FC BARCELONA
History of FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona is more than just a football club; it is a symbol of Catalan identity, political resistance, and excellence. Its values emphasize respect, effort, ambition, teamwork, and humility as the core principles guiding the club both on and off the field. These values drive the pursuit of excellence, collaboration, and maintaining integrity, even in the face of success.
1899-1909
1909-1919
1919-1930
Founding
1950-1979
Initial Growth
Political Instability and Consequences
1980-1990
1990-2010
Becoming an Institution
The "Dream Team"
Challenges of a New Century
1939-1950
Perseverance After the War
2010-2021
Financial Struggles
Founding
Futbol Club Barcelona was established on November 29, 1899, after Swiss football enthusiast Joan Gamper placed an advertisement in Barcelona’s local “Los Deportes” magazine seeking players. In its early years, the club faced financial struggles and limited infrastructure, competing in regional tournaments before the formation of La Liga in 1929. Despite these obstacles, Barcelona quickly established itself as a dominant force in Spanish football, winning its first Copa del Rey in 1910. During this period, Barcelona also became a symbol of Catalan identity, particularly during times of political suppression. This cultural significance helped solidify a passionate fanbase that transcended sport.
Initial Growth
Economic instability and urban expansion resulted in a lack of initial permanent football grounds for the team. Still, between 1910 and 1913, Barcelona won three consecutive Campionats de Catalunya, three Copa del Rey titles, and four successive Pyrenees Cup tournaments, one of the earliest international club competitions in Europe. During this period, the club changed its official language from Castilian to Catalan, reinforcing its identity as a symbol of Catalan nationalism.
Image Source:
www.fcbarcelona.com/en/card/643865/1899-1909-foundation-and-survival
Image Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1913_FECF_Copa_del_Rey_final
Political Instability and Consequences
FC Barcelona faced many setbacks during these years, which included its founder’s death, the Second Spanish Republic, the Spanish Civil War (1936) and the assassination of its president, Josep Suñol. In the face of these challenges the club cemented its identity and values. During the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent Francoist dictatorship, the club became a focal point for Catalan expression, as other public displays of Catalan culture were heavily repressed. In conclusion, this was a period clearly characterized by uncertainty, which saw a reduction in membership and the cancellation of some players’ contracts.
Image Source:
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205022696
Perseverance After the War
FC Barcelona faced its most challenging period during the immediate aftermath of the war, coming dangerously close to disappearing altogether. The club endured harsh repression and retaliation from the authorities, which led to a complete transformation of its identity. The club’s name and crest were altered for being insufficiently Spanish, and until 1946, the authorities handpicked the club’s presidents.
Despite these hardships, the team began to rebuild and achieved notable successes in the 1950s. During those dark times of fear and oppression, attending Barça matches at Les Corts offered many a rare sense of freedom.
Growth in the 70s
Image Source:
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205022696
Image Source:
https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/930266/former-president-josep-lluis-nunez-passes-away
Barcelona continued to grow. In 1973–74, the club signed The arrival of Johna Cruyff arrival revitalized the team, culminating in a memorable 5–0 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The transition to democracy in Spain in 1978 brought further changes. That same year, Josep Lluís Núñez became the first elected president of FC Barcelona. His presidency, lasting 22 years, sought to establish financial and structural stability for the club. Under his leadership, the club made significant investments, including the expansion of Camp Nou, which had been inaugurated in 1957. Additionally, La Masia, the club’s renowned youth academy, was officially opened in 1979.
The "Dream Team"
During the 1980s, Barcelona experienced fluctuating success. The arrival of Diego Maradona in 1982 brought international attention, but injuries and internal conflicts led to his departure. Terry Venables guided the team to a La Liga title in 1984–85, yet managerial changes and instability continued. In 1988, Johan Cruyff returned as head coach, implementing his visionary football philosophy. He built the famed "Dream Team," leading Barcelona to four consecutive La Liga titles and their first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph in 1992.
Image Source:
https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/card/643913/1988-1996-the-era-of-the-dream-team
Challenges of a New Century
The early 2000s were a challenging period for Barcelona. The presidency of Joan Gaspart (2000–2003) saw financial struggles and sporting setbacks. Additionally, the controversial departure of club icon Luís Figo to Real Madrid intensified the historic rivalry between the two clubs. However, the arrival of Joan Laporta as president in 2003, along with Dutch manager Frank Rijkaard, marked a turning point. The team, featuring stars like Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o, and a young Lionel Messi, won La Liga and the UEFA Champions League in 2006. In 2008, former player Pep Guardiola took over as manager. The team achieved unprecedented success, winning the historic sextuple in 2009 (La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup).
Image Source:
https://audioboom.com/posts/6308645-transfer-time-tunnel-fc-barcelona-2009-featuring-messi-henry-xavi
Financial Struggles
Barcelona’s financial troubles can largely be traced back to the presidency of Josep Maria Bartomeu (2014–2020). Under his leadership, the club spent excessively on player salaries and transfer fees, leading to an unsustainable financial model. At its peak, Lionel Messi was earning over €100 million per year before taxes. The financial crisis escalated when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of Camp Nou for an entire season, eliminating crucial matchday revenue. By the time Bartomeu resigned in October 2020, the club’s debt had ballooned to €1.35 billion, with wages consuming nearly 70% of total revenue – far exceeding sustainable limits. One of the most difficult decisions was allowing Lionel Messi to leave in the summer of 2021, as the club could not afford to renew his contract while complying with LaLiga’s financial regulations.
Image Source:
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/dec/27/jaw-dropping-sport-moments-of-2021-lionel-messi-leaves-barcelona
