Joan Capdevila: The Villarreal left-back who conquered the world
When Spain famously lifted the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 only one man in their starting XI didn’t play for either Real Madrid or Barcelona, that man was Joan Capdevila and he played for Villarreal CF.
‘La Suerte’ or ‘Luck’ was the humble title given to Capdevila’s autobiography. In fact, he had to be persuaded not to call it ‘Los malos también llegan’, or ‘The bad times come as well.’
Both titles have an obvious and somewhat haunting relevance to the world we live in today, they remind us that we should not take anything for granted. The latter sounds more like the suggestion of a philosopher than a footballer, but Capdevila was not just your average professional.
To title your autobiography ‘Luck,’ (never mind ‘The bad times come as well’) after lifting the World Cup trophy, exudes humility. This mentality partnered with a wand of a left foot was the perfect combination for Capdevila to reach the top. One of his biggest admirers is his ex-teammate and fellow Villarreal CF legend, Marcos Senna, who told us:
“He was even better in the dressing room than on the pitch! He never was angry or unhappy with anyone, in fact the complete opposite. Whenever he was in the dressing room, we were all happy and he created a great atmosphere for everyone there. I’m sure that everyone who worked with him misses working with him now.”
Capdevila was an exemplary footballer that spent four great seasons with the Yellow Submarine during the peak of his career. During that period he was able to establish himself as first choice left back for club and country. He appeared 184 times for Villarreal scoring 19 goals and also played 60 times for Spain, winning the European Cup in 2008 and the World Cup two years later.
Capdevila started his career in the fourth division of Spanish football, but it only took him two years to reach LaLiga, Capdevila spent a year at Espanyol, another year at Atlético Madrid and then seven seasons at Deportivo before moving to La Cerámica and the Yellows in 2007.
Early in his Villarreal career he scored one and assisted two in a European qualifying match for Spain against group rivals Sweden, he said it was his best game for the national team. Then in early 2008 he scored the only goal in a 1–0 win over France. Capdevila would remain a key part of the Spanish squad that went on to win the European Championships that summer, alongside his Villarreal teammates Santi Cazorla and Senna:
Joan Capdevila was a wonder to play with, he gave the team a lot tactically, even in attack, scoring occasionally. No-one got round him, he was always in a good position, we all trusted and respected him.
The European Championship win marked the end of Capdevila’s first season with Villarreal. He helped his team finish second in LaLiga, the highest finish in the club’s history, which with it, of course, brought another year of the UEFA Champions League to Villarreal.
Villarreal reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League in the 2008/2009 season, and 2010 produced one of the stand out individual performances for Capdevila in yellow as he scored two in a 3–2 home victory over Getafe CF. Then in the summer of 2010 came what would be the pinnacle of any professional’s career, the World Cup.
Millions dream of lifting the World Cup, millions more dream of playing in the World Cup and many millions just dream about playing professional football. Joan Capdevila achieved it all in Johannesburg on July 11th 2010. Years of hard work culminated in the grandest prize of them all. Capdevila played every single minute of the competition in a star-studded team to help Spain finally win their first World Cup title.
Spain were victorious after defeating the Netherlands in a tense final that needed a late extra time winner. As level-headed as ever, Capdevila said the first thing he did when Andrés Iniesta put the ball in the Dutch net was look over to the linesman to see if the goal was definitely ruled onside. Only then would he allow himself to join in with the celebrations.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo Capdevila said: “You can win LaLiga titles or UEFA Champions Leagues, but to win the World Cup is the biggest thing. If you were to ask Lionel Messi, I am convinced that he would swap all his Ballon D’Or trophies to win the World Cup.” Capdevila is correct, and he has achieved what many including the likes of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have not.
In 2011 Joan Capdevila moved from Villarreal CF to Benfica in Portugal, he would also go on to play in India and Belgium before finishing his professional career. He left Villarreal with a place in the clubs history books, two rather important international medals and the admiration of Yellows fans and players alike. Senna sums it up perfectly:
I’m lucky to have had the chance to see him recently and we’ve even played a few veterans games since. It was a real pleasure to play with him.
