View source for Joan Capdevila

{{short description|Spanish footballer}}
{{About|the Spanish footballer|the Spanish politician|Joan Capdevila i Esteve}}
{{family name hatnote|Capdevila|Méndez|lang=Spanish}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Joan Capdevila
| image = Joan Capdevila 2013 Catalonia.jpg
| caption = Capdevila in action for [[Catalonia national football team|Catalonia]] in 2013
| full_name = Joan Capdevila Méndez<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/01/22/85/78/fwc_2010_squadlists.pdf|title=FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010: List of players|publisher=FIFA|page=29|date=4 June 2010|access-date=13 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616010702/http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/01/22/85/78/fwc_2010_squadlists.pdf|archive-date=16 June 2010}}</ref><ref name=Bio>{{cite news|url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/envivos/fichas/1/149/149.html|title=Joan CAPDEVILA Méndez|publisher=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]|language=es|access-date=11 December 2019}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1978|2|3|df=y}}<ref name=Bio/>
| birth_place = [[Tàrrega]], Spain <ref name=Bio/>
| height = 1.82 m<ref name=Bio/>
| position = [[Left-back]]
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = [[UE Tàrrega|Tàrrega]]
| youthyears2 = 1996–1997 | youthclubs2 = [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]]
| years1 = 1995–1996 | clubs1 = [[UE Tàrrega|Tàrrega]] | caps1 = 33 | goals1 = 3
| years2 = 1997–1998 | clubs2 = [[RCD Espanyol B|Espanyol B]] | caps2 = 45 | goals2 = 4
| years3 = 1998–1999 | clubs3 = [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]] | caps3 = 29 | goals3 = 4
| years4 = 1999–2000 | clubs4 = [[Atlético Madrid]] | caps4 = 31 | goals4 = 2
| years5 = 2000–2007 | clubs5 = [[Deportivo de La Coruña|Deportivo La Coruña]] | caps5 = 179 | goals5 = 15
| years6 = 2007–2011 | clubs6 = [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]] | caps6 = 140 | goals6 = 15
| years7 = 2011–2012 | clubs7 = [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] | caps7 = 5 | goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2012–2014 | clubs8 = [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]] | caps8 = 31 | goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2014 | clubs9 = [[NorthEast United FC|NorthEast United]] | caps9 = 12 | goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2015 | clubs10 = [[Lierse S.K. (1906)|Lierse]] | caps10 = 4 | goals10 = 0
| years11 = 2016–2017 | clubs11 = [[FC Santa Coloma|Santa Coloma]] | caps11 = 2 | goals11 = 2
| totalcaps = 511 | totalgoals = 45
| nationalyears1 = 1998–2000 | nationalteam1 = [[Spain national under-21 football team|Spain U21]] | nationalcaps1 = 13 | nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2000 | nationalteam2 = [[Spain national under-23 football team|Spain U23]] | nationalcaps2 = 4 | nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2002–2011 | nationalteam3 = [[Spain national football team|Spain]] | nationalcaps3 = 60 | nationalgoals3 = 4
| nationalyears4 = 2002–2013 | nationalteam4 = [[Catalonia national football team|Catalonia]] | nationalcaps4 = 10 | nationalgoals4 = 0
| medaltemplates = {{MedalCountry|{{ESP}}}}
{{MedalSport|Men's [[Football at the Summer Olympics|Football]]}}
{{MedalSilver|[[2000 Summer Olympics|2000 Sydney]]|[[Football at the 2000 Summer Olympics|Team Competition]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[FIFA World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 South Africa]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[UEFA European Championship]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[UEFA Euro 2008|2008 Austria-Switzerland]]|}}
}}
'''Joan Capdevila Méndez''' ({{IPA|ca|ʒuˈaŋ ˌkapdəˈβilə}}; born 3 February 1978) is a Spanish former professional [[association football|footballer]] who played as a [[left-back]].

Over 15 seasons in [[La Liga]], he amassed totals of 410 matches and 36 goals, mainly for [[Deportivo de La Coruña|Deportivo]] and [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/futbol/noticias/1754016/12/09/Los-goles-de-Capdevila-garantizan-las-victorias-del-Villarreal.html|title=Los goles de Capdevila garantizan las victorias del Villarreal|trans-title=Capdevila goals equal Villarreal wins|publisher=[[El Economista (Spain)|El Economista]]|language=es|date=7 December 2009|access-date=16 January 2019}}</ref> In a 21-year senior career, he also played in Portugal, India, Belgium and Andorra.

Capdevila won 60 [[Cap (sport)|caps]] for [[Spain national football team|Spain]], and was part of the squads which won [[UEFA Euro 2008|Euro 2008]] and the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]].

==Club career==
===Early years and Deportivo===
Born in [[Tàrrega]], [[Province of Lleida|Lleida]], [[Catalonia]], and a product of [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]]'s youth system, Capdevila started playing football as a [[Forward (association football)|forward]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/deportes/2009/10/17/actualidad/1255764123_850215.html|title=Capdevila: "Soy un jugador de segunda fila"|trans-title=Capdevila: "I'm a second-rank footballer"|publisher=[[El País]]|first=Luis|last=Martín|language=es|date=17 October 2009|access-date=16 January 2019}}</ref> and he made his debut for its first team during the [[1998–99 La Liga|1998–99 season]] in a 2–2 [[La Liga]] draw at [[Athletic Bilbao]]. He joined [[Atlético Madrid]] the following year.

After the ''Colchoneros''{{'}} [[1999–2000 La Liga|relegation]], Capdevila signed with [[Deportivo de La Coruña]] in the summer of 2000, and would be a regular fixture in the team as left-back, first competing with [[Enrique Romero]] then as the undisputed first choice.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vavel.com/es/futbol/deportivo-de-la-coruna/84639.html|title=La maldición del lateral izquierdo del Deportivo|trans-title=Deportivo's left-back curse|publisher=[[Vavel]]|language=es|date=31 January 2012|access-date=14 September 2017}}</ref> On 16 September 2006, he scored twice as the [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicians]] overcame [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]] 2–0 at the [[Riazor Stadium]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110710024537/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=457832.html Capdevila makes Deportivo proud]; UEFA, 16 September 2006</ref>

===Villarreal===
[[File:Messi Alves.jpg|thumb|Capdevila (right) attempting a tackle on [[Lionel Messi]]]]
For the [[2007–08 La Liga|2007–08 campaign]], Capdevila moved to Villarreal on a three-year deal,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121023222302/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=555340.html Capdevila veers towards Villarreal]; UEFA, 25 June 2007</ref> and played in all the league games except two for a side that finished runners-up, achieving direct [[2008–09 UEFA Champions League|qualification]] for the [[UEFA Champions League]]. He produced similar numbers in his [[2008–09 La Liga|second year]], bettering his goal total in the process (five).<ref name=LEMV>{{cite news|url=https://www.levante-emv.com/castello/2010/02/15/capdevila-lleva-cinco-goles-iguala-13166294.html|title=Capdevila ya lleva cinco goles e iguala su mejor registro en Primera División|trans-title=Capdevila already has five goals and equals his best record in ''Primera División''|publisher=[[Levante-EMV]]|language=es|date=15 February 2010|access-date=2 May 2024}}</ref>

In the [[2009–10 La Liga|2009–10 season]], with no real competition for his position, Capdevila continued to figure prominently, only missing one league match – the defender added another five goals,<ref name=LEMV/> but his team could not [[2010–11 UEFA Europa League|qualify]] for the [[UEFA Europa League]] this time after finishing seventh. On 6 December 2009 he scored twice in a 3–2 home win against [[Getafe CF|Getafe]],<ref>[http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275621&cc=5739 Villarreal comeback stuns Getafe] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025195726/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=275621&cc=5739|date=25 October 2012}}; [[ESPN FC|ESPN Soccernet]], 6 December 2009</ref> precisely the side that prevented the [[Valencian Community|Valencians]] from reaching that achievement, even though they were later reinstated at the expense of [[RCD Mallorca|Mallorca]].

Capdevila faced stiff competition from [[José Catalá]] midway through [[2010–11 La Liga|2010–11]], even being relegated to the bench on occasion. He did finish the campaign with more than 40 official appearances, including nine in Villarreal's Europa League semi-final run, where he scored in a 3–2 home victory over eventual winners [[FC Porto|Porto]] (7–4 aggregate loss).<ref>[http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=315652&cc=5739 Falcao record as Porto progress] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025195742/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=315652&cc=5739|date=25 October 2012}}; ESPN Soccernet, 5 May 2011</ref>

===Benfica===
On 21 July 2011, aged 33, Capdevila moved abroad for the first time, joining [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] of Portugal on a two-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01f3-0e78f9bb67b8-775dde5e1de5-1000--capdevila-opts-for-pastures-new-with-benfica/|title=Capdevila opts for pastures new with Benfica|publisher=UEFA|date=21 July 2011|access-date=21 July 2011}}</ref> On 20 August, he made his official debut in a 3–1 [[Primeira Liga]] defeat of [[C.D. Feirense|Feirense]] at the [[Estádio da Luz]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/benfica-feirense-3-1-cronica|title=Benfica-Feirense, 3–1 (crónica)|trans-title=Benfica-Feirense, 3–1 (match report)|publisher=Mais Futebol|first=Luís|last=Mateus|language=pt|date=20 August 2011|access-date=2 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/benfica-vs-feirense/teams/248671|title=Benfica 3–1 Feirense|publisher=[[Sky Sports]]|date=20 August 2011|access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref> but was not included in the squad for the [[2011–12 UEFA Champions League|group stages of the Champions League]],<ref>[http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,,12087_7160609,00.html Level crossing]; Sky Sports, 8 September 2011</ref> which prompted rumours that he would seek to leave in the January [[transfer window]].<ref>[http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2011/09/05/2652203/juventus-target-benficas-joan-capdevila-report Juventus target Benfica's Joan Capdevila]; [[Goal (website)|Goal]], 5 September 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.goal.com/en/news/91/portugal/2011/09/07/2654849/benficas-joan-capdevila-would-accept-napoli-move-agent 'Benfica's Joan Capdevila would accept Napoli move' – agent]; Goal, 7 September 2011</ref> Manager [[Jorge Jesus]] confirmed that another newly signed, Brazilian [[Emerson Conceição|Emerson]], would start at left-back and that the Spaniard would find it difficult to be included in matchday squads.<ref>[http://www.goal.com/en/news/1549/rest-of-europe/2011/09/09/2658385/joan-capdevila-is-not-our-first-choice-left-back-benficas Joan Capdevila is not our first choice left-back – Benfica's Jorge Jesus]; Goal, 9 September 2011</ref>

However, during the final stages of [[2011–12 Primeira Liga|the season]], Jesus gave Capdevila a long run as a starter, and he made his Champions League debut for the [[Lisbon]] club on 4 April 2012, playing the second leg of the quarter-finals against [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]], a 2–1 loss at [[Stamford Bridge (stadium)|Stamford Bridge]] (3–1 on aggregate).<ref>[https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01fc-0e9d1724246a-9704216c1395-1000--shaky-chelsea-hold-off-ten-man-benfica/ Shaky Chelsea hold off ten-man Benfica]; UEFA, 4 April 2012</ref> He was also the habitual first-choice during the [[Taça da Liga|domestic League Cup]], which Benfica [[2011–12 Taça da Liga|won]] for the fourth time in a row,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sabado.pt/ultima-hora/detalhe/Taca-da-Liga--Benfica-bate-Gil-Vicente-e-conquista|title=Benfica bate Gil Vicente e conquista a 4ª Taça da Liga (vídeo)|trans-title=Benfica beat Gil Vicente and conquer 4th League Cup (video)|publisher=[[Sábado (magazine)|Sábado]]|language=pt|date=15 April 2012|access-date=16 January 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203095729/https://www.sabado.pt/ultima-hora/detalhe/Taca-da-Liga--Benfica-bate-Gil-Vicente-e-conquista|archive-date=3 December 2020}}</ref> and finished the campaign with 12 competitive matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://desporto.sapo.pt/futebol/la-liga/artigos/capdevila-preparado-para-um-novo-impulso-na-carreira-no-espanyol|title=Capdevila preparado para um novo impulso na carreira no Espanyol|trans-title=Capdevila prepared for new career boost at Espanyol|publisher=[[SAPO (company)|SAPO]]|language=pt|date=15 August 2012|access-date=16 January 2019}}</ref>

===Later career===
On 27 July 2012, Capdevila agreed on a return to his first professional club Espanyol.<ref>[http://www.rcdespanyol.com/principal.php?modulo=detalleNoticia&idnoticia=13978&idseccion=28&idlinkchk=0&idmenu=9&idsubmenu=108 Capdevila, quart fitxatge (Capdevila, fourth signing)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830100013/http://www.rcdespanyol.com/principal.php?modulo=detalleNoticia&idnoticia=13978&idseccion=28&idlinkchk=0&idmenu=9&idsubmenu=108|date=30 August 2012}}; RCD Espanyol, 27 July 2012 (in Catalan)</ref> He was released alongside [[Simão Sabrosa]] on 22 May 2014, after only ten overall appearances in his [[2013–14 La Liga|second season]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2014/05/22/futbol/equipos/espanyol/1400754064.html|title=Capdevila y Simao dejan el Espanyol|trans-title=Capdevila and Simao leave Espanyol|publisher=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]]|language=es|date=22 May 2014|access-date=22 May 2014}}</ref>

On 16 July 2014, Capdevila signed for [[NorthEast United FC|NorthEast United]], as their marquee player ahead of the inaugural [[Indian Super League]] season. He said: “India is a huge country and it should be a privilege for me to be a small part in popularising this global game here and working with the young talented footballers of North East India”.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2014/07/16/4962622/capdevila-joins-north-east-united-fc?ICID=SP_HN_HP_RI_1_3|title=Capdevila: 'It's a privilege to popularise football in India'|publisher=Goal|first=Rahul|last=Bali|date=16 July 2014|access-date=16 July 2014}}</ref> He started in the franchise's first match, a 1–0 win over the [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]] at the [[Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium]], being deployed by manager [[Ricki Herbert]] as a [[Defender (association football)#Centre-back|central defender]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-NorthEast-United-ride-high-on-Koke-beat-Kerala-Blasters-1-0/articleshow/44808993.cms|title=ISL: NorthEast United ride high on Koke, beat Kerala Blasters 1–0|publisher=[[The Times of India]]|first=Abhishek|last=Ganguily|date=13 October 2014|access-date=16 October 2014}}</ref> On 27 November, in a 3–0 home victory against league leaders [[Chennaiyin FC|Chennaiyin]], he was [[Ejection (sports)|sent off]] after 72 minutes for a second yellow card,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-NorthEast-United-thrash-leaders-Chennaiyin-FC-3-0/articleshow/45300871.cms|title=ISL: NorthEast United thrash leaders Chennaiyin FC 3–0|publisher=The Times of India|date=27 November 2014|access-date=14 December 2014}}</ref> as his team went on to [[2014 Indian Super League season|rank in last position]].

Capdevila changed countries again on 21 January 2015, joining [[Belgian Pro League]]'s [[Lierse S.K. (1906)|Lierse]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nieuwsblad.be/sportwereld/cnt/dmf20150122_01487835|title=Capdevila: 'Als je 36 bent, zitten clubs niet langer op je te wachten'|trans-title=Capdevila: 'Since I am 36, clubs just do not sit and wait for you'|publisher=[[Het Nieuwsblad]]|language=nl|date=22 January 2015|access-date=2 February 2015}}</ref> In May, he suffered a knee injury in training, ruling him out for six months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rtbf.be/sport/football/belgique/jupilerproleague/detail_fin-de-carriere-pour-capdevila-lierse-blesse-six-mois?id=8978048|title=Fin de carrière pour Capdevila (Lierse), blessé six mois?|trans-title=End of career for Capdevila (Lierse), injured for six months?|publisher=[[RTBF]]|language=fr|date=11 May 2015|access-date=6 June 2016}}</ref> He returned to the [[Iberian Peninsula]] on 1 June 2016, signing for [[FC Santa Coloma|Santa Coloma]], champions of Andorra's [[Primera Divisió]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lesportiudecatalunya.cat/nel9/article/8-esports/49-espanyol/972478-joan-capdevila-fitxa-pel-santa-coloma-dandorra.html|title=Joan Capdevila fitxa pel Santa Coloma d'Andorra|trans-title=Joan Capdevila signs for Andorra's Santa Coloma|publisher=[[L'Esportiu]]|language=ca|date=1 June 2016|access-date=6 June 2016}}</ref>

On 5 July 2017, the 39-year-old Capdevila announced his retirement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.villarrealusa.com/2017/7/5/15920608/joan-capdevila-villarreals-world-cup-winner-retires|title=Joan Capdevila, Villarreal's World Cup winner, retires|publisher=Villarreal USA|date=5 July 2017|access-date=5 July 2017}}</ref>

==International career==
Capdevila played for [[Spain national under-23 football team|Spain]] at the [[2000 Summer Olympics]], [[Football at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|winning the silver medal]] and converting his [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shootout]] attempt as his team lost the final to [[Cameroon national under-23 football team|Cameroon]].<ref name=ST>{{cite web|url=http://www.soccertimes.com/international/2000/games/sep30.htm|title=Cameroon's "Indomitable Lions" win shootout over Spain to take Olympic gold.|publisher=Soccer Times|date=30 September 2000|access-date=26 July 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322111703/http://www.soccertimes.com/international/2000/games/sep30.htm|archive-date=22 March 2018}}</ref> He made his debut for [[Spain national football team|the full side]] on 16 October 2002 in a 0–0 [[Exhibition game|friendly]] draw with [[Paraguay national football team|Paraguay]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2002/10/16/futbol/1034796540.html|title=Paraguay anula a España en Logroño|trans-title=Paraguay cancel Spain in Logroño|publisher=El Mundo|first=Fernando|last=Llamas|language=es|date=16 October 2002|access-date=2 June 2021}}</ref> scoring his first goal in an [[UEFA Euro 2008]] [[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying|qualifier]] against [[Sweden men's national football team|Sweden]] on 17 November 2007, a 3–0 win.<ref>[https://es.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7bba7df8b0-0c64c6d9601c-1000--espana-gusta-golea-y-a-la-euro/ España gusta, golea y a la EURO (Spain please, rout and go to EURO)] ; UEFA, 18 November 2007 (in Spanish)</ref> Previously, he made the country's final squad for [[UEFA Euro 2004|Euro 2004]] as an injury replacement for [[Míchel Salgado]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=188686.html|title=Goodbye pharoes, hello Faro|publisher=UEFA|first=Iván|last=Modia|date=12 June 2004|access-date=15 February 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721081539/http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=188686.html|archive-date=21 July 2013}}</ref> but did not leave the bench.

On 6 February 2008, Capdevila scored the winner in Spain's 1–0 victory over [[France national football team|France]] in a friendly in [[Málaga]].<ref>[http://www.laverdad.es/murcia/20080207/deportes_murcia/mas-futbol/capdevila-tumba-francia-20080207.html Capdevila tumba a Francia (1–0) (Capdevila downs France (1–0))]; [[La Verdad (Murcia)|La Verdad]], 7 February 2008 (in Spanish)</ref> He was subsequently called up to the squad for Euro 2008, where he featured in all the games save one for the eventual champions. During the tournament he established himself as first choice, his clearance in the dying seconds against Sweden being a crucial part of [[David Villa]]'s late winner to make the score 2–1; together with right-back [[Sergio Ramos]] and central defenders [[Carles Puyol]] and [[Carlos Marchena]], he helped keep [[Shutout#Association football|clean sheets]] during all three matches of the knock-out stages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/spains-2008-euro-winning-squad-where-they-are-now/3|title=Spain's Euro 2008 winning squad – Where are they now?|publisher=[[Sportskeeda]]|first=Ashwin|last=Hanagudu|date=26 April 2016|access-date=14 February 2019}}</ref>

During the first game of the [[2009 FIFA Confederations Cup]] on 14 June 2009, Capdevila set up [[Fernando Torres]]'s third goal of his [[hat-trick]], and also [[Assist (association football)|assisted]] for [[Cesc Fàbregas]]'s second international goal as Spain thrashed [[New Zealand national football team|New Zealand]] 5–0 – in fact, all five goals were created from the left wing, with him playing a crucial part in the Spanish attack.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/y=2009/m=6/news=roja-lean-the-left-1072428.html|title=La Roja lean to the left|publisher=FIFA|date=16 June 2009|access-date=9 June 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804081845/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/y=2009/m=6/news=roja-lean-the-left-1072428.html|archive-date=4 August 2016}}</ref> In the second game against [[Iraq national football team|Iraq]], three days later, he assisted Villa's on his 55th-minute goal (the match's only), which allowed for a run to the semi-finals of the competition. Eventually he, Puyol, Villa and Torres were named in the team of the tournament, as the national side finished third.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/2009/06/30/futbol/copa_confederaciones/1246369263.html|title=Puyol, Capdevila, Villa y Torres, en el once ideal de la web en la FIFA|trans-title=Puyol, Capdevila, Villa and Torres, in FIFA's web All-Star IX|publisher=Marca|language=es|date=30 June 2009|access-date=14 February 2019}}</ref> During the group stages of the competition, he provided the most assists (three) and made the joint second–highest number of [[Dribbling#Association football|solo runs]] (ten).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/the-group-stage-statistical-stars-1075546|title=The group stage's statistical stars|publisher=FIFA|date=23 June 2009|access-date=18 May 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127033331/https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/the-group-stage-statistical-stars-1075546|archive-date=27 November 2020}}</ref>

On 20 May 2010, after appearing in all the fixtures during the [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|qualifying stages]], contributing one goal in Spain's 4–0 home defeat of [[Armenia national football team|Armenia]], Capdevila was selected by manager [[Vicente del Bosque]] to the squad for the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]], where he played all the games and minutes for the eventual champions, being the only member of the starting line-up for [[2010 FIFA World Cup final|the final]] who was not a [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] or [[FC Barcelona]] player, considering Villa had been signed by the latter days before the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_64|title=Netherlands 0–1 Spain (aet)|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|first=Paul|last=Fletcher|date=11 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref> He was among the top ten players of the competition in terms of distance covered, having run 71.79 km.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/the-beautiful-blog/final-world-cup-leaders-blog-entry-1.1625890|title=Final World Cup leaders|publisher=[[New York Daily News]]|first=Jesse|last=Spector|date=18 December 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref>

==Style of play==
An offensive–minded left-sided full-back or [[Defender (association football)#Wing-back|wing-back]], Capdevila was known for his speed and passing ability, which enabled him to get forward, make overlapping runs, provide width to his team and link-up with the attack. Regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world in his prime, although he was not as flashy as other players in his position, he was also known for his leadership and consistency as well as his defensive ability, although he was stronger in the offensive aspect of his game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/415439-world-cup-2010-germany-vs-spain-the-battle-of-the-midfields|title=2010 FIFA World Cup: Germany vs. Spain, the battle of the midfields|publisher=[[Bleacher Report]]|first=Nick|last=Davies|date=4 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/news/7877577/Germany-v-Spain-player-ratings.html|title=Germany v Spain: player ratings|publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|first=Jason|last=Burt|date=7 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/09/sports/soccer/09iht-WCSOCCER.html|title=Puyol, a star on defense, wins it with offense|work=[[The New York Times]]|first=Rob|last=Hughes|date=8 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/news/7882630/World-Cup-final-Holland-discipline-vs-Spains-tiki-taka-tactics.html|title=World Cup final: Holland discipline vs Spain's 'tiki-taka' tactics|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|first=Jason|last=Burt|date=9 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/spain/7882209/World-Cup-final-how-Holland-can-stop-Spain.html|title=World Cup final: how Holland can stop Spain|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|first=Kristian|last=Walsh|date=9 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/spain-netherlands-gear-up-for-clash-to-be-worlds-best/a-5774743|title=Spain, Netherlands gear up for clash to be world's best|publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]]|first1=Nick|last1=Amies|first2=Matt|last2=Hermann|date=11 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/11/world-cup-final-player-ratings|title=World Cup final: Holland v Spain player ratings|publisher=[[The Guardian]]|first=Stuart|last=James|date=11 July 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/491823-ranking-the-ten-best-left-backs-in-world-football|title=Ranking the ten best left backs in world football|publisher=Bleacher Report|first=Callum|last=D'Souza|date=14 October 2010|access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37342902/michael-cox-full-backs-impact-confederations-cup|title=Star backs are fully involved in Brazil|publisher=[[ESPN]]|first=Michael|last=Cox|date=21 June 2013|access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/gallery/spain-2010-world-cup-final-team-070810|title=Meet Spain's 2010 World Cup team|publisher=[[Fox Sports]]|date=20 October 2016|access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref>{{BDFutbol|1274}}</ref><ref name=SW>{{Soccerway|jose-luis-sanchez-capdevila/17939}}</ref>
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup
!colspan="2"|League cup
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|[[UE Tàrrega|Tàrrega]]
|{{nowrap|[[1995–96 Tercera División|1995–96]]}}
|[[Tercera División]]
|33||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||33||3
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[RCD Espanyol B|Espanyol B]]
|[[1996–97 Segunda División B|1996–97]]
|[[Segunda División B]]
|10||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||10||1
|-
|[[1997–98 Segunda División B|1997–98]]
|Segunda División B
|32||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||32||3
|-
|[[1998–99 Segunda División B|1998–99]]
|Segunda División B
|3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||3||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!45!!4!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!45!!4
|-
|[[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]]
|[[1998–99 La Liga|1998–99]]
|[[La Liga]]
|29||4||4||0||colspan="2"|—||5||0||colspan="2"|—||38||4
|-
|[[Atlético Madrid]] 
|[[1999–2000 La Liga|1999–2000]]
|La Liga
|31||2||4||0||colspan="2"|—||5||1||colspan="2"|—||40||3
|-
|rowspan="8"|[[Deportivo de La Coruña|Deportivo]] 
|[[2000–01 La Liga|2000–01]]
|La Liga
|16||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||3||0||colspan="2"|—||21||0
|-
|[[2001–02 La Liga|2001–02]]
|La Liga
|20||0||7||1||colspan="2"|—||8||1||colspan="2"|—||35||2
|-
|[[2002–03 La Liga|2002–03]]
|La Liga
|25||3||7||0||colspan="2"|—||9||1||1||0||42||4
|-
|[[2003–04 La Liga|2003–04]]
|La Liga
|27||3||4||0||colspan="2"|—||6||0||colspan="2"|—||37||3
|-
|[[2004–05 La Liga|2004–05]]
|La Liga
|21||1||1||0||colspan="2"|—||3||0||colspan="2"|—||25||1
|-
|[[2005-06 La Liga|2005–06]]
|La Liga
|36||4||6||0||colspan="2"|—||7||0||colspan="2"|—||49||4
|-
|[[2006–07 La Liga|2006–07]]
|La Liga
|34||4||4||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||38||4
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!179!!15!!31!!1!!colspan="2"|—!!36!!2!!1!!0!!247!!18
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]] 
|[[2007–08 La Liga|2007–08]]
|La Liga
|36||3||2||0||colspan="2"|—||6||1||colspan="2"|—||44||4
|-
|[[2008–09 La Liga|2008–09]]
|La Liga
|36||5||0||0||colspan="2"|—||8||1||colspan="2"|—||44||6
|-
|[[2009–10 La Liga|2009–10]]
|La Liga
|37||5||3||0||colspan="2"|—||10||1||colspan="2"|—||50||5
|-
|[[2010–11 La Liga|2010–11]]
|La Liga
|31||2||4||0||colspan="2"|—||11||1||colspan="2"|—||46||3
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!140!!15!!9!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!35!!4!!colspan="2"|—!!184!!19
|-
|[[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]]
|[[2011–12 Primeira Liga|2011–12]]
|[[Primeira Liga]]
|5||0||1||0||4||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||11||0
|-
|rowspan="3"|Espanyol
|[[2012–13 La Liga|2012–13]]
|La Liga
|26||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||27||0
|-
|[[2013–14 La Liga|2013–14]]
|La Liga
|5||0||5||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||10||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!31!!0!!6!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!37!!0
|-
|[[NorthEast United FC|NorthEast United]]
|[[2014 Indian Super League season|2014]]
|[[Indian Super League]]
|12||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12||0
|-
|[[Lierse S.K. (1906)|Lierse]]
|[[2014–15 Belgian Pro League|2014–15]]
|[[Belgian Pro League]]
|4||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||4||0
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[FC Santa Coloma|Santa Coloma]]
|[[2016–17 Primera Divisió|2016–17]]
|[[Primera Divisió]]
|2||2||0||0||colspan="2"|—||2||0||colspan="2"|—||4||2
|-
|[[2017–18 Primera Divisió|2017–18]]
|Primera Divisió
|colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0||colspan="2"|—||2||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!2!!2!!0!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!4!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!6!!2
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!511!!45!!55!!1!!4!!0!!86!!7!!1!!0!!657!!53
|}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name=EU>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=3165|title=Joan Capdevila|publisher=European Football|access-date=1 September 2017}}</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="10"|[[Spain national football team|Spain]]
|2002||2||0
|-
|2003||0||0
|-
|2004||3||0
|-
|2005||0||0
|-
|2006||2||0
|-
|2007||7||1
|-
|2008||15||3
|-
|2009||13||0
|-
|2010||14||0
|-
|2011||4||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!60!!4
|}

:''Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Capdevila goal.''
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Joan Capdevila <ref name=EU/>
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
| align="center"|1 || 17 November 2007 || [[Santiago Bernabéu Stadium|Santiago Bernabéu]], [[Madrid]], Spain || {{fb|SWE}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|3–0 || [[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying Group F|UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying]]
|-
| align="center"|2 || 6 February 2008 || [[La Rosaleda Stadium|La Rosaleda]], [[Málaga]], Spain || {{fb|FRA}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–0 || [[Exhibition game|Friendly]]
|-
| align="center"|3 || 31 May 2008 || [[Estadio Nuevo Colombino|Nuevo Colombino]], [[Huelva]], Spain || {{fb|PER}} || align="center"|2–1 || align="center"|2–1 || Friendly
|-
| align="center"|4 || 10 September 2008 || [[Estadio Carlos Belmonte|Carlos Belmonte]], [[Albacete]], Spain || {{fb|ARM}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|4–0 || [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 5|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|}

==Honours==
[[File:2010 FIFA World Cup Spain with cup.JPG|thumb|Capdevila holding the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]] trophy]]
'''Deportivo'''
*[[Copa del Rey]]: [[2001–02 Copa del Rey|2001–02]]<ref name=SW/>
*[[Supercopa de España]]: [[2002 Supercopa de España|2002]]<ref name=SW/>

'''Benfica'''
*[[Taça da Liga]]: [[2011–12 Taça da Liga|2011–12]]<ref name=SW/>

'''Santa Coloma'''
*[[Primera Divisió]]: [[2016–17 Primera Divisió|2016–17]]<ref name=SW/>

'''Spain U23'''
*[[Football at the Summer Olympics|Summer Olympic]] silver medal: [[Football at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2000]]<ref name=ST/>

'''Spain'''
*[[FIFA World Cup]]: [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010]]<ref name=SW/>
*[[UEFA European Championship]]: [[UEFA Euro 2008|2008]]<ref name=SW/>
*[[FIFA Confederations Cup]] third place: [[2009 FIFA Confederations Cup|2009]]

'''Individual'''
*FIFA Confederations Cup [[2009 FIFA Confederations Cup#Awards|FIFA.com Users' Top 11]]: 2009
*[[FIFA World Cup awards#All-Star Team|FIFA World Cup All-Star Team]]: 2010

'''Orders'''
*[[Royal Order of Sports Merit|Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20111005/futbol/seleccion-espanola/las-campeones-del-mundo-de-futbol-ya-tienen-la-real-orden-del-merito-deportivo_54226408413.html|title=Los campeones del mundo de fútbol ya tienen la Real Orden del Mérito Deportivo|trans-title=The football World Champions already have the Royal Order of Sporting Merit|publisher=[[Mundo Deportivo]]|first=Manuel|last=Bruña|language=es|date=5 October 2011|access-date=12 January 2023}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[List of La Liga players]] (400+ appearances)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{BDFutbol|1274}}
*{{ForaDeJogo}}
*{{NFT|6231}}
*{{FIFA|177907}}

{{Navboxes colour
|title = Spain squads
|bg = #db000d
|fg = #fbea0e
|bordercolor = Black
|list1 =
{{Spain squad 2000 Summer Olympics}}
{{Spain squad UEFA Euro 2004}}
{{Spain squad UEFA Euro 2008}}
{{Spain squad 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup}}
{{Spain squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Navboxes colour
|title = Awards
|bg = #ffcc33
|fg = #000033
|bordercolor = White
|list1 =
{{2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Team of the Tournament}}
{{2010 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Capdevila, Joan}}
[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Tàrrega]]
[[Category:20th-century Spanish sportsmen]]
[[Category:Spanish men's footballers]]
[[Category:Footballers from the Province of Lleida]]
[[Category:Men's association football fullbacks]]
[[Category:La Liga players]]
[[Category:Segunda División B players]]
[[Category:Tercera División players]]
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[[Category:Footballers at the 2000 Summer Olympics]]
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