Joan Capdevila, Spanish footballer
Joan Capdevila Méndez, often simply known as Capdevila, is a distinguished Spanish former professional footballer born on 3 February 1978. Hailing from Tàrrega, Catalonia, Capdevila carved out an illustrious career primarily as a tenacious and reliable left-back, a position where his attacking prowess and defensive solidity truly shone.
A Decade and a Half of La Liga Excellence
Capdevila's career was significantly defined by his remarkable consistency across 15 seasons in Spain's top flight, La Liga. Amassing a formidable total of 410 matches and contributing 36 goals, he established himself as one of the league's most dependable defenders. While he had formative spells with Espanyol and Atlético Madrid early in his career, his most impactful contributions came during his extensive tenures at two prominent clubs:
- Deportivo La Coruña (2000-2007): During his seven seasons with Deportivo, Capdevila was an integral part of a formidable side that consistently challenged at the top of Spanish football and regularly competed in the UEFA Champions League. He helped the Galician club secure the Copa del Rey in 2002 and the Supercopa de España in the same year, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier defender.
- Villarreal CF (2007-2011): Moving to Villarreal, Capdevila continued his impressive form, becoming a cornerstone of the "Yellow Submarine" team that achieved their best-ever La Liga finish, securing second place in the 2007-08 season. His consistent performances at the Estadio de la Cerámica further cemented his status as a highly sought-after left-back.
Key Figure in Spain's Golden Era
Joan Capdevila's international career stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering reliability. He earned 60 caps for the Spanish national team, making his debut in 2002. Crucially, Capdevila was an undisputed starter at left-back throughout Spain's most glorious period in international football, playing a pivotal role in their historic back-to-back triumphs:
- UEFA Euro 2008: As a vital component of Luis Aragonés' squad, Capdevila played every minute of Spain's victorious campaign in Austria and Switzerland, providing defensive stability and attacking width that was instrumental in securing their first major international trophy in 44 years.
- 2010 FIFA World Cup: Under Vicente del Bosque, he continued his indispensable role, featuring prominently in every match as Spain lifted their maiden FIFA World Cup trophy in South Africa. His consistent performances ensured defensive solidity while offering an attacking outlet down the left flank, contributing significantly to Spain's dominant possession-based football.
His presence was foundational to the tactical balance and success of these iconic Spanish teams, often allowing more creative players to flourish knowing the left side was securely covered.
A Global Career Spanning Two Decades
Beyond his significant contributions in La Liga and with the Spanish national team, Capdevila's professional career spanned an impressive 21 years, showcasing remarkable longevity and adaptability. His journey took him to various footballing landscapes internationally:
- Benfica (Portugal, 2011-2012): After his successful spell at Villarreal, Capdevila moved to Portuguese giants Benfica, adding European experience to his resume, albeit for a single season.
- NorthEast United FC (India, 2014): In a pioneering move, Capdevila became one of the inaugural marquee foreign players in the newly formed Indian Super League (ISL), joining NorthEast United. This venture highlighted his willingness to embrace new challenges and contribute to the global growth of football.
- Lierse SK (Belgium, 2015-2016): Towards the latter stages of his career, Capdevila played for Belgian club Lierse, further extending his international playing experience before eventually retiring from the professional game.
Capdevila's journey underscores a career marked by consistency, significant triumphs, and a willingness to explore different football cultures, cementing his legacy as a highly respected figure in Spanish football.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joan Capdevila
- When was Joan Capdevila born?
- Joan Capdevila Méndez was born on 3 February 1978.
- What position did Joan Capdevila play?
- He primarily played as a left-back, known for his ability to contribute both defensively and in attack.
- Which major clubs did Capdevila play for in La Liga?
- He spent the majority of his La Liga career with Deportivo La Coruña and Villarreal CF, also having spells with Espanyol and Atlético Madrid.
- How many international caps did Joan Capdevila earn for Spain?
- Capdevila earned 60 caps for the Spanish national team.
- What major international tournaments did Capdevila win with Spain?
- He was an integral part of the Spanish squads that won the UEFA Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, both as an undisputed starter at left-back.
- Did Capdevila play professionally outside of Spain?
- Yes, he had professional stints with Benfica in Portugal, NorthEast United FC in India, and Lierse SK in Belgium.