Joan Casals: An unforgettable fan
There was a moment when Joan Casals, known as the Grandfather of Barça, captivated the attention of all the club’s fans. With his tiny shirt, shorts, Barça flag and cap, Joan became an iconic figure at Camp Nou. Every time he appeared, fans wanted to take pictures with him, say something to him or just hug him. Joan was always affable and never said ‘no’. His responsibility was to make others happy and he did it with passion and dedication.
A comic book character
The cartoonist Valentí Castanys created a comic character inspired by Joan Casals, known as the Grandfather of Barça. This character marked a new stage in Joan’s life, who went from being a baker to becoming part of the Blaugrana imagination. L’Avi del Barça was a character loved by all the fans and was present at Peñas events and trips related to the club.
The 1984 Gamper
A special moment for Joan Casals was the Joan Gamper trophy in 1984. It was the first time he attended the Camp Nou dressed in the Barça uniform, with the flag and hat that characterized him. This image was the materialization of the character created by Valentí Castanys. Joan was already 50 years old, but he still had many decades ahead of him to become the club’s most popular fan. His presence in the events of Penyes and trips was always outstanding.
An unforgettable memory
Joan Casals was a character loved by all Barça fans. Despite the mobility difficulties he experienced in his last years, his presence in the Camp Nou stands was always a blessing to those who knew him. Joan left an unforgettable legacy and his memory will live on in the memory of all who had the opportunity to know him.
Tribute to Joan Casals
After the sad news of his death, social networks have been filled with messages of condolence and memories for Joan Casals, the Grandfather of Barça. Different Barça fans wanted to pay tribute to this iconic figure who left an indelible mark on the club’s history.
