Who Sponsored Barcelona Before Nike?

By Robert Palmer

Barcelona, one of the most iconic football clubs in the world, has had a long and fascinating history. It is known for its rich heritage, talented players, and successful sponsorships. While Nike is currently the main sponsor of Barcelona, it is interesting to explore who sponsored the club before Nike came into the picture.

The Early Years:

Barcelona was founded in 1899 by a group of Swiss, English, and Catalan football enthusiasts. In its early years, the club did not have any official sponsors. However, there were several local businesses that supported Barcelona by providing financial assistance.

1. Hispano Americana:

One of the earliest sponsors of Barcelona was Hispano Americana, a car manufacturing company based in Barcelona. They provided financial support during the 1920s and their logo was displayed prominently on the team’s jerseys.

2. La Cibeles:

In the 1940s and 1950s, La Cibeles, a local textile company, became one of Barcelona’s main sponsors. Their logo appeared on the team’s shirts and they played a significant role in helping Barcelona during those years.

The Golden Era:

Barcelona experienced tremendous success in the late 1950s and early 1960s under coach Helenio Herrera. During this period, they won several domestic titles and attracted attention from international sponsors.

3. Quely:

Quely, a popular biscuit manufacturer based in Mallorca, sponsored Barcelona during this golden era. Their logo adorned the team’s jerseys and represented a significant source of income for the club.

The Rise of UNICEF Partnership:

In 2006, Barcelona struck a unique partnership with UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund. This partnership was groundbreaking as it involved no financial transaction between the two parties. Instead, Barcelona displayed the UNICEF logo on its jerseys to raise awareness and promote the organization’s mission.

4. Qatar Foundation:

In 2011, Barcelona entered into a sponsorship agreement with Qatar Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Doha. The Qatar Foundation logo appeared on the team’s jerseys during this period, further solidifying Barcelona’s global brand reach.

5. Qatar Airways:

In 2013, Barcelona signed a new sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways, replacing the previous agreement with Qatar Foundation. The airline’s logo graced the front of Barcelona’s jerseys until Nike took over as the main sponsor in 2018.

The Nike Era:

Nike became Barcelona’s official kit supplier and sponsor in 1998 and has maintained this partnership ever since. The Nike logo is proudly displayed on Barcelona’s iconic blue and red jerseys.

  • Key Takeaways:

Throughout its history, Barcelona has had various sponsors who have played a crucial role in supporting the club financially. From local businesses like Hispano Americana and La Cibeles to international partnerships with organizations like UNICEF and companies like Quely, Qatar Foundation, and Qatar Airways.

The sponsorship journey of Barcelona showcases how these partnerships have evolved over time and contributed to the growth and success of one of football’s most legendary clubs.