1899 Founding by Hans Gamper

Lore & Background

Gamper is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the amateur beginnings of Barcelona, being the fundamental head behind the foundation of the club in 1899, and then serving as the club's first captain between 1899 and 1903, netting over 100 goals in just 48 matches for Barça. In 1902, he captained his side to a victory in the Copa Macaya, the club's first title. He then served as its president on five occasions between 1908 and 1925. One of his main achievements was getting the funds for the construction of their own stadium in 1909, the Camp de la Indústria. Under Gamper's leadership, Barcelona won eleven Championat de Catalunya, six Copa del Rey and four Pyrenees Cup.

Reader's Guide

Gamper was a co-founder and the first captain of FC Zürich. He played for Barcelona between 1899 and 1903, scoring 126 goals in 55 games. He captained Barcelona to their first title, the Copa Macaya in 1901–02. He served as club president five times.

Did You Know?

• Gamper scored 126 goals in 55 games for Barcelona, a ratio of 2.35 goals per game.
• He scored nine goals in a single match on three occasions for Barcelona.
• Gamper organized the first international athletics competition in Zürich in 1898, now known as Weltklasse Zürich.
• He adopted the Catalan version of his name, Joan Gamper, after settling in Barcelona.