Antoni Ramallets, Barcelona’s legendary goalkeeper has died today at 89 years of age.
The ‘Maracaná cat’, as he was known, developed his football career at FC Barcelona but also played for other teams such as Valladolid, Mallorca, San Fernando and Europa. Ramallets played 473 games for FC Barcelona between 1947 and 1962.
The ex goalkeepeing legend died at the Ricard Fortuny Sociosanitari Centre in Vilafranca del Penedès, where he had been recently admitted following the deterioration of his health.
The death of his wife, Paquita Dominguez, on August 20, 2012, less than a year ago, deeply saddened Antoni Ramallets and since then the gradual deterioration of his health has been plainly visible.
Antoni Ramallets‘ resume is filled with six league titles, five Copa del Rey trophies and five Zamora Cups. He played in the World Cup in Brazil 1950, in which the Spanish national team reached the semifinals.
Antoni Ramallets‘ memorable performances earned him the nickname of the ‘Maracaná Cat’.
May his soul rest in perfect peace