Barcelona legend dies: Longtime Camp Nou figure Antoni Camps Bau passes away at 87
Antoni Camps Bau, remembered for his speed on the left flank and his long connection with the club, was part of Barcelona’s 1963 Spanish Cup winning team.
FC Barcelona confirmed the news on its official website, saying it was “saddened to announce the death of Antoni Camps Bau.”
Early football path
Camps Bau was born on 24 May 1938 in Sant Joan de Vilatorrada, a town in Catalonia not far from Barcelona.
According to FC Barcelona, he developed as a young player in the club’s academy and featured for the youth side during the 1955–56 season.
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Primarily a left winger, he was known for his pace, close control and ability to send dangerous crosses into the penalty area. His attacking runs down the flank and direct style quickly made him stand out among young players in the region.
After leaving Barcelona’s youth setup, he joined CE Manresa, where his performances drew attention from bigger clubs in Catalonia.
Move and return
RCD Espanyol signed Camps Bau in 1957, giving him the opportunity to play at a higher level in Spanish football.
He remained with the club until the end of the 1961–62 season. Espanyol’s relegation to the second division opened the door for his return to Barcelona.
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According to FC Barcelona, then coach Ladislao Kubala asked for the winger to be brought back to the club ahead of the 1962–63 campaign.
That season proved to be the most significant period of his Barça career. Camps Bau appeared in 32 official matches and scored five goals while contributing width and attacking support from the left side as Barcelona lifted the Spanish Cup.
Career setback
Just as he appeared to be establishing himself in the team, his progress was halted by a serious injury.
In the summer of 1963, Camps Bau suffered a severe knee injury while playing in a match during the annual festival in his hometown, according to FC Barcelona.
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The injury required a long and difficult recovery, significantly affecting his ability to continue playing regularly at the highest level during what could have been the peak of his career.
Life after football
In March 1965, Barcelona reached an agreement with third division side CE Mataró that allowed Camps Bau to regain match fitness following his recovery.
Later that year he joined CE Sabadell as a free agent and played in Spain’s top division between 1965 and 1968.
He finished his professional career in 1969 with RCD Mallorca and later had a brief spell coaching teams in Catalonia.
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Even after retiring, his bond with Barcelona continued. According to the club, Camps Bau spent 34 years working at Camp Nou overseeing the pitchside advertising boards and the electronic scoreboard, becoming a familiar figure at the stadium for generations of supporters.
Sources: FC Barcelona
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