Club History: Founded in 1899 by a diverse group of Swiss, Catalan, German, and English footballers under the leadership of Joan Gamper, the club has evolved into a symbol of Catalan culture and Catalanism, epitomized by the motto “Més que un club” (“More than a club”). In a unique distinction from many other football clubs, Barcelona is owned and operated by its passionate supporters. The official anthem of Barcelona is the “Cant del Barça,” a creation of Jaume Picas and Josep Maria Espinàs. Barcelona traditionally adorns themselves in dark shades of blue and garnet stripes, which has earned them the affectionate nickname “Blaugrana.” Barcelona enjoys an immense global fan base and boasts one of the largest social media followings among sports teams worldwide. Barcelona’s players have achieved remarkable individual accolades, amassing a record twelve Ballon d’Or awards, with iconic names like Johan Cruyff among the recipients. They’ve also secured a record seven FIFA World Player of the Year awards, with legends such as Romário, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho on the list. In the historic year of 2010, three academy graduates, namely Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Xavi, were jointly recognized as the world’s top three players in the FIFA Ballon d’Or awards—an unparalleled achievement for a single football academy. Furthermore, players representing Barcelona have clinched a record eight European Golden Shoe awards. Barcelona holds the distinction of being one of the founding members of the Primera División, having never suffered relegation from the top division since its inception in 1929. They share this distinction with Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid. The rivalry between the two football powerhouses, Barcelona and Real Madrid, is particularly fierce in La Liga, where their encounters are famously known as “El Clásico.” From the earliest days of national competitions, these clubs were seen as representatives of two rival Spanish regions, Catalonia and Castile, as well as two cities. The intensity of this rivalry often mirrors the political and cultural tensions between Catalans and Castilians, occasionally resembling a symbolic re-enactment of the Spanish Civil War. Barcelona’s local rival has consistently been Espanyol, a club founded exclusively by Spanish football enthusiasts, in contrast to Barcelona’s multinational makeup. This rivalry was fueled by perceptions of Barcelona as a team of foreigners and provocateurs representing Madrid.
Crest: Espanyol initially played in the affluent Sarrià district and displayed a crest that shared similarities with Barcelona’s coat of arms to establish a sense of identity with the city. n 1910, Barcelona held a competition among its members to redesign the crest, with Carles Comamala emerging as the winner. His design remains the club’s emblem today, featuring the St. George Cross, the Catalan flag, and the team’s iconic colors.
