Ramon Torralba Larraz

Popularly known as 'la Vella' (the Old One), because of his long career with the Barça, Ramon Torralba (Ardisa, Zaragoza, 1895 – Mexico, 1986) is a legendary figure in the history of FC Barcelona due to his loyalty to the Club during fourteen seasons, from 1914 to 1928
10:13AM Tuesday 20 Mar (GMT)

Born in Aragón but a Catalan by adoption - he moved to Catalonia when he was just two years old - Torralba was holding midfield player who stood out for his strength and limitless capacity for sacrifice. He formed a formidable and celebrated partnership with Sancho and Samitier. Indeed, many people believe that this threesome constituted the best ever Barça midfield.

He was a regular in the starting line-ups from the 1914/15 season until the 1925/26 season and kept himself in excellent physical condition throughout. In the 1924/25 season, at the age of thirty, he still managed to play 44 matches. Until he was surpassed by Samitier in 1963, Torralba was the Club’s all-time leader in games played.

He was the first player in the history of Barça to be given a pre-game tribute. This took place on 4 February 1917 at the Industria Street grounds when he was still an active player. The second, farewell tribute took place on the 1 July 1928 at the Les Corts grounds.

Career

  • Seasons with the Club: 1914-28
  • Games played: 567
  • Goals scored: 20

Honours

  • 5 Spanish Championships (1919/20, 21/22, 24/25, 25/26 and 27/28)
  • 10 Catalan Championships (1915/16, 18/19, 19/20, 20/21, 21/22, 23/24, 24/25, 25/26, 26/27 and 27/28)
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