled: "I said nothing, and to this day have kept my hair as it is."{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=177914/profile.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614220413/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player=177914/profile.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 June 2010|title=Carles Puyol|publisher=FIFA|access-date=20 July 2010}}

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."

Puyol's father, Josep, died in a farming accident in late 2006 while Carles was on his way to play a match against Deportivo de La Coruña. He was informed of the news by coach Frank Rijkaard upon landing.{{cite news|url=http://www.elpais.com/articulo/deportes/Puyol/baja/muerte/padre/accidente/elpepidep/20061104elpepidep_6/Tes|title=Puyol es baja tras la muerte de su padre en un accidente|trans-title=Puyol out after his father died in accident|newspaper=El País|last1=Visa|first1=Lluís|last2=Hermida|first2=Xosé|language=es|date=4 November 2006|access-date=17 December 2010|archive-date=25 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825172536/https://elpais.com/diario/2006/11/04/deportes/1162594806_850215.html|url-status=live}} He said that this, combined with an injury led to a dark period, with Spain national team physio Raúl Martínez eventually coming to Barcelona: in the player's words, "...[he] 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."{{cite news|url=http://www.elpais.com/articulo/deportes/500/deja/elpepudep/20101115elpepudep_10/Tes|title=500 más y lo deja|trans-title=500 more and he's through|newspaper=El País|last=Martín|first=Luís|language=es|date=15 November 2010|access-date=17 December 2010|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723200646/https://elpais.com/deportes/2010/11/15/actualidad/1289809321_850215.html|url-status=live}}

In March 2009, Puyol told Goal.com: "I do not like to go out much, although it is good to disconnect and I like to read."{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/15/1156551/carles-puyol-on-life-leadership-and-trophies-at-barcelona|title=Carles Puyol on life, leadership and trophies at Barcelona|website=Goal|publisher=Perform Group|last=Brown|first=Lucas|date=15 March 2009|access-date=19 July 2010}} In September 2010, he started a relationship with model Malena Costa. In October of that year, he scored through a header in a 2–1 home win against Valencia CF and dedicated the goal to her by making a heart symbol with both hands. After the game, he said: "I dedicate the goal to my girlfriend."{{cite web|url=http://www.totalbarca.com/2010/news/picture-of-the-day-celebrations/|title=Picture of the day: Celebrations|website=Total Barça|date=18 October 2010|access-date=3 December 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021072657/http://www.totalbarca.com/2010/news/picture-of-the-day-celebrations/|archive-date=21 October 2010}}

In 2011, Puyol paid €30,000 for specialist private treatment for Miki Roqué, a footballer from his home province who was suffering from pelvic cancer. Roqué died in 2012.{{cite news|url=http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2012/06/25/mas_futbol/1340575234_850215.html|title=Carles Puyol costeó el tratamiento de Miki Roqué|trans-title=Carles Puyol paid for Miki Roqué's treatment|newspaper=Diario AS|language=es|date=25 June 2012|access-date=11 August 2015|archive-date=27 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527073054/http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2012/06/25/mas_futbol/1340575234_850215.html|url-status=live}}

Puyol started a relationship with Vanesa Lorenzo in 2012. The couple has two daughters, Manuela (born 2014) and María (2016).{{cite web|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/carles-puyols-daughter-manuela-is-born|title=Carles Puyol's daughter Manuela is born|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=25 January 2014|access-date=25 January 2014|archive-date=26 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140126001309/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/carles-puyols-daughter-manuela-is-born|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/fuera-de-juego/puyol-anuncia-nacimiento-hija-maria-4798732|title=Puyol anuncia el nacimiento de su hija María|trans-title=Puyol announces birth of his daughter María|newspaper=Sport|language=es|date=7 January 2016|access-date=7 January 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112104/http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/fuera-de-juego/puyol-anuncia-nacimiento-hija-maria-4798732|url-status=live}}

Puyol was invited by Iranian television channel IRIB TV3 to provide commentary on the 2018 FIFA World Cup match between Iran and Spain on 20 June in a programme hosted by Adel Ferdosipour but was not allowed in the studio. According to news website Entekhab, the former player said that he had been told by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting that he could not appear in the programme "because of his looks (long hair)"; the veteran channel director had been replaced by one closer to Iran's ultra-religious hardliners weeks before, and this incident ultimately led to some ridicule within Iran on Twitter.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-44577659|title=World Cup 2018: Footballer's hair 'too wild' for Iranian TV|website=BBC News|last=Rannard|first=Georgina|date=23 June 2018|access-date=23 June 2018|archive-date=23 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623005716/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-44577659|url-status=live}}

{{notelist}}

:Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Puyol goal.

Barcelona

• La Liga: 2004–05,{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/t/t2004-051.html?t=lista|title=Barcelona 2004–05: Statistics|website=BDFutbol|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617045326/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/t/t2004-051.html?t=lista|url-status=live}} 2005–06,{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/t/t2005-061.html?t=lista|title=Barcelona 2005–06: Statistics|website=BDFutbol|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617135729/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/t/t2005-061.html?t=lista|url-status=live}} 2008–09,{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/t/t2008-091.html?t=lista|title=Barcelona 2008–09: Statistics|website=BDFutbol|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617033319/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/t/t2008-091.html?t=lista|url-status=live}} 2009–10,{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/t/t2009-101.html?t=lista|title=Barcelona 2009–10: Statistics|website=BDFutbol|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617021507/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/t/t2009-101.html?t=lista|url-status=live}} 2010–11,{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/t/t2010-111.html?t=lista|title=Barcelona 2010–11: Statistics|website=BDFutbol|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617043448/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/t/t2010-111.html?t=lista|url-status=live}} 2012–13{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/t/t2012-131.html?t=lista|title=Barcelona 2012–13: Statistics|website=BDFutbol|access-date=17 June 2020}}
• Copa del Rey: 2008–09, 2011–12{{cite web|url=http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=8704|title=Acta del partido celebrado el 13 de mayo de 2009, en Valencia|trans-title=Minutes of the match held on 13 May 2009, in Valencia|publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation|language=es|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=15 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615003316/http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=8704|url-status=dead}}
• Supercopa de España: 2005,{{cite web|url=http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=2730|title=Acta del partido celebrado el 13 de agosto de 2005, en Sevilla|trans-title=Minutes of the match held on 13 August 2005, in Seville|publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation|language=es|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=15 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615163151/http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=2730|url-status=dead}}
  {{cite web|url=http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=2731|title=Acta del partido celebrado el 20 de agosto de 2005, en Barcelona|trans-title=Minutes of the match held on 20 August 2005, in Barcelona|publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation|language=es|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=15 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615163500/http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=2731|url-status=dead}} 2006,{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/p.php?id=490200|title=Espanyol 0–1 Barcelona|website=BDFutbol|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617013144/https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/p.php?id=490200|url-status=live}}
  {{cite web|url=http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=2782|title=Acta del partido celebrado el 20 de agosto de 2006, en Barcelona|trans-title=Minutes of the match held on 20 August 2006, in Barcelona|publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation|language=es|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=15 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615194220/http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=2782|url-status=dead}} 2009,{{cite web|url=http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=8847|title=Acta del partido celebrado el 16 de agosto de 2009, en Bilbao|trans-title=Minutes of the match held on 16 August 2009, in Bilbao|publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation|language=es|access-date=17 June 2020}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
  {{cite web|url=http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=8848|title=Acta del partido celebrado el 23 de agosto de 2009, en Barcelona|trans-title=Minutes of the match held on 23 August 2009, in Barcelona|publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation|language=es|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=15 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615173237/http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=8848|url-status=dead}} 2010{{cite web|url=http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=11397|title=Acta del partido celebrado el 14 de agosto de 2010, en Sevilla|trans-title=Minutes of the match held on 14 August 2010, in Seville|publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation|language=es|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=15 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615174836/http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=11397|url-status=dead}}
  {{cite web|url=http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=11398|title=Acta del partido celebrado el 21 de agosto de 2010, en Barcelona|trans-title=Minutes of the match held on 21 August 2010, in Barcelona|publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation|language=es|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=15 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615175047/http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=11398|url-status=dead}}
• UEFA Champions League: 2005–06,{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/84101--barcelona-vs-arsenal/|title=2005/06, Final: Barcelona 2–1 Arsenal: Overview|publisher=UEFA|access-date=9 June 2020|archive-date=2 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602235157/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/84101--barcelona-vs-arsenal/|url-status=live}} 2008–09,{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/302813--barcelona-vs-man-united/|title=2008/09, Final: Barcelona 2–0 Man. United: Overview|publisher=UEFA|access-date=9 June 2010|archive-date=31 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531143101/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/302813--barcelona-vs-man-united/|url-status=live}} 2010–11{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2003352--barcelona-vs-man-united/|title=2010/11, Final: Barcelona 3–1 Man. United: Overview|publisher=UEFA|access-date=9 June 2020|archive-date=3 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603121218/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2003352--barcelona-vs-man-united/|url-status=live}}
• UEFA Super Cup: 2009{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/match/2001219--barcelona-vs-shakhtar-donetsk/lineups/?iv=true|title=Final: Barcelona 1–0 Shakhtar Donetsk: Line-ups|publisher=UEFA|access-date=9 June 2020|archive-date=9 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609050720/https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/match/2001219--barcelona-vs-shakhtar-donetsk/lineups/?iv=true|url-status=live}}
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2009,{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=252913/match=300111971/report.html|title=Match report: Estudiantes (La Plata) – Futbol Club Barcelona|publisher=FIFA|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328191801/https://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=252913/match=300111971/report.html|archive-date=28 March 2019}} 2011{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=257437/match=300180901/report.html|title=Match report: Santos – Futbol Club Barcelona|publisher=FIFA|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421115643/https://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=257437/match=300180901/report.html|archive-date=21 April 2020}}

Spain U23

• Summer Olympic silver medal: 2000

Spain

• FIFA World Cup: 2010
• UEFA European Championship: 2008

Individual

• La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year: 2001{{cite news|url=https://www.record.com.mx/futbol-futbol-internacional/puyol-una-carrera-llena-de-exitos|title=Puyol, una carrera llena de éxitos|trans-title=Puyol, a career full of successes|newspaper=Récord|language=es|date=4 March 2014|access-date=9 June 2020|archive-date=9 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609042634/https://www.record.com.mx/futbol-futbol-internacional/puyol-una-carrera-llena-de-exitos|url-status=live}}
• ESM Team of the Year: 2001–02, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2005–06{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/esm-xi.html|title=ESM XI|last=Stokkermans|first=Karel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070315073244/http://rsssf.com/miscellaneous/esm-xi.html|access-date=9 June 2020|website=RSSSF|archive-date=15 March 2007}}
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010{{cite news|url=https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/carles-puyol-capitan-barcelona-despedida-2075213/0/|title=Carles Puyol, el eterno capitán del mejor Barça de la historia|trans-title=Carles Puyol, the eternal captain of the best Barça in history|newspaper=20 minutos|last=Hidalgo|first=Mamen|language=es|date=4 March 2014|access-date=9 June 2020|archive-date=9 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609042634/https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/carles-puyol-capitan-barcelona-despedida-2075213/0/|url-status=live}}
• UEFA Club Best Defender: 2006{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/0250-0c50f3c50f55-b45453ac72d2-1000--uefa-club-defender-of-the-year/|title=UEFA Club Defender of the Year|publisher=UEFA|date=1 May 2011|access-date=1 February 2019|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403122616/https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/news/newsid=1498485.html|url-status=live}}
• FIFA/FIFPro World XI: 2007, 2008, 2010
• UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2008{{cite web|url=http://en.euro2008.uefa.com/news/kind=1/newsid=729372.html#spain+dominate+team+tournament|title=Spain dominate Team of the Tournament|publisher=UEFA|date=30 June 2008|access-date=30 June 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080831080414/http://en.euro2008.uefa.com/news/kind%3D1/newsid%3D729372.html#spain+dominate+team+tournament|archive-date=31 August 2008}}
• FIFA Confederations Cup Team of the Tournament: 2009
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2010{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/statistics/castrolindex/topeleven.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211083633/https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/statistics/castrolindex/topeleven.html |title=2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa statistics |publisher=FIFA |archive-date=11 February 2011 |access-date=2 September 2020}}
• FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2010
• BBVA Fair Play award: 2011–12
• UEFA Ultimate Team of the Year (published 2015){{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2201679.html|title=Ultimate Team of the Year: The All-Time XI|publisher=UEFA|date=22 November 2015|access-date=25 November 2015|archive-date=7 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507174924/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2201679.html|url-status=dead}}
• World XI: Team of the 21st Century{{cite web|url=http://www.givemesport.com/343841-world-xi-team-of-the-21st-century|title=World XI: Team of the 21st Century|website=GiveMeSport|publisher=Sports New Media|date=2013|access-date=20 January 2016|archive-date=7 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907032724/http://www.givemesport.com/343841-world-xi-team-of-the-21st-century|url-status=dead}}
• UEFA Euro All-time XI (published 2016){{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d813794a987-97623277ab50-1000--your-all-time-euro-11-revealed/|title=Your All-time EURO 11 revealed|publisher=UEFA|date=7 June 2016|access-date=8 June 2016|archive-date=26 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626232029/https://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=2371381.html|url-status=live}}
• Golden Foot: 2016, as football legend{{cite web|url=https://goldenfoot.com/legends/|title=LEGENDS – GoldenFoot|publisher=Golden Foot|access-date=5 January 2017|archive-date=29 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129105156/https://goldenfoot.com/legends/|url-status=dead}}
• One Club Man Award: 2018{{cite web|url=https://www.athletic-club.eus/en/news/19013/carles-puyol-in-bilbao.html|title=Carles Puyol in Bilbao|publisher=Athletic Bilbao|date=4 May 2018|access-date=11 May 2018|archive-date=11 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511215553/https://www.athletic-club.eus/en/news/19013/carles-puyol-in-bilbao.html|url-status=live}}

Decorations

• Prince of Asturias Awards: 2010{{cite web|url=https://www.fpa.es/es/comunicacion/la-seleccion-espanola-de-futbol-premio-principe-de-asturias-de-los-deportes.html|title=La selección española de fútbol, Premio Príncipe de Asturias de los Deportes|trans-title=The Spanish national team, Asturias Prince Award in Sports|publisher=Fundación Princesa de Asturias|language=es|date=7 September 2010|access-date=9 June 2020|archive-date=9 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609042634/https://www.fpa.es/es/comunicacion/la-seleccion-espanola-de-futbol-premio-principe-de-asturias-de-los-deportes.html|url-status=live}}
• Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit: 2011{{Cite news|url=http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20111005/futbol/seleccion-espanola/las-campeones-del-mundo-de-futbol-ya-tienen-la-real-orden-del-merito-deportivo_54226408413.html|title=Los campeones del mundo de fútbol ya tienen la Real Orden del Mérito Deportivo|trans-title=The football World Champions already have the Royal Order of Sporting Merit|newspaper=Mundo Deportivo|last=Bruña|first=Manuel|language=es|date=5 January 2011|access-date=17 December 2011|archive-date=28 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828090921/https://www.mundodeportivo.com/20111005/futbol/seleccion-espanola/las-campeones-del-mundo-de-futbol-ya-tienen-la-real-orden-del-merito-deportivo_54226408413.html|url-status=live}}

• List of footballers with 100 or more UEFA Champions League appearances
• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
• List of one-club men in association football

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website|url=http://www.carles5puyol.com/}}
• [https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/barca-legends/players/3636694/puyol Profile] at the FC Barcelona website
• [https://rfef.es/es/selecciones/jugadores/puyol Profile] at the Royal Spanish Football Federation website {{in lang|es}}
• {{BDFutbol}}
• {{NFT player}}
• {{FIFA player}}
• {{UEFA player}}

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{{Spain men's football squad 2000 Summer Olympics}}

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{{Spain squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}

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{{2010 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament}}

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{{2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Team of the Tournament}}

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{{2008 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}

{{2010 FIFA FIFPRO World 11}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Puyol, Carles}}

Category:1978 births

Category:Living people

Category:People from Pallars Jussà

Category:Footballers from the Province of Lleida

Category:Spanish men's footballers

Category:Men's association football central defenders

Category:La Liga players

Category:Segunda División players

Category:Segunda División B players

Category:Tercera División players

Category:FC Barcelona C players

Category:FC Barcelona Atlètic players

Category:FC Barcelona players

Category:UEFA Champions League–winning players

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Category:Spain men's under-21 international footballers

Category:Spain men's under-23 international footballers

Category:Spain men's international footballers

Category:2002 FIFA World Cup players

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Category:Olympic footballers for Spain

Category:Footballers at the 2000 Summer Olympics

Category:Olympic medalists in football

Category:Medalists at the 2000 Summer Olympics

Category:Olympic silver medalists for Spain

Category:UEFA European Championship–winning players

Category:FIFA Men's Century Club

Category:Catalonia men's international footballers