Zabalo was an outstanding full back, considered by many to the best defender in Spanish Football in the pre-Civil War period. He stood out for his excellent positioning and his ability on the ball. Short but extremely quick, he had a great sense of anticipation and was a formidable man marker.
With the Civil War having broken out, once Zabalo returned from the 1937 tour of the US and Mexico, he sought exile in France where he had great success, winning the cup with Paris club Racing. In 1944 on his return to Barcelona he was given the choice of signing for Real Madrid or military service. Zabalo chose the second option and was stationed in Spanish Morocco before rejoining Barça for the 1944/45 season, his last with the Club before retiring and becoming a symbol of loyalty to the colours, even in the most extreme of circumstances.
Career
- Seasons at the Club: 1929-1937, 1944/1945
- Games played: 265
- Goals: 13
Honours
- 1 League (1944/45)
- 1 Spanish Championship (1927/28)
- 5 Catalan Championships (1929/30, 1930/31, 1931/32, 1934/35, 1935/36)
- 1 Mediterranean League (1936/37)
