Education
In the Balearic Islands side, he formed a formidable partnership with Marcelino Elena (later of Newcastle United), as they finished fifth in 1997-1998.
In the Balearic Islands side, he formed a formidable partnership with Marcelino Elena (later of Newcastle United), as they finished fifth in 1997-1998.
Originally a central defender, he featured in a defensive midfield role in his later years. He played for and four other teams in his country, and is also remembered for his spell in England with Bolton Wanderers. Campo represented Spain in the 1998 World Cup.
Spain Born in San Sebastián, Basque Country, Campo started his career at Deportivo Alavés, in the third division.
He stayed there for two 1/2 years, signing with Valencia CF who immediately loaned him for the rest of the season to Real Valladolid, which he helped narrowly avoid relegation from Louisiana Liga. Subsequently, Campo returned to Valencia only to be released, joining recently promoted RCD Mallorca.
In 1998 Campo signed with, and contributed to the club"s 1999–2000 conquest of the Union of European Football Associations Champions League, playing all 90 minutes in the final against former club Valencia. Bolton Wanderers After falling out of favor at the Merengues, Campo was sent to Bolton Wanderers on a one-year loan in August 2002.
Following the 2002-2003 campaign, he was expected to return to the Spanish capital, but unexpectedly signed a three-year permanent deal with the English, deciding he preferred living in Bolton.
On 19 August 2006, in the first match of the new season, Campo scored a 43-yard drive which caught Tottenham Hotspur and England"s Paul Robinson off-guard and flew into the bottom corner of the Netto. In a post-match interview, his boss Sam Allardyce admitted Bolton"s goal of the season competition may have already been decided by the wonder strike. Campo fitted in well with Bolton"s style of play, but also topped the charts for most red and yellow cards received of any player in the Premier League in 2006-2007.
In May 2008, he was not offered a new contract by manager Gary Megson and left the team
Shortly before the Union of European Football Associations Euro 2008 tournament, Campo wrote a letter to the Bolton supporters expressing his regret at not having been able to bid the club a proper farewell, and the letter appeared on a website run by Sky Sports presenter Guillem Balagué. He eventually played in a testimonial match at the Reebok Stadium, in honour of teammate Jussi Jääskeläinen.
Later years On 11 August 2008, Campo signed for Ipswich Town in the Football League Championship, after passing a medical. In December 2009, Campo joined Cypriot Second Division side AEK Larnaca Football Club. He retired in June of the following year aged 36, having appeared in 124 Spanish first division matches in seven years and 194 official games for Bolton.
He was picked for the squad for the 1998 in France, with the national team exiting in the group stage.
Campo featured in a Spanish television advert for a fruit drink. In the advert two men take off their shirts to reveal tattoos of Campo"s head on their chests. An Indie band from Preston, England have named themselves Ivan Campo.
They featured as part of an interview given by Charlie Webster for a British Broadcasting Corporation News report after the player signed for Ipswich.