How Long Did UNICEF Sponsor Barcelona?
In the world of football, sponsorship deals are a significant source of revenue for clubs. Barcelona, one of the most successful and popular football clubs in the world, has had its fair share of notable sponsors over the years. One such sponsor that left a lasting impact on both the club and its fans was UNICEF.
The Beginning
UNICEF, also known as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, is a renowned organization dedicated to improving the lives of children worldwide. In 2006, Barcelona struck an unprecedented deal with UNICEF that would change both organizations forever.
Unlike most sponsorships in football, where companies pay to have their logos displayed on team jerseys, Barcelona and UNICEF agreed on a unique arrangement. Instead of receiving money from UNICEF for sponsorship, Barcelona agreed to wear the UNICEF logo on their jerseys free of charge.
A Noble Cause
This collaboration between Barcelona and UNICEF was driven by a shared vision to promote global awareness and support for children’s rights. The decision to put an NGO’s logo on a football jersey was groundbreaking and garnered attention worldwide.
Barcelona players proudly wore the iconic blue letters spelling “UNICEF” across their chests during official matches. This move not only highlighted Barcelona’s commitment to social responsibility but also helped raise awareness about UNICEF’s mission among millions of football fans around the globe.
The Duration
The partnership between Barcelona and UNICEF lasted for an impressive 11 years. From 2006 until 2017, every time Barcelona took to the field, they did so with the UNICEF logo prominently displayed on their jerseys.
This long-lasting partnership was a testament to both organizations’ dedication to make a positive impact on society, especially for children in need.
A New Chapter
In 2017, Barcelona announced a historic change in their sponsorship strategy. They signed a lucrative deal with Rakuten, a Japanese e-commerce company, to become their new shirt sponsors. This marked the end of Barcelona’s partnership with UNICEF.
While the UNICEF logo was no longer on the front of Barcelona’s jerseys, the collaboration did not come to an end. The club continued its relationship with UNICEF through various charitable initiatives and fundraising campaigns.
The Legacy
The partnership between Barcelona and UNICEF left an indelible mark on both organizations and their fans. It showcased the power of sport to drive social change and promote important causes.
The UNICEF logo on Barcelona’s jerseys became iconic and symbolic of football’s potential as a platform for making a difference. It served as a constant reminder of the importance of supporting children’s rights worldwide.
In Summary
UNICEF sponsored Barcelona for an impressive 11 years, from 2006 until 2017. This unique partnership saw Barcelona wearing the UNICEF logo on their jerseys without any financial compensation.
The collaboration aimed to raise awareness about children’s rights and promote global support for UNICEF’s mission. Although the sponsorship deal ended in 2017, Barcelona and UNICEF continue their relationship through charitable initiatives, leaving behind a legacy of using sport for social change.