Carles Rexach

Carles Rexach was born on January 13, 1947, in Barcelona, Spain. He later became a prominent figure in Spanish football both as a player and as a coach. Rexach spent most of his career associated with FC Barcelona, where he made significant contributions first as a player and then as a coach. His deep connection with Barcelona is one of his defining life aspects.

Carles Rexach made his debut for FC Barcelona's first team on August 24, 1965. This marked the beginning of a long and successful career at the club, where he would become known for his skillful play as a winger. During his time as a player, Rexach appeared in numerous matches and became an integral part of the team.

On May 9, 1971, Carles Rexach was part of the FC Barcelona team that won the Copa del Generalísimo, what is now known as the Copa del Rey. This victory was a significant achievement for Rexach and his teammates, as it secured them a major national trophy and highlighted Rexach's vital role within the squad as a leading winger.

Carles Rexach played a crucial role in FC Barcelona's triumph in the 1973-1974 La Liga season. The team secured the championship on May 11, 1974, marking a pivotal point in Rexach's career. This victory was particularly memorable as it demonstrated Barcelona's dominance in Spanish football and Rexach's contributions towards it.

Carles Rexach officially retired from professional football in 1981 after an illustrious career at FC Barcelona. His retirement marked the end of an era for the club, as he had been a fixture on the team for nearly two decades. Rexach left behind a legacy of sporting excellence and professional dedication.

On April 24, 2000, Carles Rexach was appointed as the manager of FC Barcelona. Having previously served as an assistant and in other roles at the club, his move to full manager was seen as a natural progression. During his tenure, Rexach focused on maintaining Barcelona's competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.

In 2001, Carles Rexach played a key role in noticing and reporting Lionel Messi to FC Barcelona's board, leading to Messi's signing. His decision to commit to a contract with Messi on a paper napkin became a legendary tale within football circles. This pivotal action brought Messi, a future football icon, to Barcelona.

In 2007, Carles Rexach was awarded the Creu de Sant Jordi, one of the highest civilian distinctions in Catalonia. This award was given in recognition of his contributions to Catalan culture and sports through his involvement with FC Barcelona, where he excelled both as a player and a coach, leaving a lasting positive impact.

Carles Rexach released his autobiography titled 'Charly' in 2008, which offers an in-depth look at his life in football, both on and off the field. The book provides personal insights into his experiences as a player and coach, as well as anecdotes from his time at FC Barcelona, making it a valuable resource for football enthusiasts and historians alike.

Carles Rexach ended his role as FC Barcelona's sporting director on June 30, 2014. His tenure in this executive role allowed him to shape the club's strategic decisions significantly. His contributions included identifying and nurturing talent, and advising on key player acquisitions, helping preserve the club's competitive legacy.