1. Overview
Domènec Balmanya i Perera (Domènec Balmanya i Pereraduˈmɛnəɡ bəlˈmaɲəCatalan), also known as Domingo Balmaña (Domingo BalmañaSpanish), was a prominent Spanish football midfielder and manager who left a significant mark on Spanish football throughout the 20th century. Born in Girona, Catalonia, he spent the majority of his playing career with FC Barcelona, contributing to successes such as the Copa del Generalísimo and the Mediterranean League. His playing career was notably impacted by the Spanish Civil War, which led to his exile and a fundraising tour in Mexico and the United States that helped save FC Barcelona financially. Transitioning into management, Balmanya achieved considerable success, leading multiple clubs to notable achievements, including a La Liga title with Atlético Madrid and a Copa del Generalísimo with FC Barcelona. He also managed the Spain national football team. After retiring from coaching, he continued his involvement in football through administrative roles and as a commentator.
2. Early Life and Background
Domènec Balmanya i Perera was born on December 29, 1914, in Girona, a city in Catalonia, Spain. His early life was rooted in this region, which would later become a significant part of his football identity. He began his football journey in his hometown, playing for Girona FC, before moving on to larger clubs. He passed away on February 14, 2002, in Barcelona, Catalonia.
3. Playing Career
Domènec Balmanya's professional playing career spanned several clubs, primarily in Spain, and included notable achievements despite being interrupted by significant historical events.
3.1. Club Career and Civil War Era
Balmanya started his playing career with his hometown club, Girona FC. He made his La Liga debut for FC Barcelona on November 10, 1935, under coach Patrick O'Connell, in a 0-1 defeat against RCD Espanyol. During his initial tenure at Barcelona, he played in 111 official games across various competitions. His teammates during this period included prominent figures like Joan Josep Nogués, Josep Escolà, and Enrique Fernández. In his debut season, 1935-36, Balmanya helped the club win the Campionat de Catalunya and reach the final of the Copa de España.
The following season, 1936-37, national football in Spain was suspended due to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. However, clubs in the Republican-controlled areas, including Barcelona, participated in the Mediterranean League, a regional competition. Balmanya and coach O'Connell played a crucial role in helping FC Barcelona secure this title.
In 1937, FC Barcelona, including Balmanya, Escolà, and O'Connell, embarked on a fundraising tour to Mexico and the United States. This tour was vital for the club's financial survival, as it had been severely impacted by the war. The team played fourteen matches against various opponents, including Mexican clubs such as Club América, Atlante F.C., and Necaxa, as well as a Mexican XI. In the United States, FC Barcelona participated in and won a tournament against a Brooklyn XI, a New York XI, and a Hebrew XI, and also played against a USA XI. Despite the financial success of the tour, only four players returned to Spain with O'Connell. The remaining players, including Balmanya and Escolà, went into exile, with Balmanya joining FC Sète in France.
3.2. Post-Civil War and Later Career
Following the end of the Spanish Civil War in 1939, the Francoist government imposed a six-year ban on exiled sportsmen returning to Spain. However, Enrique Piñeyro Queralt, the president of FC Barcelona, actively campaigned for the return of several of the club's players. As a result of these efforts, Balmanya and Escolà were allowed to return from exile in 1941 and rejoined FC Barcelona.
In their first season back, Barcelona, under the guidance of coach Joan Josep Nogués, narrowly avoided relegation by winning a play-off against Real Murcia. Despite their struggles in the league, the team managed to win the Copa del Generalísimo that same year, defeating Athletic Bilbao 4-3 after extra time in the final.
Between 1935 and 1944, Balmanya also represented the Catalan XI in four matches. On January 19, 1936, he participated in a testimonial match for Josep Samitier at the Les Corts stadium against SK Sidenice from Czechoslovakia. Other notable players in the Catalan XI that day included Sagibarba. Towards the end of his playing career, Balmanya also played for Gimnàstic de Tarragona (194x-1948, then 1949-1950) and UE Sant Andreu (1948-1949).
4. Coaching Career
Domènec Balmanya transitioned from a distinguished playing career into an extensive and successful coaching career, leading numerous clubs to significant achievements and also managing the national team.
4.1. Early Management and Club Successes
Balmanya began his coaching career at Gimnàstic de Tarragona in 1949, succeeding his former teammate and coach, Joan Josep Nogués, where he also concluded his playing days. However, his initial coaching appointment proved challenging, as Gimnàstic was relegated in 1950. He subsequently had coaching spells at Girona FC (1952-1953) and Real Zaragoza (1953-1954).
His first taste of significant success as a manager came at Real Oviedo, where he guided the team to a second-place finish in Segunda División, Group 1, in 1955. Despite this strong performance, Real Oviedo narrowly missed out on promotion after finishing third in the play-off group.
From 1956 to 1958, Balmanya served as the coach of FC Barcelona. During his two seasons with the club, he managed a talented squad that included players like Velasco, Joan Segarra, Ramallets, Ladislao Kubala, Luis Suárez, and Evaristo. Under his leadership, Barcelona won the Copa del Generalísimo in 1957. He also oversaw the team during the period that led to their victory in the inaugural 1955-58 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1958. Despite these cup successes, Barcelona finished third in La Liga in both of his seasons. In 1958, he was replaced by Helenio Herrera.
After his tenure at Barcelona, Balmanya spent two seasons in France, coaching FC Sète from 1958 to 1960. He then returned to La Liga to take charge of Valencia CF in 1960, staying until 1962. In 1961, he led Valencia to victory in their own summer trophy, the Trofeo Naranja. Notably, guest player Sándor Kocsis scored in both matches as Valencia defeated Botafogo and Barcelona. Balmanya also guided Valencia to the Fairs Cup final. However, the final's original date clashed with the 1962 FIFA World Cup and was postponed. By the time the final was eventually played, Balmanya had departed from the club, and he missed witnessing Valencia's 6-3 aggregate victory over Barcelona.
During the 1963-64 season, Balmanya coached Real Betis, guiding the Andalusian club to an impressive third-place finish in La Liga. His next appointment was at CD Málaga for the 1964-65 season. He successfully led Málaga to promotion to the top flight after they finished as runners-up in Segunda División, Group 2, and subsequently defeated Levante UD in a play-off.
His most significant club achievement came when he was appointed coach of Atlético Madrid for the 1965-66 season. With a squad featuring star players such as Enrique Collar, Miguel Jones, Adelardo, and Luis Aragonés, Balmanya led Atlético Madrid to win their only La Liga title under his management.
Following this triumph, Balmanya continued his coaching career with later spells at Real Zaragoza (1970-1971), Cádiz CF (1972-1974), and UE Sant Andreu (during the 1970s).
4.2. National Team Management
Balmanya's successful coaching career, particularly his La Liga title with Atlético Madrid, earned him the prestigious role of manager for the Spain national football team. He was in charge of the national side from 1966 to 1968, during which he managed the team for 11 matches.
5. Post-Coaching Activities
After retiring from his extensive coaching career, Domènec Balmanya remained actively involved in the football world in various capacities. He served as a director of sport at both RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona. His commitment to the development of coaching talent was further demonstrated through his role as a director at a Catalan coaching school. Additionally, Balmanya utilized his knowledge and experience by working as a radio commentator, providing insights and analysis on the sport.
6. Honours
Domènec Balmanya achieved several significant titles and distinctions throughout his career, both as a player and as a manager.
6.1. As a Player
- Copa del Generalísimo: 1942
- Copa del Generalísimo: Runners-up 1936
- Mediterranean League: 1937
- Campionat de Catalunya: 1935-36
- New York Tournament: 1937
6.2. As a Manager
- Real Oviedo
- Segunda División, Group 1: Runners-up 1955
- FC Barcelona
- Copa del Generalísimo: 1957
- Inter-Cities Fairs Cup: 1955-58
- Valencia CF
- Trofeo Naranja: 1961
- CD Málaga
- Segunda División, Group 2: Runners-up 1965
- Atlético Madrid
- La Liga: 1965-66
7. Legacy and Evaluation
Domènec Balmanya's career reflects a significant contribution to Spanish football, achieving success both as a player and especially as a manager. His ability to navigate the complexities of Spanish football, including the challenging period of the Civil War, and his consistent success with various clubs, including a La Liga title and a Copa del Generalísimo, underscore his influence on the sport's development. His extensive coaching career, capped by managing the national team, solidified his reputation as a respected and impactful figure in Spanish football history. Balmanya's later roles as a director and commentator further illustrate his lifelong dedication to the game.