Today, on International Alzheimer’s Day and the day dedicated to other dementias related to memory, the Forteza family and the Mallorquinista community pay tribute to Joan Forteza. So that his story, his legacy and everything he represents continue to live on in the collective memory of the Mallorquinista community.
Today, 21 September, marks World Alzheimer’s Day, a date dedicated to raising awareness of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia associated with memory loss, giving greater visibility to those living with these conditions and providing greater support for them, as well as for their families and carers.
Joan Forteza, scorer of the first goal in RCD Mallorca’s history in the top flight, lives with a form of dementia associated with memory loss. However, the invaluable support of his family and his passion for RCD Mallorca help Forteza, and those around him, to cope with the situation. “Football has been his life. I’m sure it does him a lot of good because he spends his days reading newspapers and then recovering all those memories of RCD Mallorca that he has. He may not remember that first goal in the top flight, but he does remember that he scored many goals,” explains his son, who is also called Joan.
His sense of humour, which his son says has always been one of his defining characteristics, is also a great help. “I think you have to deal with this patiently. It isn’t always easy, especially for the person who lives with it 24 hours a day, but, in the end, you get used to it and draw on that sense of humour he has, which is very good. I think it rubs off on us. We are also quite lively people, and that makes it easier for us to deal with it.”
Although the former player cannot describe in detail that goal against Racing de Santander at the Lluís Sitjar, his family says that the goal is not only an indelible part of the club’s history, but also of their own family history and heritage. A Mallorquinista legacy that will live on forever. “That goal, which he has found a little difficult to remember, we know by heart,” says Joan junior. “Even though we didn’t see it, because I never saw my father play for Mallorca. Of course, he was a player, a director and is a season-ticket holder at RCD Mallorca, so, in the end, you become a Mallorquinista through your family, from birth,” he adds.
On this significant day, the Forteza family and the Mallorquinista community pay tribute to Joan Forteza, ensuring that his career, legacy and everything he represents remain alive in our collective memory.
