Joan Barba

Juan Barba Viladés was a Spanish footballer who played as a defender for FC Barcelona.

Sporting career

Barba was a true sportsman at the beginning of the 20th century, playing as a defender for FC Barcelona between 1911 and 1917. He was also manager of the club between 1913 and 1918. In 1912 he was one of the founders of the Sport Atlètic Barcelonés club.
Barba was also a member and director of Club Natació Barcelona. He was a good swimmer and water polo player, the latter sport, where he was considered the best player in Spain.

In the last years of his life, Barba began to practice motorcycling, dying, still young, on 16 May 1920 in a competition in Cardedeu.
The Joan Barba Swimming Cup was created in his honor, with its first edition being held at the end of June 1920.

FC Barcelona