SEVILLA RECEIVE THE LEAGUE-WINNERS AWARD ON THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL IN SPAIN

La Liga celebrated an award ceremony on Tuesday 14 May in the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona to celebrate the 90th anniversary of professional football in Spain. The event also served to pay homage to the stars who have made history in the competition.

Sevilla FC were represented by the president, José Castro, and the general director, José María Cruz, who both accompanied a legendary representative of the club, Marcelo Campanal, the third entry into the club's hall of fame. Campanal, who, alongside the president, received the award given to all nine clubs to have won the league, signed for Sevilla in 1950 at the age of 19 and from then his career at Sevilla placed him at the highest level of both Sevilla and Spanish footballing history. A sought-after centre-back, Campanal never considered moving away from the club despite the sea of offers he received.

The Asturian played more than 400 official games for the club in 16 seasons, just missing out on lifting silverware: twice in La Liga and twice in the Copa del Rey the team finished in second place. Campanal would also receive a call from the Spanish team and at only 23 years of age would captain the national side, no doubt down to the leadership and good work he displayed at Sevilla. In 1954, he was named Spanish athlete of the year ahead of illustrious names such as Zarra and Kubala.

On 22 November 2011, Sevilla FC recognised his career by awarding him a spot in the club's hall of fame in the presence of his family, the mayor of his native city, Avilés, the board, the coaching team, the captains and centre-backs from the first team and more than 30 former teammates. The president of the Spanish Football Federation, Ángel María Villar, also awarded him with the federation's golden insignia.