Handball playerSpanishOlympic medalistFC Barcelona

David Barrufet

David Barrufet is a highly acclaimed former Spanish handball goalkeeper, considered one of the sport's greatest, who played for FC Barcelona and now works in handball administration.

1. Overview

David Barrufet Bofill (born 4 June 1970 in Barcelona, Spain) is a highly acclaimed former Spanish handball goalkeeper and a prominent figure in handball administration and coaching. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport. Barrufet spent his entire professional playing career exclusively with FC Barcelona, where he amassed an unparalleled collection of over 70 titles, including multiple European Cups and Liga ASOBAL championships. He was also a cornerstone of the Spain men's national handball team, representing his country in numerous major international tournaments, securing a World Championship gold medal and two Olympic bronze medals. His significant contributions to the sport were recognized with individual accolades, including being named the International Handball Federation's best goalkeeper in consecutive seasons. Following his retirement as a player, Barrufet transitioned into various managerial and administrative roles within handball, continuing to contribute to the sport at both club and national team levels.

2. Playing career

David Barrufet's playing career was marked by exceptional longevity and success, primarily defined by his unwavering commitment to FC Barcelona and his impactful presence on the Spain men's national handball team.

2.1. FC Barcelona

Barrufet's entire professional playing career, spanning over two decades, was dedicated to FC Barcelona, where he rose through the ranks from the youth system to become a legendary figure.

2.1.1. Club career and major achievements

David Barrufet began his handball journey at the SAFA Horta school in Barcelona at the age of eight. Six years later, at 14, he joined the youth categories of FC Barcelona. By 1988, at the age of 18, he made his debut with the professional team, a club he would play for until his retirement at the end of the 2009-10 season. During his illustrious tenure with FC Barcelona, Barrufet achieved an extraordinary record of success, winning over 70 titles. His club achievements include:

  • 7 European Cups: 1990-1991, 1995-1996, 1996-1997, 1997-1998, 1998-1999, 1999-2000, and 2004-2005
  • 2 European Cup Winners' Cups: 1993-1994 and 1994-1995
  • 1 EHF Cup: 2002-2003
  • 5 European Super Cups: 1996-1997, 1997-1998, 1998-1999, 1999-2000, and 2003-2004
  • 11 Liga ASOBAL (Spanish League titles): 1988-1989, 1989-1990, 1990-1991, 1991-1992, 1995-1996, 1996-1997, 1997-1998, 1998-1999, 1999-2000, 2002-2003, and 2005-2006
  • 8 King's Cups: 1989-1990, 1992-1993, 1993-1994, 1996-1997, 1997-1998, 1999-2000, 2003-2004, and 2006-2007
  • 11 Spanish Supercups: 1988-1989, 1989-1990, 1990-1991, 1991-1992, 1993-1994, 1996-1997, 1997-1998, 1999-2000, 2000-2001, 2003-2004, and 2006-2007
  • 6 ASOBAL Cups: 1994-1995, 1995-1996, 1999-2000, 2000-2001, 2001-2002, and 2009-2010
  • 8 Pirenees Leagues: 1997-1998, 1998-1999, 1999-2000, 2000-2001, 2001-2002, 2003-2004, 2005-2006, and 2006-2007
  • 6 Catalan leagues: 1990-1991, 1991-1992, 1992-1993, 1993-1994, 1994-1995, and 1996-1997

2.1.2. Individual awards and recognition

Barrufet's exceptional talent as a goalkeeper earned him significant individual recognition. He was elected by the International Handball Federation as the best goalkeeper in the world for the 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 seasons. In 2001, he also achieved a notable second place in the voting for the World Best Player award.

2.2. Spain national team

David Barrufet was a pivotal member of the Spain men's national handball team, contributing significantly to their success on the international stage.

2.2.1. National team career

Barrufet represented the Spanish national team from 1990 to 2009, accumulating a total of 280 international appearances. This made him the record holder for the most matches played for the Spanish national team until 2021, when he was surpassed by Alberto Entrerríos. Although he initially announced his retirement from the national team after the 2008 Olympic Games, he reconsidered his decision at the suggestion of coach Valero Rivera.

2.2.2. International competition results

During his time with the national team, Barrufet achieved several notable successes in major international competitions:

  • Gold medal at the World Championship in Tunisia in 2005.
  • Bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000.
  • Bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008.
  • Silver medal at the European Championship in Spain in 1996.
  • Silver medal at the European Championship in Italy in 1998.
  • Silver medal at the European Championship in Switzerland in 2006.
  • Bronze medal at the European Championship in Croatia in 2000.
  • Gold medal at the Mediterranean Games.

3. Coaching and administrative career

Following his retirement from playing, David Barrufet transitioned into various roles within handball management and administration, continuing his involvement with the sport.

3.1. FC Barcelona manager

From October 2015 until the end of the 2020-2021 season, Barrufet served as the manager of the FC Barcelona handball club.

3.2. Spain national team staff

In September 2021, David Barrufet joined the staff of the Spain men's national handball team, contributing his expertise to the national program.

3.3. CS Dinamo București sporting director

In February 2022, Barrufet took on the role of sporting director for the Romanian handball club CS Dinamo București, where he is responsible for the club's sports management.

4. Personal life

David Barrufet is married and has a son, Ian Barrufet, who has also pursued a career in handball and plays as a wing.

5. Major trophies

David Barrufet's career is distinguished by an extensive list of major team trophies won at both club and international levels:

  • Club Trophies (with FC Barcelona):
    • 7 European Cups
    • 2 European Cup Winners' Cups
    • 1 EHF Cup
    • 5 European Super Cups
    • 11 Liga ASOBAL (Spanish League titles)
    • 8 King's Cups
    • 11 Spanish Supercups
    • 6 ASOBAL Cups
    • 8 Pirenees Leagues
    • 6 Catalan leagues
  • International Trophies (with Spain national team):
    • 1 World Championship (Gold)
    • 2 Olympic Games (Bronze)
    • 3 European Championship (Silver)
    • 1 European Championship (Bronze)
    • 1 Mediterranean Games (Gold)

6. Assessment and legacy

David Barrufet's career left an indelible mark on the sport of handball, solidifying his status as one of its most iconic figures.

6.1. Evaluation during playing career

Throughout his active playing years, David Barrufet was consistently recognized as one of the world's premier handball goalkeepers. His unique style and consistent high-level performance earned him the reputation of being among the best of all time in his position.

6.2. Retirement and commemoration

On 8 February 2010, David Barrufet officially announced his retirement from professional handball, effective at the end of the 2009-10 season. In a significant gesture of honor and recognition for his extraordinary contributions to the club, FC Barcelona decided to retire his jersey number 16. This act cemented his legacy as a true legend of the club.