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Ivan CampoSpanish footballer, defender
Date of Birth: 21.02.1974
Country:  Spain |
Content:
- Early Career
- Valencia and Valladolid
- Mallorca and Spain Debut
- Real Madrid
- Bolton Wanderers
- Ipswich Town and Cyprus
- Achievements
Early Career
Ivan Campo, a Spanish football defender, began his career at the Club Deportivo Logroñés, playing for their reserve team from 1992 but never making it into the first team. In 1994, he joined Deportivo Alavés in the second division, where he played for two seasons, making 45 appearances and scoring two goals.
Valencia and Valladolid
In 1995, Campo transferred to Valencia CF, but was immediately loaned out to Real Valladolid. He made his La Liga debut on December 17, 1995, against Real Zaragoza, helping Valladolid avoid relegation with 24 appearances and two goals.
Mallorca and Spain Debut
After returning to Valencia, Campo struggled to break into the first team, only playing in seven matches. In the summer of 1997, he was invited by Héctor Cúper to join RCD Mallorca, where he formed a central defensive partnership with Marcelino and helped the club finish fifth in the league, making 33 appearances and scoring one goal. He also earned his debut for the Spanish national team on March 25, 1998, and participated in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Real Madrid
As a free agent, Campo joined Real Madrid CF in 1998, where he spent four seasons under various managers. He most notably played under John Toshack, who created a defensive trio with Campo, Manolo Sanchís, and Aitor Karanka, which featured in the 2000 UEFA Champions League Final victory over Valencia. Despite his playing time, Campo faced criticism from fans who believed he displaced club captain Fernando Hierro. In total, he made 92 appearances for Real Madrid, including 69 in the league, scoring one goal.
Bolton Wanderers
Campo signed on loan with English club Bolton Wanderers in August 2002 and became a regular starter, playing 31 times and scoring twice. He permanently joined Bolton on a three-year contract in the summer of 2003, transitioning to a defensive midfield role. On August 19, 2006, he scored a memorable 40-yard goal against Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson. Despite wanting to leave England in 2007, Campo remained at Bolton for one more season before his contract expired in May 2008.
Ipswich Town and Cyprus
Campo joined Ipswich Town in the English second division in August 2008 on a two-year deal and scored his first goal against Barnsley on September 30. After playing a limited number of matches in the 2008-09 season, he was released by Ipswich. In December 2009, he signed for AEK Larnaca in the Cypriot second division.
Achievements
Real Madrid- La Liga: 2001
- Supercopa de España: 2001
- Intercontinental Cup: 1998
- UEFA Champions League: 2000, 2002
