RCD Espanyol Celebrates 73rd Birthday of Ibiza Football Legend Antoni Arabí

November 13, 2026

RCD Espanyol has celebrated the 73rd birthday of Antoni Arabí Serra, the former Ibiza-born defender who became one of the most recognisable players in the Barcelona club's history during the 1980s.

Born in Sant Rafel de sa Creu on 13 November 1953, Toni Arabí was remembered by Espanyol on Friday as a fundamental figure in the club's defence during the early part of the decade. Over eight seasons with the first team, from 1978 to 1986, he made 215 official appearances, scored seven goals and eventually became team captain.

His career represents one of the most important chapters in the history of football in Ibiza, with Arabí earning recognition both on the island and among supporters of the Catalan club.

Eight Seasons That Made Him an Espanyol Legend

Arabí joined RCD Espanyol in 1978 after developing his footballing career with SD Ibiza. His arrival marked the beginning of an eight-season spell in which he established himself as an important member of the first team.

He played in Spain's top division throughout his time at the Barcelona club, becoming particularly influential during the early 1980s.

Espanyol highlighted his contribution in its birthday tribute, describing him as a fundamental defender who eventually wore the captain's armband.

His record of 215 official appearances and seven goals reflects the consistency and importance of his contribution across different competitions.

For a player from a relatively small island such as Ibiza, establishing himself for eight seasons at a major Spanish football club was a remarkable achievement.

From SD Ibiza to the Spanish Top Division

Before joining Espanyol, Arabí developed his career with SD Portmany and SD Ibiza.

His footballing journey began on the island, where he established himself before making the step up to professional football.

In 1978, following SD Ibiza's promotion to Segunda División B, he moved to Barcelona to join Espanyol.

The transfer represented a significant moment for football in Ibiza, as he became one of the island's most successful players and one of its first major representatives in Spain's top division.

After leaving Espanyol in 1986, Arabí returned to Ibiza, where he continued playing for the island clubs that had helped shape his career.

He subsequently remained involved in local football, taking on coaching and sporting management responsibilities with clubs including SD Portmany, CF Sant Rafel, SD Formentera and Peña Deportiva.

A Special Recognition at Two Football Stadiums

Arabí's contribution to football has been recognised in both Barcelona and Ibiza through two stadium access gates bearing his name.

At Espanyol's stadium in Cornellà-El Prat, one of the entrances was named in his honour as a tribute to his years with the club.

In August 2023, Ibiza Town Hall also dedicated gate number four at the Estadi Municipal de Can Misses to Antoni Arabí Serra.

The ceremony recognised his importance to football on the island and his achievements at national level. It was followed by a friendly match between the reserve teams of UD Ibiza and CD Ibiza.

Espanyol was also represented at the event, with former teammate and club ambassador Iñaki Pérez de Arrilucea presenting Arabí with a commemorative shirt bearing the number 215, representing his official appearances for the Barcelona side.

The two tributes reflect the lasting connection between the former defender and the clubs and communities that shaped his footballing journey.

A Lasting Legacy for Football in Ibiza

For Ibiza, Toni Arabí remains an important reference point in the island's sporting history.

His career demonstrated that a player developed through local football could progress to the highest level of the Spanish game, establish himself in a major club and become a respected figure among its supporters.

His achievements also helped bring greater recognition to football in Ibiza, where he remains closely associated with SD Ibiza, SD Portmany and the wider local sporting community.

As RCD Espanyol marked his 73rd birthday, the club's tribute served as a reminder of the contribution made by the Ibizan defender during one of its important periods in the 1980s.

More than four decades after his arrival in Barcelona, Antoni Arabí continues to be remembered on both sides of the Mediterranean, with his name permanently displayed at the stadiums of the two clubs that represent the most significant chapters of his playing career.

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