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John Parsons (footballer, born 1875)
Spanish footballer / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Parsons Alexander (14 April 1875 – 18 November 1960), was an Anglo-Spanish footballer who played as a forward for FC Barcelona.[1][2][3] His younger brother, William, followed him every step through.
![]() John (seated, the first from the left), in 1895. | |||
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | John Parsons Alexander | ||
Date of birth | (1875-04-14)14 April 1875 | ||
Place of birth | Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain | ||
Date of death | 18 November 1960(1960-11-18) (aged 85) | ||
Place of death | Barcelona, Spain | ||
Position(s) | Forward | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1895–1896 |
Sociedad de Foot-Ball de Barcelona | +3 | (+3) |
1899 | Team Anglès | +2 | (+1) |
1899–1904 | FC Barcelona | 41 | (15) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
Together with his brother, he is regarded as one of the most important figures in the amateur beginnings of football in Catalonia, taking part in some of the earliest Catalan clubs in existence such as Sociedad de Foot-Ball de Barcelona, where he stood out as a great striker, netting some of the first goals in the history of Catalan football.[4] Parsons is best known for his role in FC Barcelona's beginnings, being among the 11 founders of the club in 1899, and then serving the club as its vice-president between 1900 and 1901 and as a player between 1899 and 1904, netting 15 goals in 41 appearances,[1][3] and helping his side win the 1901–02 Copa Macaya, the club's very first trophy, and helping his side reach the final of the 1902 Copa de la Coronación, in which he scored in a 2–1 loss.[5] He was also a great fan of philately, receiving several awards and distinctions throughout his life.