Catalonia national football team facts for kids
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| Association | Catalan Football Federation (Federació Catalana de Futbol) | ||
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| Confederation | None | ||
| Head coach | Gerard López | ||
| Captain | Marc Bartra | ||
| Most caps | Sergio García (16) | ||
| Top scorer | Sergio García (9) | ||
| Home stadium | Camp Nou Stage Front Stadium Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys Estadi Montilivi |
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| FIFA code | CAT | ||
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| First international | |||
Not FIFA results Paris 3–1 Catalonia  (San Sebastián, Spain; 24 July 1910) FIFA results  France 7–0 Catalonia (Paris, France; 21 February 1912) |
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| Biggest win | |||
Not FIFA results Catalonia 9–0 Brussels  (Barcelona, Spain; 16 June 1927) FIFA results Catalonia 6–0 Jamaica  (Girona, Spain; 25 May 2022) |
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| Biggest defeat | |||
 Spain 7–0 Catalonia (Barcelona, Spain; 13 March 1924) France 7–0 Catalonia (Paris, France; 21 February 1912) |
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The Catalonia national football team (Catalan: Selecció de futbol de Catalunya) is the official football team for the region of Catalonia in Spain. It is managed by the Catalan Football Federation, which was started in 1900. The team has been known by different names over the years, like Selecció Catalana or the Catalan XI.
Even though Catalonia has its own team, it cannot play in big international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA European Championship. This is because the Catalan Football Federation is part of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. This means Catalonia is not a separate member of FIFA or UEFA. Many Catalan players are also Spanish citizens and often play for the Spanish national team.
Since 1904, the team has played almost 200 games. They have played against other national teams, regional teams, and even club teams. Since 1997, they have played international friendly games more often. Some of the famous teams they have played against include Nigeria, Brazil, and Argentina.
Contents
History of the Catalan Football Team
Early Games and First International Matches
The Catalonia team played its very first game in 1905. At first, they played against local club teams like FC Barcelona and Madrid CF. Their first international game was on July 24, 1910, against a team from Paris. Catalonia lost that game 3-1.
On February 20, 1912, they played their first friendly match against the French national team in Paris, losing 7–0. However, when they met again in Barcelona on December 1, 1912, Catalonia won 1–0!
In 1914, the Catalan XI played against the Basque Country XI for the first time. These early games helped the team gain experience and recognition.
Winning the Prince of Asturias Cup
Between 1915 and 1926, the Catalan XI took part in a special competition called the Copa Príncep d'Astúries (Prince of Asturias Cup). This was a tournament for different regions within Spain.
Catalonia came in second place in 1915. Then, in 1916, they won the cup for the first time! They beat a team from Castile/Madrid with a total score of 8–5 over two games.
In the 1920s, with star players like Josep Samitier, Paulino Alcántara, and Ricardo Zamora, Catalonia won the cup again in 1924 and 1926. The 1924 final was very exciting, ending in a 4–4 draw. In the replay, Catalonia won 3–2, becoming champions.
During this time, the Catalan XI also played international friendly matches. On March 13, 1924, they played against the Spanish national team for the first time. Spain won 7–0, even though some of Catalonia's best players were on the Spanish team! Later, in 1925, Catalonia beat Czechoslovakia 2–1 in a friendly game.
Playing Against Brazil
The 1930s were an exciting time for the Catalan team. In 1934, they played against the famous Brazilian national team twice. On June 17, Catalonia beat Brazil 2–1. A week later, they drew 2–2 with Brazil in Girona. The Brazilian team had been in Europe for the 1934 FIFA World Cup and included legendary player Leônidas.
The Franco Era and Guest Players
After the Spanish Civil War, there were many rules that limited Catalonia's culture and language. Despite this, the Catalan XI continued to play friendly games. They even played against Spain twice during this period. In 1947, they beat Spain 3–1, but in 1953, Spain won 6–0.
During this time, some famous players from FC Barcelona, like László Kubala and Luis Suárez, also played for the Catalan XI. Sometimes, even players from other teams were invited to play as "guest players." For example, Alfredo Di Stéfano, a Real Madrid legend, played for Catalonia in a friendly game in 1955.
The Franco era ended for the team with a friendly game against the Soviet Union in 1976. Famous Dutch players Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens were guest players in that match, which ended in a 1–1 draw.
Return to Democracy and Modern Friendlies
Since Spain became a democracy again in the 1970s, the Catalonia team has regularly played international friendly matches. They have had good results against teams like Bulgaria, Nigeria, and Chile.
In 2002, Catalonia played against Brazil, who later won the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Brazil won that game 3–1. In 2004, Brazil returned and won 5–2. Later that year, Argentina also beat Catalonia 3–0. In recent years, they have played against teams like Paraguay, Costa Rica, and Colombia.
The Johan Cruyff Era
In 2009, the famous Dutch football legend and former Barcelona manager, Johan Cruyff, became the new coach of Catalonia. Under his guidance, Catalonia beat Argentina 4–2 in a friendly game in 2009. They also won 4–0 against Honduras in 2010. Cruyff's last game as coach was a 1–1 draw against Nigeria in 2013.
After Cruyff
After Johan Cruyff, former player Gerard López became the new coach. His first match was against Cape Verde in 2013.
Recent Games and Results
2022
| Friendly 25 May | Catalonia |
6–0 | Jamaica |
Girona, Catalonia | ||
| 18:45 | Deulofeu  3', 28', 44'Bartra 35'Jutglà 74'Puado 88' |
https://www.fcf.cat/noticia/montilivi-vibra-amb-l-exhibicio-de-catalunya-contra-jamaica/25/05/2022 | Stadium: Estadi Montilivi Attendance: 6,124 Referee: Victor Garcia Verdura (Spain) |
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2023
| Friendly 8 June | Catalonia |
Cancelled |  Mali |
Lleida, Catalonia | ||
| 19:00 | https://www.fcf.cat/noticia/comunicat-oficial/01/06/2023 | Stadium: Camp d'Esports |
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2024
| Friendly 29 May | Catalonia |
2–2 |  Panama |
Sabadell, Catalonia | ||
| 19:00 | Jutglà 9' Aleñá |
https://www.fcf.cat/noticia/gols-bon-ambient-i-empat-en-el-catalunya-panama-2-2/29/05/2024 | E. Davis 17' Gondola |
Stadium: Estadi de la Nova Creu Alta Attendance: 5.859 Referee: Victor Garcia Verdura |
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Coaching Staff
Managers Through the Years
- Pichi Alonso (1995–2005)
- Pere Gratacós (2005–2009)
- Johan Cruyff (2009–2013)
- Gerard López (2013–2016)
- Sergio González (2015–2018)
- Gerard López (2018–present)
Players
Since the Catalonia team is not part of FIFA or UEFA, it plays only friendly matches. This means that some of the usual rules for national teams don't apply. For example, players who have already played for their FIFA national team (like Spain) can also play for Catalonia. However, if both teams call a player at the same time, the FIFA team gets priority.
Clubs are not always required to let their players join the Catalan team, especially if there are important club games coming up. But many players are very proud to play for Catalonia. For some, it's their only chance to experience international football. This makes playing for Catalonia a very special event for them.
Current Squad
These players were called to play in the friendly match against Panama on May 29, 2024.
All caps and goals are correct as of May 29, 2024, after the match against Panama.
| No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Daniel Cárdenas | 28 March 1997 | 2 | 0 |  Rayo Vallecano |
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| GK | Arnau Tenas | 30 May 2001 | 1 | 0 |  Paris Saint-Germain |
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| DF | Sergi Gómez | 28 March 1992 | 3 | 0 | Espanyol |
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| DF | Óscar Mingueza | 13 May 1999 | 2 | 0 | Celta |
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| DF | Héctor Bellerín | 19 March 1995 | 1 | 0 | Betis |
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| DF | Sergi Cardona | 8 July 1999 | 1 | 0 | Villarreal |
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| DF | Eric García | 9 January 2001 | 1 | 0 | Barcelona |
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| DF | Mika Mármol | 1 July 2001 | 1 | 0 | Las Palmas |
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| DF | Marc Pubill | 20 June 2003 | 1 | 0 | Almeria |
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| MF | Oriol Romeu | 24 September 1991 | 3 | 0 | Girona |
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| MF | Carles Aleñá | 5 January 1998 | 2 | 1 | Getafe |
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| MF | Gerard Gumbau | 18 December 1994 | 2 | 0 | Rayo Vallecano |
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| MF | Marc Roca | 26 November 1996 | 2 | 0 | Betis |
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| MF | Sergi Altimira | 25 August 2001 | 1 | 0 | Betis |
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| MF | Jastin García | 15 January 2004 | 1 | 0 | Girona B |
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| MF | Sergio Gómez | 4 September 2000 | 1 | 0 | Real Sociedad |
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| MF | Joan González | 1 February 2002 | 1 | 0 |  Lecce |
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| MF | Joan Jordán | 6 July 1994 | 1 | 0 | Alavés |
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| MF | Ramon Terrats | 18 October 2000 | 1 | 0 | Villareal |
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| FW | Marc Cardona | 8 July 1995 | 2 | 0 | Las Palmas |
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| FW | Ferran Jutglà | 1 February 1999 | 2 | 2 |  Club Brugge |
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Recent Call-ups
These players have been called up for the team recently and might be chosen again.
| Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Édgar Badía | 12 February 1992 | 3 | 0 | Elche |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
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| DF | Marc Bartra | 15 January 1991 | 7 | 1 | Betis |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
| DF | Marc Cucurella | 22 July 1998 | 2 | 0 |  Chelsea |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
| DF | Salva Ferrer | 21 January 1998 | 1 | 0 | Spezia |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
| DF | Edgar González | 1 April 1997 | 1 | 0 | Almería |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
| DF | Arnau Martínez | 25 April 2003 | 1 | 0 | Girona |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
| DF | Àlex Moreno | 8 June 1993 | 1 | 0 | Nottingham Forest |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
| DF | Brian Oliván | 1 April 1994 | 1 | 0 | Espanyol |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
| DF | Rubén Sánchez | 9 January 2001 | 1 | 0 | Mirandés |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
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| MF | Aleix García | 28 June 1997 | 0 | 0 |  Bayer Leverkusen |
v. Panama, 29 May 2024 PRE |
| MF | Riqui Puig | 13 August 1999 | 2 | 0 |  LA Galaxy |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
| MF | Rubén Alcaraz | 1 May 1991 | 1 | 0 | Cádiz |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
| MF | Álex Collado | 22 April 1999 | 1 | 0 |  Al-Okhdood |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
| MF | Dani Olmo | 7 May 1998 | 0 | 0 | FC Barcelona |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 PRE |
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| FW | Aitor Ruibal | 22 March 1996 | 0 | 0 | Betis |
v. Panama, 29 May 2024 PRE |
| FW | Cristian Tello | 11 August 1991 | 3 | 0 | Al Fateh |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
| FW | Gerard Deulofeu | 13 March 1994 | 2 | 3 | Udinese |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
| FW | Pere Milla | 23 September 1992 | 2 | 0 | Espanyol |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
| FW | Javi Puado | 25 May 1998 | 2 | 2 | Espanyol |
v. Jamaica, 25 May 2022 |
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Guest Players in the Past
Because Catalonia is not a member of FIFA or UEFA, it plays only unofficial friendly matches. This means that sometimes, players who were not born in Catalonia or who played for other national teams have been invited to play for the Catalan XI. This happens less often now. Most of these guest players were playing for Barcelona or Espanyol at the time. Some, like Andrés Iniesta and Pepe Reina, lived in Catalonia for a long time because of their football careers.
- Andrés Iniesta
- César Rodríguez
- Chus Pereda
- Francisco Bru
- Gallego
- Guillermo Amor
- José Bravo
- José Luis Zabala
- José María
- Josema Rodilla
- Juan José Nogués
- Juan Velasco
- Juan Verdugo Pérez
- Luis Suárez
- Manuel Osorio
- Manuel Polinario
- Manuel Sanchis Martinez
- Marcial Pina
- Miguel Ángel Ochoa
- Nando García
- Pepe Reina
- Quique Costas
- Rosendo Hernández
- Severiano Goiburu
- Simón Lecue
- Other Countries
Alejandro Morera Soto
Carlos Caszely
Dagoberto Moll- Enrique Fernández
Eulogio Martínez
Evaristo de Macedo
Hristo Stoichkov
Hugo Sotil
Johan Neeskens
László Kubala- Luis César Ortiz
- Marcel Domingo
- Melanio Olmedo
- Nasko Sirakov
Jordi Amat
Team Achievements
- Copa Príncep d'Astúries
- Winners (3): 1916, 1923–24 and 1926
- Runners-Up (2): 1915 and 1917
- Catalonia International Trophy
- Winners (3): 2009, 2010, 2013
- Runners-Up (2): 2011, 2012, 2016
Match Records Against Other Teams
| Opponent | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Argentina |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | −2 | 33.33 |
| Brazil |
4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 11 | −4 | 25.00 |
| Bulgaria |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +0 | 0.00 |
 Cape Verde |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 100.00 |
| Chile |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100.00 |
 China |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 100.00 |
 Colombia |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 100.00 |
| Costa Rica |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 100.00 |
| Czechoslovakia |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | +0 | 50.00 |
 Ecuador |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 100.00 |
 Yugoslavia |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100.00 |
| France |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | −6 | 50.00 |
 Honduras |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 100.00 |
| Jamaica |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | +6 | 100.00 |
 Lithuania |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 100.00 |
 Nigeria |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 50.00 |
| Panama |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | +0 | 0.00 |
| Paraguay |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +0 | 0.00 |
 Soviet Union |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +0 | 0.00 |
| Spain |
4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 16 | −13 | 25.00 |
 Tunisia |
2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | +0 | 0.00 |
 Venezuela |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 100.00 |
| Total (22 opponents) | 34 | 17 | 8 | 9 | 65 | 57 | +8 | 50.00 |
See Also
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Cataluña para niños
- Catalonia women's national football team
- Catalan football championship
- Catalonia national basketball team
- Catalonia national rugby league team
- Catalonia national rugby union team
