Barcelona is one of the most successful football clubs in the world, and its fans are known as “Cules.” Have you ever wondered why they are called that? Let’s dive into the history of this unique term and discover its origins.
The Origins of Cules
The word “Cules” is derived from the Catalan term “cul,” which translates to “backside” or “buttocks” in English. Surprisingly, this nickname has nothing to do with any literal meaning related to the human anatomy. Instead, it has a more symbolic explanation.
The Origins of FC Barcelona
To understand why Barcelona fans became known as Cules, we need to go back to the early days of FC Barcelona. The club was founded in 1899 by a group of Swiss, British, and Catalan football enthusiasts. In its early years, Barcelona played their home matches at a stadium called Carrer Industria.
The Unique Stadium Design
Carrer Industria had an interesting feature that set it apart from other stadiums of that time. The stadium had a limited capacity, and due to space constraints, no stands were built behind one of the goals. Instead, spectators were able to watch the game from adjacent terraces or standing on rooftops.
A View from Behind
As a result of this unique design, some fans had to position themselves behind one of the goals but higher up than where the stands would typically be located. This vantage point gave them an elevated view but also meant that they were positioned directly above the players’ backsides or “culs” in Catalan.
Cules: A Term Born
Over time, these fans who regularly watched games from behind one goal became known as “Cules” due to their positioning above the players’ backsides. The term started as a humorous and affectionate way to refer to these dedicated fans.
Cules: A Symbol of Passion
Today, being called a Cule is a badge of honor for Barcelona fans. It represents their dedication, passion, and unwavering support for the club. Cules are known for creating an electrifying atmosphere at Camp Nou, Barcelona’s current stadium, with their chants, flags, and unwavering enthusiasm.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the term “Cules” was born out of a unique stadium design that positioned some Barcelona fans directly above players’ backsides. Over time, it transformed into a beloved nickname that symbolizes the passion and loyalty of Barcelona supporters.
So next time you hear someone being referred to as a Cule, you’ll know the fascinating history behind this term.