New Findings Illuminate the Origins of FC Barcelona’s Earliest Stars

Newly uncovered details about Barça’s early players shed light on its formative years

Football history isn’t written in stone—it’s pieced together through discoveries, research, and the occasional surprise revelation. For FC Barcelona, a club steeped in tradition and success, its 125th anniversary has sparked a journey back to its roots, unearthing details about the players who helped shape its identity in the early 20th century. These findings remind us that even the most celebrated football institutions have stories waiting to be rediscovered.

Among the most intriguing revelations is the confirmation of Carlos María Rovira’s origins. Previously known only as an Argentine player active in 1917, it’s now confirmed that Rovira hailed from Concordia, Argentina, born on November 4, 1899. This makes him the second Argentine to don the Blaugrana colors, following Bori. Such details breathe life into the names that have long been mere footnotes in Barça’s history books.

Another fascinating discovery centers on Rafael Morales Veloso, known as Morales II. His brief tenure with the club between 1912 and 1914 saw him play five official matches. Until recently, Morales II’s birth year was approximated, but we now know he was born on September 17, 1891, in Madrid. These small yet significant updates provide a richer understanding of the players who laid the groundwork for the club’s future dominance.

Frank Albert Allack, a London-born footballer active in 1913, also emerged from the archives. Known for playing just three official matches, Allack’s exact birthdate—September 25, 1888—was a mystery until now. Intriguingly, his brother, Henry-Thomas Allack, was instrumental in promoting football during its nascent years, suggesting a family deeply intertwined with the sport’s early development.

Perhaps the most captivating figure among these discoveries is Enrique Ramón Morris de Olea, or Morris II. Born in Manila, Philippines, on June 16, 1876, Morris II was one of Barcelona’s earliest football practitioners. His story doesn’t end on the pitch; he later served as an aviator in the British Army during World War I. Such multifaceted lives remind us that these players were more than athletes; they were pioneers and adventurers.

These revelations are the result of meticulous research, particularly by journalist Oriol Jové, whose work has illuminated the lives of players once shrouded in obscurity. It’s a sobering thought that there remain dozens of players from Barcelona’s early years whose origins and stories are still unknown. For a club so proud of its history, these gaps highlight the importance of continued research and preservation.

What makes these discoveries particularly poignant is the reminder of how global and inclusive Barça has been from its inception. Players from Argentina, England, the Philippines, and Spain were among its earliest representatives, reflecting a cosmopolitanism that continues to define the club today. It’s a legacy of diversity and unity that resonates deeply in the modern era.

As FC Barcelona celebrates its 125th anniversary, these findings are more than historical footnotes; they are a testament to the club’s enduring spirit and the individuals who contributed to its foundation. In rediscovering these early players, Barça not only honors its past but also inspires its future. After all, the club’s motto, “Més que un club,” is as much about remembering where it came from as it is about where it’s headed.

References: Nuevos descubrimientos del inicio de la historia del Barça