FC Barcelona has always been known for their enjoyable and highly entertaining style of football which often yields fantastic results and prestigious trophies.
La Blaugrana are regarded by many as the architects of modern football due to their invention of the “tiki-taka" style of play, a brand of football that mesmerises the opposing players as well fans inside the stadium. It's little wonder why Barcelona are, according to Forbes Magazine, the club with the most social media followers.
FC Barcelona History
The club was founded in 1899, by a group of people led by the famous Joan Gamper. FC Barcelona would go on to become one of the most valuable football clubs in the world, with a $5.6 billion valuation by Forbes in 2024.
The club is owned by the supporters, representing the “Culers”, a term derived from the Catalan culture. Joan Laporta is the current president of the club, having been elected in March 2021. Laporta previously served the role from 2003 to 2010, and he is the most successful president in the club's history in terms of trophies won.
Many superstars have worn the famous red and blue uniform of La Blaugrana. Johan Cruyff, Rivaldo, Carles Puyol, Ronaldinho, Andres Iniesta, and Lionel Messi are just a few world-class talents who have previously taken to the pitch in Barca colours.
There have also been many great coaches who have taken FC Barcelona to greatness, among them Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique. All of these individuals had been players of the club before going on to take up the position in charge of the senior team.
Former Spain midfielder Xavi Hernández dominated in midfield alongside Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets during his time as a player at the club. Xavi was later appointed Barcelona manager in November 2021 and he remained in the position until the end of the 2023/24 season.
Leo Messi's departure from the Camp Nou was a traumatic time for the club, as the Argentina talisman had been so integral to Barcelona's success on the pitch. When Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, he was FC Barcelona's record goal scorer (672) and most-capped player of all time with 778 appearances.
The best years for FC Barcelona were undoubtedly during Messi's era at the club under managers such as Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique. They dominated La Liga and were always one of the best teams in the UEFA Champions League.
More than the deluge of trophies won, it was their famous tiki-taka style of play identified by short passes and constant movement, working the ball through multiple channels, and sustaining possession of the ball, that gained the team so many supporters across the globe.
The Spanish national team also adopted Barcelona's passing style and enjoyed incredible success between 2008-2012. The Barcelona influence is still obvious today, with youngsters Pedri González and Lamine Yamal part of Spain's squad at Euro 2024.
FC Barcelona Today
As one of the richest and most popular clubs in the world, FC Barcelona has never been found wanting when it comes to investing in their squad. The club has one of the most talented groups of footballers and backroom staff in the world.
With players such as Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha within their ranks, it’s unsurprising how Barca have managed to remain a dominant force in Spanish football.
Barcelona have never been relegated from the top tier of Spanish football since La Liga was established back in 1929.
FC Barcelona Nickname
Many fans refer to Barcelona as “La Blaugrana” while others prefer to simply call them “Barca”.
Supporters of the team are often referred to as "Culers".
FC Barcelona Stadium
Based in the Spanish region of Catalonia, FC Barcelona usually plays its home matches at the iconic Camp Nou, which was built in 1957.
This is one of the biggest stadiums in the world, with a capacity of 99,354 which will soon rise to 105,000. A retractable roof is just one of a number of features part of the overall project; there are also developments for an on-site hotel, ice rink, as well as local offices and parks.
Until the Camp Nou has completed redevelopments (expected November 2024) all Barca home games will take place place at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Built in 1927, their temporary home was centre stage for the 1992 Summer Games. The Olympic Stadium has a capacity of 54,367, which is considerably less than the Camp Nou.
FC Barcelona Historical Accomplishments
During their trophy-laden history, Barca have been crowned champions of La Liga no fewer than 27 times. In addition, the Catalans have clinched 31 Copa del Rey trophies, as well as the European Cup/Champions League on five occasions.
FC Barcelona Rivalries
Barca have a very symbolic feud with Real Madrid as these have been the two top clubs in Spanish football and, for periods, in world football. Known as El Clasico, this rivalry is one of the most watched sports events in the world. FC Barcelona and Real Madrid typically meet at least twice a year and they are often fighting it out for the La Liga title.
El Clasico Tickets
This is one of the single most renowned rivalries in world football and it is followed by millions of fans across the globe. Los Blancos are a team Barca has had to battle against and keep up with in terms of financial power, trophies and ultimately the quality of football players on show.
Fans will be able to find reliable El Clasico tickets at SeatPick, with dozens of legitimate ticket resellers to choose from. Barcelona vs Real Madrid tickets are a hot commodity and definitely something worth bragging about. Get yours today with the help of SeatPick!
Barca also has a local rivalry with RCD Espanyol with both teams situated within the Barcelona Metropolitan area in Spain. Barca have generally gotten the better of Espanyol, who were relegated from La Liga in 2023. Girona FC is another team which hails from the region of Catalonia.
