Antoni Torres facts for kids
![]() Torres (standing, second to left) in 1975
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Personal information | |||
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Full name | Antoni Torres García | ||
Date of birth | 29 July 1943 | ||
Place of birth | Balaguer, Spain | ||
Date of death | 24 February 2003 | (aged 59)||
Place of death | Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain | ||
Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | ||
Position(s) | Defender | ||
Youth career | |||
Balaguer | |||
Barcelona | |||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1963–1965 | Hércules | 50 | (1) |
1965–1976 | Barcelona | 270 | (2) |
International career | |||
1963–1964 | Spain amateur | 8 | (0) |
1968–1969 | Spain | 5 | (0) |
Managerial career | |||
1978–1979 | Barcelona B | ||
1980 | Barcelona B | ||
1980–1983 | Barcelona B | ||
1983–1985 | Castellón | ||
1985 | Hércules | ||
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
Antoni Torres García (born July 29, 1943 – passed away February 24, 2003) was a talented Spanish footballer. He played professionally during the 1960s and 1970s. Many remember him as a legendary player for Barcelona. Antoni Torres was born in Balaguer, Spain. He passed away in Barcelona when he was 59 years old.
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Antoni Torres: A Football Legend
Antoni Torres García, often called Antoni Torres, was a key player in Spanish football. He was known for his strong defensive skills. Torres played a big part in many important matches throughout his career.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Antoni Torres started his football journey in his home region of Catalonia. Before joining one of Spain's biggest clubs, he played for Hércules. There, he quickly became known as an excellent central defender. His skills were so impressive that in the 1964–65 season, he received an award for being the best footballer in the Spanish League. This recognition showed everyone his great talent and potential.
Playing for FC Barcelona
Torres spent most of his professional career at Barcelona, a club he joined in 1965. He was a starter in an amazing 479 games for the team. He played for Barcelona from 1965 until 1976. Antoni Torres was a versatile defender, meaning he could play in different defensive roles. He was often a traditional defender or a libero, a player who sweeps up behind the main defense. His dedication and skill made him a fan favorite.
International Appearances
After proving himself with Barcelona, Antoni Torres earned a spot on the Spanish national team. He played five matches for his country between 1968 and 1969. Representing Spain was a great honor for Torres, showing his status as one of the top players in the country.
Life After Playing: Coaching and Mentoring
Antoni Torres retired from playing football at the end of the 1975–76 season. To celebrate his amazing career, Barcelona organized a special tribute for him on September 1, 1976. His teammates, Joaquim Rifé and Salvador Sadurní, were also honored at this event.
After hanging up his boots, Torres continued to be involved in football. He became a coach, sharing his knowledge with younger players. In 1984, he helped start a youth football school in Barcelona called TARR Escuela. The school's name comes from the first letters of its four founders, all former Barcelona players: Torres, Asensi, Rexach, and Rifé. This school helped train the next generation of football stars.
Major Achievements and Trophies
Antoni Torres achieved great success during his time as a player. He helped his teams win several important trophies.
- 1 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup: 1965–1966
- 2 Copa del Rey: 1967–1968, 1970–1971
- 1 Spanish League Title: 1973–1974