Futbol Club Barcelona (FC Barcelona or Barça) is a professional football club based in Barcelona, Spain, founded in 1899. The club is globally recognized for its attractive, possession-based “tiki-taka” style of play and its deep-rooted identity as a symbol of Catalan culture.
History, Philosophy, and Trophies
FC Barcelona is one of the most successful football clubs in the world. Its success is built on a unique philosophy that prioritizes youth development from its famous academy, La Masia, and an attacking style of play.
Major Trophies:
- La Liga: 27 titles (as of the 2023-24 season)
- Copa del Rey: 32 titles (record)
- UEFA Champions League: 5 titles
- FIFA Club World Cup: 3 titles
Coaches and Notable Players
The club’s history is defined by its legendary coaches and players who have shaped its identity and led it to success.
Head Coaches (Since 1980):
- Hansi Flick: 2024–Present
- Xavi Hernández: 2021–2024
- Sergi Barjuán: 2021 (Interim)
- Ronald Koeman: 2020–2021
- Quique Setién: 2020
- Ernesto Valverde: 2017–2020
- Luis Enrique: 2014–2017
- Gerardo Martino: 2013–2014
- Tito Vilanova: 2012–2013
- Pep Guardiola: 2008–2012
- Frank Rijkaard: 2003–2008
- Radomir Antić: 2003
- Louis van Gaal: 2002–2003
- Carles Rexach: 2001–2002 (also interim in 1988, 1991, 1996)
- Lorenzo Serra Ferrer: 2000–2001
- Louis van Gaal: 1997–2000
- Bobby Robson: 1996–1997
- Johan Cruyff: 1988–1996
- Luis Aragonés: 1987–1988
- Terry Venables: 1984–1987
- César Luis Menotti: 1983–1984
- Udo Lattek: 1981–1983
- Helenio Herrera: 1980 (briefly)
- Ladislao Kubala: (Coached in the 1960s, not 1980)
Notable Players:
- Lionel Messi: The club’s all-time top scorer (672 goals) and a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
- Xavi Hernández: A La Masia graduate who played 767 official matches, winning 8 La Liga and 4 Champions League titles.
- Andrés Iniesta: Another La Masia product considered one of the best midfielders of all time, winning 9 La Liga and 4 Champions League titles.
Club Details
- Stadium: The team’s home is the Spotify Camp Nou, which is currently undergoing renovation (2023-2025). During this time, Barça is playing at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
- Rivalry: The club’s most intense rivalry is with Real Madrid, with matches between them known as El Clásico.
Current and Former Sponsors
For a long period, FC Barcelona famously refused to have a commercial sponsor on their jersey. The first paid shirt sponsor was Qatar Foundation, with the agreement signed in late 2010 and the logo appearing on shirts in 2011.
Main Shirt Sponsors:
- Spotify: 2022–Present
- Rakuten: 2017–2022
- Qatar Airways: 2013–2017
- Qatar Foundation: 2011–2013
- UNICEF: 2006–2011 (Charitable partnership)
- No Sponsor: Until 2006
Kit Manufacturers:
- Nike: 1998–Present
- Kappa: 1992–1998
- Meyba: 1982–1992
Current Squad
- Goalkeepers:
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Iñaki Peña
- Joan Garcia
- Wojciech Szczesny
- Defenders:
- Ronald Araujo
- Pau Cubarsi
- Jules Koundé
- Andreas Christensen
- Alejandro Balde
- Eric Garcia
- Héctor Fort
- Gerard Martin
- Iñigo Martínez
- Midfielders:
- Pedri
- Gavi
- Frenkie de Jong
- Fermin Lopez
- Dani Olmo
- Marc Casado
- Oriol Romeu
- Marc Bernal
- Forwards:
- Lamine Yamal
- Raphinha
- Marcus Rashford
- Ferran Torres
- Robert Lewandowski
