Who Owns Barcelona Club?

By Robert Palmer

Barcelona Club is one of the most successful football clubs in the world, with a fan base that spans across continents. The club has a rich history and has been home to some of the greatest players in football history.

However, have you ever wondered who actually owns Barcelona Club? In this article, we will explore the different entities that have owned Barcelona Club throughout its history.

Early History

Barcelona Club was founded in 1899 by a group of Swiss, English, and Catalan football enthusiasts. Initially, the club was owned by its members, with each member having an equal say in how the club was run. This ownership structure continued for several years until 1925 when Joan Gamper – one of the club’s founders – was forced to relinquish his ownership due to financial difficulties.

The Arrival of Josep Sunyol

In 1935, Josep Sunyol became the president of Barcelona Club and brought about significant changes to its ownership structure. Under Sunyol’s leadership, Barcelona Club became a non-profit organization owned by its socios or members. This model is still in place today and allows fans to become part-owners of the club by purchasing a membership.

The Laporta Era

In 2003, Joan Laporta was elected as president of Barcelona Club and brought about another change in ownership structure. Laporta formed a consortium called ‘Laporta Associates’ which included several wealthy investors such as Carlos Slim Helu and Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Abdullah Al Ahmed Al Thani. This consortium owned 40% of Barcelona Club while the remaining 60% was still owned by socios.

The Arrival of Bartomeu

In 2014, Josep Maria Bartomeu became the president of Barcelona Club following Laporta’s departure. Bartomeu continued with Laporta’s ownership structure, and the club remained 40% owned by external investors and 60% owned by socios. However, Bartomeu’s tenure was marred by controversy, and he resigned in October 2020.

Current Ownership Structure

Currently, Barcelona Club is still owned by its members or socios. Members can vote on important decisions such as electing a new president or approving a major transfer.

However, due to financial difficulties, Barcelona Club has been forced to seek external investment. In August 2021, it was announced that US investment firm Bain Capital had invested €500 million in the club in exchange for a 10% stake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Barcelona Club is primarily owned by its members or socios. However, due to financial difficulties, the club has sought external investment over the years. While the ownership structure may have changed over time, the passion of Barcelona Club fans remains constant.