Antoni Ramallets was a celebrated Spanish footballer who played as a goalkeeper from 1924 to 2013.
He joined FC Barcelona in 1946, where he became a key player for 16 years.
During his time at Barcelona, Ramallets made 538 appearances and won six La Liga titles.
Biography
Early Life
Antoni Ramallets Simón was born in 1924 and became a prominent figure in Spanish football, known for his exceptional skills as a goalkeeper. His football journey began at a young age, and he quickly made a name for himself in the sport.
Career
Ramallets began his professional career at CE Europa in 1941 before moving to CD San Fernando and then RCD Mallorca. In 1946, he signed with FC Barcelona, where he would spend the majority of his career. Initially serving as a backup, he made his La Liga debut in 1948 and soon became the team's starting goalkeeper. Over his 16 years with Barcelona, he made 538 appearances, helping the club secure six La Liga titles and five Copa del Generalísimo trophies. He was a key player in the legendary Barcelona team of the 1950s, which included stars like László Kubala and Luis Suárez. Ramallets also represented Spain at the international level, earning 35 caps and playing in the 1950 FIFA World Cup, where he earned the nickname "The Cat of Maracanã".
Legacy
Ramallets is remembered not only for his impressive club and international career but also for his individual accolades, including five Ricardo Zamora Trophies, awarded to the best goalkeeper in La Liga. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, leading teams like Zaragoza to success in domestic competitions. His contributions to football have left a lasting impact, and he is celebrated as one of the great goalkeepers in the history of the sport.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Ramallets signed for FC Barcelona in 1946 at the age of 23, from Real Valladolid, where he also spent his first season after being purchased, on loan. He returned to the club to play second-fiddle to Juan Velasco, making his La Liga debut in a 2–1 win against Sevilla FC, on 28 November 1948. Although this was his only appearance during the season, he eventually became the starter, being an essential defensive unit as his team - then named Club de Fútbol Barcelona - went on to win six leagues and five domestic cups; in the 1951–52 campaign, as Barça won five major trophies, he contributed with 28 league games, being awarded his first Ricardo Zamora Trophy. During the 1950s, Ramallets was a prominent member of the successful Barcelona side that also included Joan Segarra, Marià Gonzalvo, László Kubala, Sándor Kocsis, Evaristo, Luis Suárez and Zoltán Czibor. During his spell with the club he made 538 appearances, including 288 in the domestic league; on 6 March 1962 the Blaugrana played a testimonial in his honour against Hamburger SV, winning 5–1. Ramallets reached the 1961 European Cup final with Barcelona, in which he scored a controversial own goal. With the score tied, referee Gottfried Dienst awarded Benfica a goal when a misplaced defensive header drifted back towards the Barcelona goalkeeper, who – dazzled by the sun – could only push the ball against the crossbar, and it subsequently bounced along his goal line; Benfica ultimately won the match 3–2. Ramallets coached…
Ramallets played 35 games for Spain during 11 years, making his debut against Chile on 29 June 1950, during the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. During the tournament he earned the nickname The Cat of Maracanã, helping the nation to the second group stage. Ramallets also played seven games for the unofficial Catalan national side.
- Club
- CD San Fernando (1944–1945)
- Club
- RCD Mallorca (1942–1944)
- Club
- Real Valladolid (1945–1946)
- Club
- Catalonia national football team (1948–1960)
- Club
- Real Valladolid (1946–1947)
- Club
- Spain men's national football team (1950–1961)
- Club
- CE Europa (1941–1942)
- Club
- CD San Fernando (1942–1944)
- Club
- RCD Mallorca (1944–1946)
- National team
- Spain
- Club
- FC Barcelona (1946–1962)
Legacy
Player
Club
Barcelona
La Liga: 1947–48, 1948–49, 1951–52, 1952–53, 1958–59, 1959–60 Copa del Generalísimo: 1951, 1952, 1952–53, 1957, 1958–59 Copa Eva Duarte: 1948, 1952, 1953 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup: 1955–58, 1958–60 Latin Cup: 1949, 1952 Small Club World Cup: 1957
Individual
Ricardo Zamora Trophy: 1951–52, 1955–56, 1956–57, 1958–59, 1959–60
Manager
Zaragoza
Copa del Generalísimo: 1963–64 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup: 1963–64
Clubs
Played together with
Abde EzzalzouliFC Barcelona · 2021–2023
Abdoul CamaraRCD Mallorca · 2014–2014
Abel ResinoSpain men's national football team · 1991–1991
Abel RuizFC Barcelona
Abelardo FernándezFC Barcelona · 1994–2002- Abelardo FernándezSpain men's national football team · 1991–2001
- Abraham González CasanovaCatalonia national football team · 2006–2006
- Abraham González CasanovaFC Barcelona · 2008–2009
- Abraham González CasanovaFC Barcelona · 2009–2009
Adam BuksaRCD Mallorca · 2026
Adama TraoréFC Barcelona · 2004–2013- Adama TraoréFC Barcelona · 2013–2015
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Antoni Ramallets Simón was a Spanish football goalkeeper and manager.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
…