Barcelona, one of the most popular and successful football clubs in the world, proudly dons a distinctive shirt every season. Apart from the iconic blue and red stripes, there is another crucial element that adorns their jersey – the shirt sponsor.
The shirt sponsor is a brand or company that pays a significant amount of money to have its logo displayed prominently on the front of Barcelona’s jersey. Let’s take a closer look at who has had this prestigious honor over the years.
The Evolution of Barcelona’s Shirt Sponsorship
Barcelona’s journey with shirt sponsorship started relatively late compared to other top football clubs. Until 2006, Barcelona’s jersey remained untouched by any commercial branding. However, since then, they have had three major sponsors.
1. Unicef (2006-2011)
The first brand to appear on Barcelona’s shirt was not a corporate entity but rather an international humanitarian organization – Unicef. In 2006, Barcelona decided to partner with Unicef and display their logo instead of promoting a commercial brand.
This unique partnership was aimed at promoting awareness about children’s rights and fundraising for various projects around the world. The Unicef logo was prominently displayed on the front of Barcelona’s jersey during this period, while the club covered the cost of sponsoring Unicef instead of receiving money from them.
2. Qatar Foundation (2011-2013)
In 2011, Barcelona entered into a historic agreement with Qatar Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on education and research initiatives. This marked the first time that Barcelona embraced a commercial shirt sponsor.
The Qatar Foundation logo appeared on the front of Barcelona’s jersey for two seasons from 2011 to 2013. This partnership generated controversy due to political issues surrounding Qatar, but it also brought substantial financial benefits to the club.
3. Rakuten (2017-present)
Since 2017, the Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten has been Barcelona’s official shirt sponsor. This partnership has been a successful and lucrative one for both parties.
The Rakuten logo is displayed prominently on the front of Barcelona’s jersey, symbolizing their commitment to global expansion and digital innovation. The collaboration has also extended beyond the shirt sponsorship, with Rakuten becoming Barcelona’s global innovation and entertainment partner.
The Importance of Shirt Sponsorship
Shirt sponsorship plays a vital role in modern football clubs’ finances. It provides a significant source of revenue that helps clubs sustain their operations, sign new players, invest in youth development, and fund various community initiatives.
For Barcelona, securing a prominent shirt sponsor is not just about financial gains but also about aligning with brands that share their values. The partnerships with Unicef, Qatar Foundation, and Rakuten have all reflected Barcelona’s commitment to social responsibility and global impact.
In Conclusion
Barcelona’s shirt sponsorship journey has evolved over time from promoting social causes to embracing commercial partnerships. From Unicef to Qatar Foundation and now Rakuten, these sponsors have not only brought financial benefits but have also helped shape Barcelona’s identity as more than just a football club.
The next time you see Barcelona taking the field in their iconic striped jersey, take a moment to appreciate the significance of their shirt sponsor – a brand that adds another layer of meaning to this legendary club’s legacy.