Joan Capdevila

Born in Tàrrega, Lleida, Catalonia, and a product of Espanyol's youth system, Capdevila started playing football as a forward,{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/deportes/2009/10/17/actualidad/1255764123_850215.html|title=Capdevila: "Soy un jugador de segunda fila"|trans-title=Capdevila: "I'm a second-rank footballer"|publisher=El País|first=Luis|last=Martín|language=es|date=17 October 2009|access-date=16 January 2019}} and he made his debut for its first team during the 1998–99 season in a 2–2 La Liga draw at Athletic Bilbao. He joined Atlético Madrid the following year.

After the Colchoneros{{'}} relegation, Capdevila signed with Deportivo de La Coruña in the summer of 2000, and would be a regular fixture in the team as left-back, first competing with Enrique Romero then as the undisputed first choice.{{cite web|url=https://www.vavel.com/es/futbol/deportivo-de-la-coruna/84639.html|title=La maldición del lateral izquierdo del Deportivo|trans-title=Deportivo's left-back curse|publisher=Vavel|language=es|date=31 January 2012|access-date=14 September 2017}} On 16 September 2006, he scored twice as the Galicians overcame Villarreal 2–0 at the Riazor Stadium.[https://web.archive.org/web/20110710024537/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=457832.html Capdevila makes Deportivo proud]; UEFA, 16 September 2006

File:Messi Alves.jpg]]

For the 2007–08 campaign, Capdevila moved to Villarreal on a three-year deal,[https://web.archive.org/web/20121023222302/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=555340.html Capdevila veers towards Villarreal]; UEFA, 25 June 2007 and played in all the league games except two for a side that finished runners-up, achieving direct qualification for the UEFA Champions League. He produced similar numbers in his second year, bettering his goal total in the process (five).{{cite news|url=https://www.levante-emv.com/castello/2010/02/15/capdevila-lleva-cinco-goles-iguala-13166294.html|title=Capdevila ya lleva cinco goles e iguala su mejor registro en Primera División|trans-title=Capdevila already has five goals and equals his best record in Primera División|publisher=Levante-EMV|language=es|date=15 February 2010|access-date=2 May 2024}}

In the 2009–10 season, with no real competition for his position, Capdevila continued to figure prominently, only missing one league match – the defender added another five goals, but his team could not qualify for the UEFA Europa League this time after finishing seventh. On 6 December 2009 he scored twice in a 3–2 home win against Getafe,[http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275621&cc=5739 Villarreal comeback stuns Getafe] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025195726/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275621&cc=5739|date=25 October 2012}}; ESPN Soccernet, 6 December 2009 precisely the side that prevented the Valencians from reaching that achievement, even though they were later reinstated at the expense of Mallorca.

Capdevila faced stiff competition from José Catalá midway through 2010–11, even being relegated to the bench on occasion. He did finish the campaign with more than 40 official appearances, including nine in Villarreal's Europa League semi-final run, where he scored in a 3–2 home victory over eventual winners Porto (7–4 aggregate loss).[http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=315652&cc=5739 Falcao record as Porto progress] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025195742/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=315652&cc=5739|date=25 October 2012}}; ESPN Soccernet, 5 May 2011

On 21 July 2011, aged 33, Capdevila moved abroad for the first time, joining Benfica of Portugal on a two-year contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01f3-0e78f9bb67b8-775dde5e1de5-1000--capdevila-opts-for-pastures-new-with-benfica/|title=Capdevila opts for pastures new with Benfica|publisher=UEFA|date=21 July 2011|access-date=21 July 2011}} On 20 August, he made his official debut in a 3–1 Primeira Liga defeat of Feirense at the Estádio da Luz,{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/benfica-feirense-3-1-cronica|title=Benfica-Feirense, 3–1 (crónica)|trans-title=Benfica-Feirense, 3–1 (match report)|publisher=Mais Futebol|first=Luís|last=Mateus|language=pt|date=20 August 2011|access-date=2 April 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/benfica-vs-feirense/teams/248671|title=Benfica 3–1 Feirense|publisher=Sky Sports|date=20 August 2011|access-date=13 March 2019}} but was not included in the squad for the group stages of the Champions League,[http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,,12087_7160609,00.html Level crossing]; Sky Sports, 8 September 2011 which prompted rumours that he would seek to leave in the January transfer window.[http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2011/09/05/2652203/juventus-target-benficas-joan-capdevila-report Juventus target Benfica's Joan Capdevila]; Goal, 5 September 2011[http://www.goal.com/en/news/91/portugal/2011/09/07/2654849/benficas-joan-capdevila-would-accept-napoli-move-agent 'Benfica's Joan Capdevila would accept Napoli move' – agent]; Goal, 7 September 2011 Manager Jorge Jesus confirmed that another newly signed, Brazilian Emerson, would start at left-back and that the Spaniard would find it difficult to be included in matchday squads.[http://www.goal.com/en/news/1549/rest-of-europe/2011/09/09/2658385/joan-capdevila-is-not-our-first-choice-left-back-benficas Joan Capdevila is not our first choice left-back – Benfica's Jorge Jesus]; Goal, 9 September 2011

However, during the final stages of the season, Jesus gave Capdevila a long run as a starter, and he made his Champions League debut for the Lisbon club on 4 April 2012, playing the second leg of the quarter-finals against Chelsea, a 2–1 loss at Stamford Bridge (3–1 on aggregate).[https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01fc-0e9d1724246a-9704216c1395-1000--shaky-chelsea-hold-off-ten-man-benfica/ Shaky Chelsea hold off ten-man Benfica]; UEFA, 4 April 2012 He was also the habitual first-choice during the domestic League Cup, which Benfica won for the fourth time in a row,{{cite web|url=https://www.sabado.pt/ultima-hora/detalhe/Taca-da-Liga--Benfica-bate-Gil-Vicente-e-conquista|title=Benfica bate Gil Vicente e conquista a 4ª Taça da Liga (vídeo)|trans-title=Benfica beat Gil Vicente and conquer 4th League Cup (video)|publisher=Sábado|language=pt|date=15 April 2012|access-date=16 January 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203095729/https://www.sabado.pt/ultima-hora/detalhe/Taca-da-Liga--Benfica-bate-Gil-Vicente-e-conquista|archive-date=3 December 2020}} and finished the campaign with 12 competitive matches.{{cite web|url=https://desporto.sapo.pt/futebol/la-liga/artigos/capdevila-preparado-para-um-novo-impulso-na-carreira-no-espanyol|title=Capdevila preparado para um novo impulso na carreira no Espanyol|trans-title=Capdevila prepared for new career boost at Espanyol|publisher=SAPO|language=pt|date=15 August 2012|access-date=16 January 2019}}

On 27 July 2012, Capdevila agreed on a return to his first professional club Espanyol.[http://www.rcdespanyol.com/principal.php?modulo=detalleNoticia&idnoticia=13978&idseccion=28&idlinkchk=0&idmenu=9&idsubmenu=108 Capdevila, quart fitxatge (Capdevila, fourth signing)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830100013/http://www.rcdespanyol.com/principal.php?modulo=detalleNoticia&idnoticia=13978&idseccion=28&idlinkchk=0&idmenu=9&idsubmenu=108|date=30 August 2012}}; RCD Espanyol, 27 July 2012 (in Catalan) He was released alongside Simão Sabrosa on 22 May 2014, after only ten overall appearances in his second season.{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2014/05/22/futbol/equipos/espanyol/1400754064.html|title=Capdevila y Simao dejan el Espanyol|trans-title=Capdevila and Simao leave Espanyol|publisher=Marca|language=es|date=22 May 2014|access-date=22 May 2014}}

On 16 July 2014, Capdevila signed for NorthEast United, as their marquee player ahead of the inaugural Indian Super League season. He said: “India is a huge country and it should be a privilege for me to be a small part in popularising this global game here and working with the young talented footballers of North East India”.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2014/07/16/4962622/capdevila-joins-north-east-united-fc?ICID=SP_HN_HP_RI_1_3|title=Capdevila: 'It's a privilege to popularise football in India'|publisher=Goal|first=Rahul|last=Bali|date=16 July 2014|access-date=16 July 2014}} He started in the franchise's first match, a 1–0 win over the Kerala Blasters at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, being deployed by manager Ricki Herbert as a central defender.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-NorthEast-United-ride-high-on-Koke-beat-Kerala-Blasters-1-0/articleshow/44808993.cms|title=ISL: NorthEast United ride high on Koke, beat Kerala Blasters 1–0|publisher=The Times of India|first=Abhishek|last=Ganguily|date=13 October 2014|access-date=16 October 2014}} On 27 November, in a 3–0 home victory against league leaders Chennaiyin, he was sent off after 72 minutes for a second yellow card,{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-NorthEast-United-thrash-leaders-Chennaiyin-FC-3-0/articleshow/45300871.cms|title=ISL: NorthEast United thrash leaders Chennaiyin FC 3–0|publisher=The Times of India|date=27 November 2014|access-date=14 December 2014}} as his team went on to rank in last position.

Capdevila changed countries again on 21 January 2015, joining Belgian Pro League's Lierse.{{cite news|url=http://www.nieuwsblad.be/sportwereld/cnt/dmf20150122_01487835|title=Capdevila: 'Als je 36 bent, zitten clubs niet langer op je te wachten'|trans-title=Capdevila: 'Since I am 36, clubs just do not sit and wait for you'|publisher=Het Nieuwsblad|language=nl|date=22 January 2015|access-date=2 February 2015}} In May, he suffered a knee injury in training, ruling him out for six months.{{cite web|url=http://www.rtbf.be/sport/football/belgique/jupilerproleague/detail_fin-de-carriere-pour-capdevila-lierse-blesse-six-mois?id=8978048|title=Fin de carrière pour Capdevila (Lierse), blessé six mois?|trans-title=End of career for Capdevila (Lierse), injured for six months?|publisher=RTBF|language=fr|date=11 May 2015|access-date=6 June 2016}} He returned to the Iberian Peninsula on 1 June 2016, signing for Santa Coloma, champions of Andorra's Primera Divisió.{{cite news|url=http://www.lesportiudecatalunya.cat/nel9/article/8-esports/49-espanyol/972478-joan-capdevila-fitxa-pel-santa-coloma-dandorra.html|title=Joan Capdevila fitxa pel Santa Coloma d'Andorra|trans-title=Joan Capdevila signs for Andorra's Santa Coloma|publisher=L'Esportiu|language=ca|date=1 June 2016|access-date=6 June 2016}}

On 5 July 2017, the 39-year-old Capdevila announced his retirement.{{cite web|url=https://www.villarrealusa.com/2017/7/5/15920608/joan-capdevila-villarreals-world-cup-winner-retires|title=Joan Capdevila, Villarreal's World Cup winner, retires|publisher=Villarreal USA|date=5 July 2017|access-date=5 July 2017}}

Capdevila played for Spain at the 2000 Summer Olympics, winning the silver medal and converting his penalty shootout attempt as his team lost the final to Cameroon.{{cite web|url=http://www.soccertimes.com/international/2000/games/sep30.htm|title=Cameroon's "Indomitable Lions" win shootout over Spain to take Olympic gold.|publisher=Soccer Times|date=30 September 2000|access-date=26 July 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322111703/http://www.soccertimes.com/international/2000/games/sep30.htm|archive-date=22 March 2018}} He made his debut for the full side on 16 October 2002 in a 0–0 friendly draw with Paraguay,{{cite news|url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2002/10/16/futbol/1034796540.html|title=Paraguay anula a España en Logroño|trans-title=Paraguay cancel Spain in Logroño|publisher=El Mundo|first=Fernando|last=Llamas|language=es|date=16 October 2002|access-date=2 June 2021}} scoring his first goal in an UEFA Euro 2008 qualifier against Sweden on 17 November 2007, a 3–0 win.[https://es.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7bba7df8b0-0c64c6d9601c-1000--espana-gusta-golea-y-a-la-euro/ España gusta, golea y a la EURO (Spain please, rout and go to EURO)] ; UEFA, 18 November 2007 (in Spanish) Previously, he made the country's final squad for Euro 2004 as an injury replacement for Míchel Salgado,{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=188686.html|title=Goodbye pharoes, hello Faro|publisher=UEFA|first=Iván|last=Modia|date=12 June 2004|access-date=15 February 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721081539/http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=188686.html|archive-date=21 July 2013}} but did not leave the bench.

On 6 February 2008, Capdevila scored the winner in Spain's 1–0 victory over France in a friendly in Málaga.[http://www.laverdad.es/murcia/20080207/deportes_murcia/mas-futbol/capdevila-tumba-francia-20080207.html Capdevila tumba a Francia (1–0) (Capdevila downs France (1–0))]; La Verdad, 7 February 2008 (in Spanish) He was subsequently called up to the squad for Euro 2008, where he featured in all the games save one for the eventual champions. During the tournament he established himself as first choice, his clearance in the dying seconds against Sweden being a crucial part of David Villa's late winner to make the score 2–1; together with right-back Sergio Ramos and central defenders Carles Puyol and Carlos Marchena, he helped keep clean sheets during all three matches of the knock-out stages.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/spains-2008-euro-winning-squad-where-they-are-now/3|title=Spain's Euro 2008 winning squad – Where are they now?|publisher=Sportskeeda|first=Ashwin|last=Hanagudu|date=26 April 2016|access-date=14 February 2019}}

During the first game of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup on 14 June 2009, Capdevila set up Fernando Torres's third goal of his hat-trick, and also assisted for Cesc Fàbregas's second international goal as Spain thrashed New Zealand 5–0 – in fact, all five goals were created from the left wing, with him playing a crucial part in the Spanish attack.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/y=2009/m=6/news=roja-lean-the-left-1072428.html|title=La Roja lean to the left|publisher=FIFA|date=16 June 2009|access-date=9 June 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804081845/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/y=2009/m=6/news=roja-lean-the-left-1072428.html|archive-date=4 August 2016}} In the second game against Iraq, three days later, he assisted Villa's on his 55th-minute goal (the match's only), which allowed for a run to the semi-finals of the competition. Eventually he, Puyol, Villa and Torres were named in the team of the tournament, as the national side finished third.{{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|publisher=Marca|language=es|date=30 June 2009|access-date=14 February 2019}} During the group stages of the competition, he provided the most assists (three) and made the joint second–highest number of solo runs (ten).{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/the-group-stage-statistical-stars-1075546|title=The group stage's statistical stars|publisher=FIFA|date=23 June 2009|access-date=18 May 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127033331/https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/the-group-stage-statistical-stars-1075546|archive-date=27 November 2020}}

On 20 May 2010, after appearing in all the fixtures during the qualifying stages, contributing one goal in Spain's 4–0 home defeat of Armenia, Capdevila was selected by manager Vicente del Bosque to the squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where he played all the games and minutes for the eventual champions, being the only member of the starting line-up for the final who was not a Real Madrid or FC Barcelona player, considering Villa had been signed by the latter days before the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_64|title=Netherlands 0–1 Spain (aet)|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Paul|last=Fletcher|date=11 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}} He was among the top ten players of the competition in terms of distance covered, having run 71.79 km.{{cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/the-beautiful-blog/final-world-cup-leaders-blog-entry-1.1625890|title=Final World Cup leaders|publisher=New York Daily News|first=Jesse|last=Spector|date=18 December 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}

An offensive–minded left-sided full-back or wing-back, Capdevila was known for his speed and passing ability, which enabled him to get forward, make overlapping runs, provide width to his team and link-up with the attack. Regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world in his prime, although he was not as flashy as other players in his position, he was also known for his leadership and consistency as well as his defensive ability, although he was stronger in the offensive aspect of his game.{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/415439-world-cup-2010-germany-vs-spain-the-battle-of-the-midfields|title=2010 FIFA World Cup: Germany vs. Spain, the battle of the midfields|publisher=Bleacher Report|first=Nick|last=Davies|date=4 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/news/7877577/Germany-v-Spain-player-ratings.html|title=Germany v Spain: player ratings|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|first=Jason|last=Burt|date=7 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}{{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|work=The New York Times|first=Rob|last=Hughes|date=8 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/news/7882630/World-Cup-final-Holland-discipline-vs-Spains-tiki-taka-tactics.html|title=World Cup final: Holland discipline vs Spain's 'tiki-taka' tactics|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|first=Jason|last=Burt|date=9 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/spain/7882209/World-Cup-final-how-Holland-can-stop-Spain.html|title=World Cup final: how Holland can stop Spain|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|first=Kristian|last=Walsh|date=9 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/spain-netherlands-gear-up-for-clash-to-be-worlds-best/a-5774743|title=Spain, Netherlands gear up for clash to be world's best|publisher=Deutsche Welle|first1=Nick|last1=Amies|first2=Matt|last2=Hermann|date=11 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/11/world-cup-final-player-ratings|title=World Cup final: Holland v Spain player ratings|publisher=The Guardian|first=Stuart|last=James|date=11 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/491823-ranking-the-ten-best-left-backs-in-world-football|title=Ranking the ten best left backs in world football|publisher=Bleacher Report|first=Callum|last=D'Souza|date=14 October 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37342902/michael-cox-full-backs-impact-confederations-cup|title=Star backs are fully involved in Brazil|publisher=ESPN|first=Michael|last=Cox|date=21 June 2013|access-date=18 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/gallery/spain-2010-world-cup-final-team-070810|title=Meet Spain's 2010 World Cup team|publisher=Fox Sports|date=20 October 2016|access-date=18 May 2020}}

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

File:2010 FIFA World Cup Spain with cup.JPG trophy]]

Deportivo

• Copa del Rey: 2001–02
• Supercopa de España: 2002

Benfica

• Taça da Liga: 2011–12

Santa Coloma

• Primera Divisió: 2016–17

Spain U23

• Summer Olympic silver medal: 2000

Spain

• FIFA World Cup: 2010
• UEFA European Championship: 2008
• FIFA Confederations Cup third place: 2009

Individual

• FIFA Confederations Cup FIFA.com Users' Top 11: 2009
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2010

Orders

• Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit{{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|publisher=Mundo Deportivo|first=Manuel|last=Bruña|language=es|date=5 October 2011|access-date=12 January 2023}}

• List of La Liga players (400+ appearances)

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{BDFutbol|1274}}
• {{ForaDeJogo}}
• {{NFT|6231}}
• {{FIFA|177907}}

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{{Spain squad 2000 Summer Olympics}}

{{Spain squad UEFA Euro 2004}}

{{Spain squad UEFA Euro 2008}}

{{Spain squad 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup}}

{{Spain squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}

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{{Navboxes colour

|title = Awards

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

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

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Capdevila, Joan}}

Category:1978 births

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