Ferran Olivella


Ferran Olivella Pons was a Spanish footballer who played as a defender.

Club career

Born in Barcelona, Catalonia, Olivella joined FC Barcelona's youth ranks at the age of 17. He started playing as a senior with neighbouring SD España Industrial in the Segunda División, returning to the Camp Nou in 1956.
Olivella appeared in 320 competitive games during his spell with his main club. He won back-to-back La Liga championships from 1958 to 1960, scoring his only goal as a professional on 14 February 1960 in an 8–0 home demolition of UD Las Palmas.

International career

Olivella earned 18 caps for the Spain national team in eight years. He made his debut on 31 March 1957, in a 5–0 friendly win against Belgium.
When the country won the 1964 European Nations' Cup, Olivella acted as captain. He was also selected for the 1966 [FIFA World Cup] held in England, being an unused squad member in an eventual group-stage exit.

Death

Olivella died on 14 May 2023, at the age of 86.

Honours

Barcelona
Spain
Spain U18
Individual