Pere Cabot Roldós: A Founding Father of FC Barcelona
In the annals of football history, few names carry as much weight as those who stood at the inception of the world's most iconic clubs. Pere Cabot Roldós was one such pioneer. As one of the twelve founding members of Futbol Club Barcelona in 1899, Cabot played a pivotal role not only on the pitch but also in the administrative architecture that allowed the club to survive and thrive during its amateur beginnings.
Born in 1877 in the town of Cabrils, located in the Maresme region of Spain, Cabot was the son of Francesch Cabot, a navy captain, and Josepha Roldós i Barnet. His family background was rooted in commerce, owning a shipping company in Barcelona. This blend of disciplined naval heritage and entrepreneurial spirit would later serve him well as he helped navigate the early days of organized sports in Catalonia.
Key Facts
- Role: One of the 12 founding members of FC Barcelona in 1899.
- Position: Played as a defender and midfielder.
- Administrative Contribution: Created the club's first official statutes in 1902.
- Historical Milestone: The first person from the Maresme region to play for the club.
- Career Stats: 27 appearances and 1 goal for FC Barcelona.
The Birth of a Legend: Founding FC Barcelona
On November 29, 1899, a historic meeting took place at the Gimnasio Solé. Among the twelve men present was Pere Cabot, contributing to the birth of what would become one of the most successful sporting institutions in history. Despite being a founder, Cabot did not appear in the club's first few matches. He made his debut on May 24, 1900, in a friendly against Team Roig, marking the first time a Maresmenc (a native of Maresme) represented the club.
Cabot's influence extended beyond the grass. Between November 1901 and 1903, he served as a director on the club's board. His most lasting legacy from this period was the creation of the club's first statutes in 1902, which were officially registered on November 18 of that year. He also assisted Eugeni Bargés i Prat in organizing the Concurso Pergamí, a competition designed for clubs founded during the 1901–02 season.
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On-Pitch Performance and Sporting Versatility
As a player, Cabot was known for his physical presence, characterized by strong charges and a unique ability to play effectively while wearing glasses. While he recorded 27 appearances for the first team, he often preferred playing with the second team, which consisted primarily of Catalan players such as Alfonso Albéniz, Luis Puelles, and fellow founders Luis de Ossó and Josep Llobet.
His sole official competitive goal came on March 17, 1901, during a dominant 18–0 victory over AUF Tarragona in the Copa Macaya (an early competitive tournament in Barcelona). With the second team, he achieved further success, winning the 1902 Medalla del Ayuntamiento, a tournament organized by the Spanish Gymnastics Federation.
Cabot was a true polymath of sport. Beyond football, he was an accomplished cyclist and a skilled pelota player. His passion for the visual side of athletics also led him to join the "Sports Photography Club," reflecting a holistic interest in the sporting culture of the era.
Summary of Career and Life
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pere Cabot i Roldós |
| Lifespan | 1877 – September 3, 1907 |
| Primary Position | Defender / Midfielder |
| Club | FC Barcelona (1899–1902) |
| Appearances (Goals) | 27 (1) |
| Key Achievement | Club Founder & Author of first statutes |
The Untimely Passing of a Pioneer
Tragedy struck the Cabot family shortly after the birth of his son, Jaume. Pere Cabot died of typhus in Barcelona. While some records suggest he passed away on August 28, 1907, prominent newspapers of the time, including Mundo Deportivo and La Vanguardia, reported the death on September 5, stating it had occurred on September 3. He was only 29 or 30 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Pere Cabot one of the founders of FC Barcelona?
Yes, Pere Cabot was one of the twelve men who attended the founding meeting at Gimnasio Solé on November 29, 1899.
What was Cabot's biggest contribution to the club's administration?
While serving as a director between 1901 and 1903, he created the club's first official statutes, which were registered in November 1902.
How many goals did Pere Cabot score for FC Barcelona?
He scored one goal in 27 appearances, which occurred during an 18–0 win against AUF Tarragona in the 1900–01 Copa Macaya.
What other sports did Pere Cabot participate in?
In addition to football, Cabot was a skilled cyclist and pelota player, and he was also a member of a sports photography club.
What caused the death of Pere Cabot?
Pere Cabot died of typhus in Barcelona in September 1907 at the age of 29 or 30.