Barcelona FC is one of the most popular football clubs in the world. Their iconic blue and red stripes jersey and the emblematic crest with a ball, a bat, and the Catalan flag are instantly recognizable.
However, in recent years, some fans have noticed a change in the club’s logo. When did Barcelona change their logo? Let’s investigate.
Origins of Barcelona FC Crest
Before delving into the changes made to Barcelona’s logo, let’s take a brief look at its origins. The team was founded on November 29th, 1899 by Joan Gamper, a Swiss businessman who had moved to Catalonia. In its early days, the club played friendly matches against other local teams before joining official competitions.
The first crest used by Barcelona was designed by Gamper himself in 1910. It featured the initials “F” and “C” (for Football Club) interlaced in white on a blue background with a ball above it. In 1913, this design was modified to include the colors of the Catalan flag (red and yellow) as well as a bat (a traditional symbol of Catalonia).
The Evolution of Barcelona Logo
Over time, Barcelona’s crest has undergone several modifications while keeping its main elements (the ball, the bat, and the flag). For example:
- In 1920, a crown was added on top of the crest to symbolize King Alfonso XIII’s patronage.
- In 1939, during General Franco’s dictatorship (which banned regional symbols), Barcelona removed the Catalan flag from its crest but kept using it internally.
- In 1949, after Franco’s regime ended, Barcelona reintroduced the flag in its crest along with an oval shape.
- In 1974, another modification was made, and the oval was replaced by a shield shape with the team’s name in capital letters.
- In 2002, Barcelona made a significant change to their logo.
The ball and the bat were stylized, and the colors were brightened. Additionally, the team’s name was written in lowercase letters below the shield.
When Did Barcelona Change Their Logo?
The latest modification to Barcelona’s logo occurred in 2018. This time, the changes were more subtle but still noticeable.
The ball and the bat were further simplified, and their outlines were removed. Also, the team’s name was moved back inside the shield and written in uppercase letters.
However, this change did not go unnoticed by fans and media alike. Some criticized it for being too simplistic or even resembling a corporate logo rather than a football club crest. Others defended it as a modernization that reflects Barcelona’s global reach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Barcelona FC has changed its logo several times throughout its history while keeping its essential elements intact. The latest modification occurred in 2018 when the emblem underwent a subtle simplification and rearrangement of its components.
Whether this change will be permanent or just another step in the evolution of Barcelona’s crest remains to be seen. But one thing is sure: as long as there is football played in Catalonia, Barcelona’s crest will continue to inspire love and pride among fans worldwide.