How Many Socios Does Barcelona Have?

By Robert Palmer

Barcelona is one of the most popular football clubs in the world, with a massive fan following from across the globe. One unique feature of this club is that it is owned and operated by its fans.

This means that the club’s supporters, known as “socios,” have a say in its operations and decision-making processes. In this article, we will explore how many socios Barcelona has.

What are Socios?

Before we delve into the number of socios that Barcelona has, let’s first understand what a socio is. A socio is a member of the club who holds voting rights and can participate in its general assemblies. Socios can elect the president and board of directors of the club, approve the budget, and make significant decisions related to its operations.

How Many Socios Does Barcelona Have?

As of July 2021, Barcelona has over 144,000 socios. This number includes both individual and corporate members who have paid their membership fees to become part owners of the club. The exact number fluctuates slightly from year to year depending on new memberships and renewals.

Types of Socios

Barcelona offers different categories of memberships to cater to different types of fans. The three main types are:

  • Adult socios: These are individuals who are at least 18 years old.
  • Juvenile socios: These are members who are between 14 and 18 years old.
  • Penyes: Penyes are supporters’ clubs that consist of groups of people who come together to support Barcelona. They can have their own memberships with voting rights.

Becoming a Socio

To become a socio of Barcelona, one needs to pay an annual membership fee, which varies depending on the category of membership. Adult socios pay the highest fee, followed by juvenile socios and penyes. The club also has a waiting list for new members as the number of socios is limited.

The Importance of Socios to Barcelona

Barcelona’s socio ownership model has proven to be successful, with the club winning numerous trophies over the years. The involvement of fans in decision-making processes ensures that the club’s interests align with that of its supporters. It also promotes transparency and accountability within the organization.

In conclusion, Barcelona currently has over 144,000 socios who are part owners of the club. Becoming a socio requires paying an annual membership fee and there are different categories of memberships available. The socio ownership model has been instrumental in Barcelona’s success and has become an integral part of its identity.