Esteve Pelaó i Gratacós

Estebán Pelaó Gratacós (10 January 1898 – 28 July 1980) was a Spanish footballer who played as a midfielder who played for CE Europa, Espanyol, and the Catalonia national team.

Early life Estebán Pelaó was born in Barcelona on 10 January 1898 as the son of Pere Pelahó i Puigvert, and Maria Gratacós i Subirós, both born in Tortellà. He was the younger brother of Bonaventura Pelaó, who also played for CE Europe. He played as a centre-half and was captain of CE Europa during its golden age in the 1920s,

As the team's captain, Pelaó was punished by the RFEF because one of his players (José Julià) refused to leave the rural area after being sent off in a match against FC Barcelona on 10 February 1924. Pelaó retired in 1928, after a 12-year career. In total, he scored 15 goals in 134 matches with the club, all of which in the Catalan championship.

International career As a CE Europa player, Pelaó was eligible to play for the Catalonia national team, making his debut on 17 May 1917, in a friendly against FC Barcelona, which ended in a 2–1 loss. In the early 1920, he played two friendlies against Biscay, helping his side to two victories; the following day, the journalists of the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo stated that neither he nor Francesco Sanahuja were "in a position to represent the region in matches of this magnitude, although they nonetheless honored their excellent will and abilities".

Together with Paulino Alcántara, Sagibarba and Josep Samitier, he was a member of the Catalan squad that participated in the last edition of the Prince of Asturias Cup, an inter-regional competition organized by the RFEF. He started both matches in the midfield as Catalonia beat Asturias in a two-legged title-decider to win the title.

Managerial career As a coach, Pelaó managed CE Europa in the 1939–40 season.

Death Pelaó died in Barcelona on 28 July 1980, at the age of 82. Following his death, his relatives: children Esteve and Margarida; son-in-law Pero Haro; grandchildren Maria Angela, Maria Isabel, Francisco Xavier and Carles; sister Margaret; nephews, cousins, and the whole family want to know their health and acquaintances. The religious ceremony took place two days later at 1:00 pm, in the chapels of Calle Sancho d'Avila no. 2 before being then transferred to the Southwest cemetery.

Honours

Club CE Europa Catalan championship: Champions (1): 1922–23

Copa del Rey: Runner-up (1): 1923

International Catalonia XI Prince of Asturias Cup: Champions (1): 1926