Farewell to Avi Barça, the Most Photographed Barcelona Fan in the World

The Barcelona community mourns the loss of Joan Casals Boixader, fondly known as Avi Barça, who passed away at the age of 90. Recognized as ‘Avi’ by Joan Laporta’s board in 2007, he embodied the essence of Barcelona with pride and infinite kindness, becoming one of the most photographed individuals globally.

Joan Casals made his debut as Avi Barça at the 1984 Gamper Trophy, clad in a vintage blue and garnet jersey from the ’70s—what he referred to as “a Cruyff shirt”—paired with a traditional Catalan barretina. Unintentionally, he transformed into an iconic figure reminiscent of the image created by Valentí Castanys in the 1920s, etching his place in the hearts of Barça fans. With Casals’ passing, Barcelona bids farewell to a gentle soul, an avid Barça enthusiast, and a Catalan patriot.

The emergence of Avi Barça occurred at the 1984 Gamper Trophy when Joan, sporting a white beard and slightly plump, attended the tournament with his family. His appearance drew immediate comparisons to the statue of Avi Barça in the garden of the old Masia, turning him into a popular figure at Camp Nou matches. Everyone sought a photo with him, a testament to his pure kindness.

Of humble origins, Joan started assisting his father in farm chores at the age of 10 and later worked as a soda and siphon deliveryman. In Barcelona, he worked at a bakery on Astúries Street in the Gràcia neighborhood at the age of 17. His connection with the club he loved began when the bakery’s owners, with several Barça memberships, offered him the opportunity to occasionally attend matches at Les Corts.

Joan Casals became a dedicated, empathetic, and passionate Barcelona fan. He experienced firsthand the glorious era of the “Cinc Copes” (Five Cups) team. In the 1992 Wembley final, overwhelmed by nerves, he went to the restroom during extra time, coincidentally meeting Salva Torres, now vice president of the World Supporters Clubs Confederation. They became friends and, though they missed Koeman’s goal, they cried and embraced upon hearing the victorious roar from the blue and garnet stands.

Joan Casals’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the multipurpose hall of Guardiola de Berguedà, followed by the interment of his mortal remains in the local cemetery. The legacy of Avi Barça lives on in the hearts of Barcelona fans worldwide.