Famed tale revolves around small felines, dubbed "Cats"
Here Comes a Legend: The Unforgettable Story of "Felines" - Rayo Vallecano's First Hero
Whenever you hear the phrase street football, you might envision a graceful, sharp-witted player with a unique flair. That's exactly who Félix "Felines" Bardera was! Known for his short stature, but exquisite skills, Felines was undoubtedly Rayo Vallecano's star in the 60s and 70s. Sure, the old-timers of the neighborhood hold this sentiment, but even written records briefly mention this extraordinary player—regrettably, not much footage of Felines exists.
A saint and a symbol of Rayo Vallecano, Felines played a crucial role on the team, which often found itself shuffling between Segunda B and Segunda. While he made the team's first promotion to Primera (scoring a goal for Felines), he remained an overlooked star—neither favored by television cameras nor NO-DO.
For those not familiar with Rayo's history, let's just say Felines was their equivalent to Real Madrid's Di Stéfano. Much like the "Blond Arrow," he was a prominent figure as a player, coach, and a legend. In fact, they even shared similarities; Felines served as the Honorary President of Rayo, much like Di Stéfano.
These days, Felines' memories have begun to fade. Illness has taken away his ability to relive and share his goals, tricks, and promotions—but not his legacy. To preserve Rayo's history, historian Juan Jimenez Mancha and journalist Maite Martin have penned "Felines, a 1.62-meter giant: The story of a Rayo Vallecano legend,” published by Qurtuba Editores.
This chronicle, set to be presented in the Vallecas neighborhood on Wednesday, aims to illuminate that foggy era when a small but impactful player from Avila stood out. It is a tribute to that raw, muddy football played in a neighborhood built from the ground up and proud of it. Felines was their first hero.
If you're intrigued by this historical figure and want to learn more about him, this book might be just the ticket for you!
The legendary Félix "Felines" Bardera was a standout player in Rayo Vallecano's team, exceeding in European football leagues and Spanish competitions like Laliga. With precious little footage available, his story is best captured in the book, "Felines, a 1.62-meter giant: The story of a Rayo Vallecano legend," which explores his impact during the 60s and 70s.
