When it comes to sponsors, FC Barcelona has a rich history of partnerships with various brands. One of the biggest and most notable sponsors of Barcelona is Rakuten. Rakuten, a Japanese electronic commerce and internet company, became the main global sponsor of Barcelona in 2017.
The Rakuten-Barcelona Partnership
Rakuten signed a four-year deal with FC Barcelona, replacing Qatar Airways as the main shirt sponsor. This partnership not only brought financial benefits to the club but also strengthened its global presence.
With this collaboration, Rakuten’s logo prominently adorned Barcelona’s jerseys. The deal was worth around €220 million ($250 million) over the contract period.
About Rakuten
Rakuten is known for its diverse business ventures ranging from e-commerce and online retail to financial services and digital content. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, it operates globally under various subsidiaries.
This multinational conglomerate has established itself as a dominant player in the e-commerce industry. It offers an extensive range of products and services through its online platform.
The Benefits for FC Barcelona
The partnership with Rakuten brought several advantages to FC Barcelona:
- Financial support: The sponsorship deal provided a significant financial boost to the club. This allowed Barcelona to invest in player transfers, infrastructure development, and other essential areas.
- Global exposure: As one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies, Rakuten helped expand Barcelona’s international reach.
The club gained exposure to new markets and audiences worldwide through Rakuten’s extensive customer base.
- Brand association: Collaborating with a reputable brand like Rakuten enhanced Barcelona’s brand image. It solidified the club’s position as a global sporting powerhouse and attracted more sponsorship opportunities.
Other Sponsors of FC Barcelona
Apart from Rakuten, FC Barcelona has had several other significant sponsors over the years. Some of the notable sponsors include:
- Nike: Nike has been the official kit supplier for Barcelona since 1998. The partnership with Nike has resulted in iconic and visually appealing jerseys.
- Beko: Beko, a multinational home appliance manufacturer, was the main sponsor of Barcelona’s training kits from 2014 to 2020.
- Qatar Airways: Before Rakuten, Qatar Airways held the main shirt sponsorship rights from 2013 to 2017.
In Conclusion
Rakuten stands as one of FC Barcelona’s biggest sponsors, having played a crucial role in the club’s financial stability and global exposure. This partnership exemplifies how collaborations between sports clubs and major brands can be mutually beneficial.
With their rich history of partnerships with renowned companies like Rakuten, Nike, Beko, and Qatar Airways, FC Barcelona continues to thrive both on and off the field.