1900: Barcelona Don the Blue and Garnet
The year 1900 marked a significant moment in Barcelona's history as the club first donned their now-iconic blue and garnet colors in a match against Hispania.
1901: Barcelona's First Foray into Competitive Football
Barcelona participated in the Copa Macaya in 1901, marking their entry into competitive football. Although they narrowly lost to Hispania AC, this experience laid the groundwork for future triumphs.
1905: Barcelona's Last Competition Win Before Gamper's Presidency
Barcelona's last competition victory before Joan Gamper's presidency was the Campionat de Catalunya in 1905.
1908: Joan Gamper Becomes Club President and Saves Barcelona
In 1908, Joan Gamper took the helm as Barcelona's president during a time of significant financial and sporting struggles, vowing to save the club from the brink of collapse.
March 1909: Barcelona Moves to Camp de la Indústria and Adopts Iconic Crest
Barcelona relocated to the Camp de la Indústria, a larger stadium with an 8,000-person capacity, in March 1909. To mark this new chapter, they held a logo contest, which resulted in the adoption of the iconic crest still in use today, designed by Carles Comamala.
1909: Start of Barcelona's Dominant Period
Barcelona entered a dominant phase in the 1910s, with their new stadium, Camp de la Indústria, playing a crucial role in the club's growth.
1910: Barcelona Adopts Iconic Crest
In 1910, Barcelona held a competition among its members to design a new crest, resulting in the adoption of the iconic emblem that the club still wears today, with minor variations over the years.
1910: Inaugural Pyrenees Cup and Beginning of Four Consecutive Wins
The year 1910 marked the beginning of Barcelona's reign in the Pyrenees Cup, a prestigious international club competition at the time. They won the inaugural edition and continued their winning streak for the next three years.
1911: Three Consecutive Campionats de Catalunya Victories
Between 1909 and 1911, Barcelona asserted their dominance in regional football by winning three consecutive Campionats de Catalunya titles.
1912: Paulino Alcántara Joins Barcelona
Barcelona welcomed Paulino Alcántara, who would go on to become the club's seventh all-time top scorer, to their ranks in 1912.
1913: End of Barcelona's Winning Streak in the Pyrenees Cup and Copa del Rey Success
Barcelona's dominance in the Pyrenees Cup ended in 1913, marking the end of their four-year winning run. However, they had already established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. During this period, they also secured three Copa del Rey titles, further solidifying their status as a top club.
1913: Ramón Torralba Joins Barcelona
Ramón Torralba began his playing career at Barcelona in 1913, marking the beginning of his journey with the club.
February 1917: Barcelona Holds First Tribute Match for Ramón Torralba
On February 4, 1917, Barcelona organized their first tribute match to honor Ramón Torralba, a player who served the club from 1913 to 1928. The match, played against local side Terrassa, ended in a 6–2 victory for Barcelona.
1917: Jack Greenwell Appointed as Barcelona's First Full-Time Manager
Barcelona made a strategic decision in 1917 by appointing Jack Greenwell as their first full-time manager. This move aimed to bring structure, professionalism, and tactical expertise to the team.
1917: Greenwell's First Tenure Begins
Jack Greenwell embarked on his first stint as FC Barcelona's manager, marking the beginning of his long and impactful tenure.
1917: Jack Greenwell Becomes Barcelona's First Full-Time Coach
In a significant move, Barcelona appointed Jack Greenwell as their first full-time coach in 1917, ushering in a new era of professionalism and tactical development.
1918: Espanyol Opposes Catalan Autonomy
In 1918, amidst growing discussions about Catalan autonomy, RCD Espanyol took a stance against it, further fueling the political dimensions of their rivalry with FC Barcelona.
1919: Beginning of Barcelona's First "Golden Age"
The late 1910s and early 1920s marked the beginning of Barcelona's first "golden age." Under the leadership of Joan Gamper and coach Jack Greenwell, and with star players like Paulino Alcántara, the team experienced a period of remarkable success.
1920: Barcelona Wins Copa del Rey
Barcelona added another Copa del Rey trophy to their collection in 1920.
1922: Construction of Camp de Les Corts
In 1922, with a burgeoning fanbase exceeding 20,000, Barcelona embarked on the construction of Camp de Les Corts, a larger stadium with a capacity of 20,000, marking a significant step in the club's growth.
1922: Barcelona Moves to Les Cortes Stadium
Thanks to the financial support of its growing fanbase, Barcelona inaugurated its new stadium, Les Cortes, in 1922. This marked a significant step forward for the club, providing them with a larger venue and a symbol of their growing stature.
1922: Barcelona Wins Another Copa del Rey
Barcelona continued their success in the Copa del Rey with another victory in 1922.
1924: End of Greenwell's First Tenure
Jack Greenwell concluded his first period as FC Barcelona's manager.
June 1925: Political Tensions Impact Barcelona
On June 14, 1925, a spontaneous protest against Primo de Rivera's dictatorship erupted at Les Cortes during a game, leading to the stadium's closure for six months and forcing Joan Gamper to resign as club president.
1925: End of Gamper's Final Term as President
Joan Gamper's final term as Barcelona's president concluded in 1925, marking the end of an era. Over his multiple tenures, he had a transformative impact on the club.
1926: Barcelona Embraces Professionalism in Football
In 1926, reflecting the changing landscape of football, Barcelona's directors publicly declared the club as a professional entity. This move signified a significant shift towards a more structured and business-oriented approach.
July 1927: Barcelona's Second Tribute Match for Paulino Alcántara
Barcelona honored Paulino Alcántara with a second testimonial match on July 3, 1927, facing off against the Spanish national team. Adding a touch of spectacle to the event, local journalist and pilot Josep Canudas dramatically dropped the game ball onto the pitch from his airplane.
1928: End of Barcelona's First "Golden Age"
After a period of dominance in the 1920s, Barcelona's first "golden age" came to an end in 1928.
1928: Ramón Torralba's Time at Barcelona Comes to an End
After a long and successful stint with Barcelona, Ramón Torralba's time at the club ended in 1928, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and memorable performances.
1928: "Oda a Platko" - A Poetic Tribute to Barcelona's Goalkeeper
Barcelona's victory in the Spanish Cup in 1928 inspired Rafael Alberti, a prominent member of the Generation of '27, to pen a heartfelt poem titled "Oda a Platko." The poem celebrated the heroic performance of Barcelona's goalkeeper, Franz Platko, during the tournament.
June 1929: Barcelona Crowned Champions of the Inaugural Spanish League
Barcelona etched their name in history by winning the inaugural Spanish League in June 1929, establishing themselves as the first champions of this prestigious competition.
1929: Primera División Founded - Barcelona as Founding Member
The Primera División was founded in 1929 with Barcelona being one of its founding members, along with Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid.
July 1930: Tragic Death of Joan Gamper
A year after Barcelona's triumph in the Spanish League, tragedy struck as Joan Gamper, the club's founder and driving force, died by suicide in July 1930 following a period of personal and financial difficulties.
1930: Beginning of a Period of Decline
The 1930s marked the beginning of a period of decline for FC Barcelona, despite winning the Campionat de Catalunya in 1930, as political conflict began to overshadow sports in society.
1931: Greenwell's Return
Jack Greenwell returned for his second spell as FC Barcelona's manager.
1931: Campionat de Catalunya Victory
FC Barcelona won the Campionat de Catalunya in 1931.
1932: Cultural Identity in Statutes
FC Barcelona's statutes from 1932 officially recognized the club's deep connection to Catalan culture, emphasizing its role as an entity promoting cultural and sporting values.
1932: Campionat de Catalunya Victory
FC Barcelona won the Campionat de Catalunya in 1932.
1933: Barcelona's Dominant Victory
FC Barcelona achieved one of their seven 5-0 victories against Espanyol.
1933: End of Greenwell's Second Tenure
Jack Greenwell concluded his second and final stint as FC Barcelona's manager, solidifying his place as the club's longest-serving manager.
1934: Campionat de Catalunya Victory
FC Barcelona won the Campionat de Catalunya in 1934.
1936: Campionat de Catalunya Victory
FC Barcelona won the Campionat de Catalunya in 1936.
1936: Josep Sunyol's Execution
In 1936, during the Spanish Civil War, Barcelona's president, Josep Sunyol, a prominent Catalan politician, was arrested and executed by Franco's forces, marking a tragic moment in the club's history. This event solidified FC Barcelona's image as a symbol of Catalan resistance against Franco's regime.
1937: Disputed National Title
In 1937, FC Barcelona were involved in a disputed national title win.
March 1938: Barcelona Bombing and Club Restrictions
In March of 1938, Barcelona was bombed by the Italian Air Force, with one bomb hitting the club's offices. Catalonia was occupied and the club faced restrictions, forcing a name change to Club de Fútbol Barcelona and the removal of the Catalan flag from the crest.
1938: Campionat de Catalunya Victory
FC Barcelona won the Campionat de Catalunya in 1938.
1939: Start of Franco's Rule
The beginning of Francisco Franco's dictatorship in 1939 marked a complex period in Spanish football, with debates about its influence on Barcelona and Real Madrid.
1943: Controversial Copa del Generalísimo Semi-final
In 1943, FC Barcelona lost to Real Madrid 11-1 in the Copa del Generalísimo semi-final second leg, a game shrouded in controversy with allegations of police threats towards Barcelona players.
1946: Expansion of Camp de Les Corts
The expansion of Camp de Les Corts continued in 1946 with the construction of the southern stand.
1947: Barcelona's Repeat Performance
FC Barcelona replicated their dominant 5-0 win against Espanyol.
June 1950: László Kubala Signing
In June 1950, FC Barcelona signed László Kubala, who would become a key player for the club.
June 1950: Barcelona Signs László Kubala
Barcelona's signing of László Kubala in June 1950 proved to be a pivotal moment in the club's history, with the legendary player going on to score an incredible 196 goals in 256 matches.
1950: Expansion of Camp de Les Corts
The final expansion of Camp de Les Corts took place in 1950, bringing the stadium's capacity to 60,000, as Barcelona's stature in Spanish football continued to rise.
1951: Espanyol's Resounding Victory
Espanyol secured their largest margin win against FC Barcelona with a score of 6-0.
1951: Barcelona Fans Support Tram Strike
In a show of solidarity with a tram strike in Barcelona, fans walked home from a game in 1951, solidifying the club's image as a symbol of resistance against the Francoist regime.
1951: El Barça de les Cinc Copes
The 1951-1952 Barcelona team, known as "El Barça de les Cinc Copes," etched their name into Spanish football history by becoming the first team to win five trophies in a single season.
1952: El Barça de les Cinc Copes
The 1951-1952 Barcelona team, known as "El Barça de les Cinc Copes," etched their name into Spanish football history by becoming the first team to win five trophies in a single season.
September 1953: Barcelona President Resigns Amidst Di Stéfano Controversy
In September 1953, the president of FC Barcelona was forced to resign due to widespread discontent among club members over the controversial decision to share Alfredo Di Stéfano's playing rights with Real Madrid.
March 1954: Construction of Camp Nou Begins
On March 28, 1954, construction began on Camp Nou, Barcelona's iconic stadium, marking a new chapter in the club's history.
1954: Barcelona and Real Madrid Compete for Di Stéfano
The year 1954 saw intense rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid as they fought for the signing of Alfredo Di Stéfano, ultimately leading to a controversial resolution that shaped the future of both clubs.
1955: Barcelona's Unbroken European Streak Begins
Since the inception of European competitions in 1955, including the non-UEFA competition Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, Barcelona stands as the only Spanish club to have participated in every season, a testament to their enduring presence on the European stage.
1955: Di Stéfano Transfer Sparks Controversy
The controversial transfer of Alfredo Di Stéfano in 1955, despite his initial agreement with Barcelona, fueled the rivalry with Real Madrid and significantly impacted the trajectory of both clubs.
1956: Di Stéfano Joins Real Madrid
In 1956, after a controversial transfer saga, Alfredo Di Stéfano ultimately joined Real Madrid, marking a turning point in the balance of power in Spanish football.
September 1957: Camp Nou Opens Its Doors
On September 24, 1957, Camp Nou was officially inaugurated, with the construction costing 288 million pesetas, more than three times the initial budget, highlighting the club's ambition.
1957: All-Catalan Copa del Rey Final
FC Barcelona emerged victorious in the first and only all-Catalan Copa del Rey final against Espanyol.
1957: Real Madrid: "The Best Embassy"
In 1957, Fernando Maria Castiella, Franco's Foreign Minister, famously called Real Madrid "the best embassy we have ever had," indicating a shift in Franco's favor towards Real Madrid due to their international success in the 1950s, which reflected positively on his regime.
1957: Literary Tribute to Camp Nou
Renowned Catalan writer Josep Maria de Sagarra penned a poem titled "Blau i grana" in celebration of the inauguration of FC Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium.
1957: Camp Nou Completion
Camp Nou, FC Barcelona's new stadium, was finished in 1957.
1957: Martínez's Scoring Spree
Eulogio Martínez established himself as FC Barcelona's top scorer in a single cup game with an impressive seven goals against Atlético Madrid.
1959: Real Madrid Defeats Barcelona in European Cup
In 1959, the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona reached the European stage, with Real Madrid emerging victorious on their way to their fifth consecutive European Cup title.
1960: Barcelona and Real Madrid Clash Again in Europe
The year 1960 saw another chapter in the European rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, with their matches becoming symbolic of the intense competition between the two Spanish giants.
1961: First Club to Defeat Real Madrid in European Cup Play-off
FC Barcelona became the first club to defeat Real Madrid in a European Cup play-off in 1961, though they ultimately lost in the final to Benfica.
1963: Copa del Generalísimo Victory
FC Barcelona won the Copa del Generalísimo in 1963.
1964: Barcelona's Continued Dominance
FC Barcelona secured another 5-0 victory against Espanyol.
1966: Fairs Cup Victory
FC Barcelona won the Fairs Cup in 1966.
1968: Copa del Generalísimo Victory Against Real Madrid
In 1968, FC Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 1-0 to win the Copa del Generalísimo at the Santiago Bernabéu.
1969: End of Castiella's Tenure
Fernando Maria Castiella's time as Foreign Minister under Franco ended in 1969, marking a period where Real Madrid was seen as a tool for positive international image for Franco's Spain.
1971: Cruyff's First Ballon d'Or Win
Johan Cruyff won his first Ballon d'Or award while playing for Ajax in 1971.
1974: "El Cant del Barça" Receives New Orchestration
In celebration of their 124th anniversary and in anticipation of their 125th, Barcelona introduced a new, enhanced recording of their anthem, "El Cant del Barça," featuring the Vallès Symphony Orchestra, the Orfeó Català, and the Cor Jove youth choir.
1974: Cruyff's Third Ballon d'Or Win
Johan Cruyff won his third Ballon d'Or award, becoming the first player to do so, while playing for FC Barcelona in 1974.
1974: Name and Crest Reversion
Following the end of Franco's dictatorship, FC Barcelona changed its name back to Futbol Club Barcelona and restored its original crest in 1974.
1974: "El Cant del Barça" Becomes Official Anthem
To commemorate their 75th anniversary in 1974, Barcelona adopted "El Cant del Barça" as their official anthem, a song that has since become synonymous with the club's identity and resonated deeply with their global fanbase.
1975: Barcelona's Unwavering Form
FC Barcelona maintained their winning streak with a 5-0 victory against Espanyol.
1978: Josep Lluís Núñez Elected as President
In 1978, Josep Lluís Núñez became the first elected president of FC Barcelona, marking a significant change in the club's operations.
May 1979: First European Cup Winners' Cup Victory
FC Barcelona won their first European Cup Winners' Cup in May 1979, defeating Fortuna Düsseldorf.
1980: Camp Nou Brick Controversy
In 1980, Barcelona faced unexpected controversy when a fundraising initiative involving supporters inscribing their names on bricks for Camp Nou's redesign backfired, with reports surfacing that a brick bore the name of Real Madrid's long-time chairman and Franco supporter Santiago Bernabéu.
1981: Spanish Clubs Embrace Shirt Sponsorships
In a significant shift in Spanish football, clubs began displaying sponsor names on their shirts in 1981, marking a turning point in the commercialization of the sport.
June 1982: Diego Maradona Joins Barcelona
In a groundbreaking move in June 1982, Barcelona acquired Diego Maradona from Boca Juniors for a then-world record fee of £5 million, marking a significant moment in the club's history.
1984: Terry Venables Takes Helm and Barcelona Clinches La Liga Title
The start of the 1984-85 season saw the arrival of Terry Venables as manager. His tenure brought immediate success, with Barcelona winning the La Liga title, largely thanks to the impressive performances of German midfielder Bernd Schuster.
March 1986: Record Home Attendance
FC Barcelona achieved their highest-ever home attendance in March 1986, with 120,000 spectators witnessing their European Cup quarter-final clash against Juventus at Camp Nou.
1986: Barcelona Signs Gary Lineker
Following the 1986 FIFA World Cup, Barcelona bolstered their squad with the signing of English striker Gary Lineker, who was at the peak of his career.
November 28, 1988: Joan Manuel Serrat Performs "El Cant del Barça" at Centenary Celebration
As part of Barcelona's centenary celebrations on November 28, 1988, renowned Catalan singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat delivered a memorable performance of "El Cant del Barça" at Camp Nou, adding to the festive atmosphere.
1988: Johan Cruyff Returns as Manager, Building the "Dream Team"
In a pivotal moment, Johan Cruyff came back to Barcelona in 1988, this time as manager. He set about creating what would be remembered as the "Dream Team." Cruyff blended emerging Spanish talents like Pep Guardiola, José Mari Bakero, and Txiki Begiristain with international stars such as Ronald Koeman, Michael Laudrup, and Hristo Stoichkov, laying the foundation for a new era of dominance.
1990: Copa del Rey Victory for Barcelona
Barcelona added another trophy to their cabinet in 1990 by winning the Copa del Rey.
1992: Barcelona's Impressive Win
FC Barcelona delivered an emphatic 5-0 victory against Espanyol.
1992: Barcelona Conquers Europe, Winning Both the European Cup and European Super Cup
1992 was a year of European glory for Barcelona. They clinched the European Cup at Wembley Stadium, defeating Sampdoria with a memorable free-kick goal by Ronald Koeman. This victory was followed by another triumph as they lifted the European Super Cup.
1994: Cruyff's Tenure Ends After Eight Successful Years
After eight remarkably successful years at the helm, Johan Cruyff's time as Barcelona manager came to an end in 1994. Despite failing to add to the trophy cabinet in his final two seasons, his impact on the club was undeniable. Cruyff's tenure brought about a transformation in the team's playing style, emphasizing possession-based football, which would later be known as "Tiki-Taka," and nurturing young talents through the La Masia academy.
1996: Bobby Robson Takes Charge, Leading Barcelona to a Cup Treble
Bobby Robson's brief but impactful tenure as Barcelona manager began in the 1996-97 season. He made a significant impact by signing the Brazilian sensation Ronaldo from PSV for a world record fee, further strengthening the team's attack. Under Robson's guidance, Barcelona achieved a remarkable cup treble, securing the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and the Supercopa de Espana.
1998: Barcelona Celebrates a Historic Double, Winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey
Barcelona celebrated a memorable double in 1998, clinching both the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey, demonstrating their dominance in Spanish football.
1998: Barcelona Signs with Nike
The year 1998 marked the beginning of Barcelona's long-standing partnership with Nike, which continues to this day.
2000: Van Gaal and Núñez Depart Amidst Champions League Disappointment
Despite domestic success, the year 2000 saw the end of Louis van Gaal's second spell as Barcelona manager and the resignation of president Josep Lluís Núñez. The departures were primarily due to the team's continued struggles in the Champions League, a competition that had become a measure of success for top clubs.
2000: Luis Figo's Controversial Transfer to Real Madrid
In a transfer that sent shockwaves through the football world, Luís Figo, a revered figure at Barcelona, made the controversial move to arch-rivals Real Madrid in 2000. The transfer sparked outrage among Barcelona fans, who felt betrayed by their former captain. Figo's return to Camp Nou as a Real Madrid player was met with intense hostility, highlighting the bitter rivalry between the two clubs.
2002: "Match of The Century" Captivates Global Audience
In 2002, the clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona was dubbed the "Match of The Century," attracting a global audience of over 500 million viewers and further solidifying the fixture's legendary status.
February 2003: Barcelona Struggles in La Liga, Leading to Van Gaal's Resignation and Gaspart's Departure
Barcelona experienced one of their most challenging periods in February 2003. The team's poor performance in La Liga, which saw them languishing in 15th place, led to the resignation of Louis van Gaal, who had returned for a second stint as manager. The disastrous season culminated in the resignation of president Joan Gaspart, bringing an end to his tumultuous three-year reign.
2003: Barcelona Drops to Europa League
For the first time since the 2003-04 season, Barcelona competed in the Europa League, marking a setback for the club.
2003: Laporta Elected President, Ushering in a New Era
In 2003, Joan Laporta was elected as the new president of Barcelona, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the club's history. Laporta's election came after a period of instability and fan discontent. His arrival brought renewed hope and ambition to the club, setting the stage for a return to its former glory.
2004: Frank Rijkaard's Arrival and a Return to Success
The year 2004 marked a turning point for Barcelona as Frank Rijkaard took over as manager, bringing a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of optimism. His arrival, coupled with the election of Joan Laporta as president the previous year, ushered in an era of resurgence for the club.
2005: Barcelona Conquers Europe Again, Winning the Champions League
Barcelona reached the pinnacle of European football once again in 2005, defeating Arsenal in a thrilling Champions League final. The victory, which came after a 14-year wait, solidified Barcelona's return to the elite level of European football.
2006: Barcelona Partners with UNICEF
Breaking away from tradition, Barcelona made a powerful statement in 2006 by featuring UNICEF's name on their shirts, not for financial gain, but to raise awareness and funds for the children's charity.
2006: Barcelona's trophyless season marked by injuries and internal conflicts
The 2006-2007 season saw Barcelona fall short of winning any trophies, despite beginning as favorites. The team's pre-season US tour was later attributed to a series of injuries sustained by key players like Eto'o and Messi. Internal disputes arose, including public criticism of coach Rijkaard by Eto'o and acknowledged fitness concerns impacting Ronaldinho's performance.
2007: Barcelona's Semi-Final Run and Managerial Change
During the 2007-2008 season, Barcelona secured a third-place finish in La Liga and reached the semi-finals of both the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey. However, their journey in both competitions was cut short by the eventual champions, Manchester United and Valencia, respectively.
June 2008: Pep Guardiola takes over as Barcelona manager
On June 2008, following a disappointing season and a 4-1 loss to Real Madrid, Joan Laporta announced Pep Guardiola's appointment as Barcelona's new manager, succeeding Frank Rijkaard.
2008: Espanyol's Historic Upset
Espanyol achieved a historic 2-1 win against FC Barcelona at Camp Nou, ending Barcelona's unbeaten run during their treble-winning season.
2008: Barcelona achieves historic treble under Guardiola
The 2008-2009 season marked a historic period for Barcelona as they achieved an unprecedented treble, winning the Copa del Rey, La Liga, and the Champions League. They defeated Athletic Bilbao 4-1 to secure their record-breaking 25th Copa del Rey title and followed it with a memorable 2-6 victory against Real Madrid to claim the La Liga championship. The team went on to defeat Manchester United 2-0 in the Champions League final, marking their third Champions League title and making them the first Spanish team to achieve a treble.
2008: "El Cant del Barça" Featured on Jerseys
In a move that symbolized the anthem's significance, "El Cant del Barça" was proudly displayed on Barcelona's official jerseys starting in the 2008–09 season.
2008: Revenue Ranking
Barcelona recorded €366 million in revenue during the 2008-09 season, ranking second behind Real Madrid.
September 2009: Barcelona's Membership Surge
Barcelona's membership significantly increased from 100,000 in the 2003-04 season to 170,000 in September 2009, attributed to the influence of Ronaldinho and Joan Laporta's media strategy.
December 2009: Barcelona Wins the Club World Cup
In December 2009, Barcelona added another trophy to their cabinet by clinching the 2009 Club World Cup title.
December 2009: Barcelona Wins Sextuple
In December 2009, Barcelona achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first European football team to win six trophies in a calendar year, securing their place as one of the greatest teams of all time.
2009: Barcelona Claims Historic Continental Treble and Sextuple
Barcelona etched its name in football history in 2009 by becoming the first Spanish club to achieve the continental treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League). They further cemented their dominance by winning the Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup, becoming the first European club to win six out of six competitions in a single year.
2009: Puyol's Catalan Armband Celebration Ignites Tensions
In 2009, Barcelona captain Carles Puyol's gesture of kissing the Catalan armband in front of Real Madrid fans at the Bernabéu stadium fueled the rivalry's intensity, showcasing the deep-seated cultural and political undertones.
2009: Barcelona's La Masia Makes History at Ballon d'Or
In a testament to the exceptional talent nurtured at Barcelona's La Masia academy, all three finalists for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or were graduates of the prestigious youth system. Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi Hernandez were recognized as the three best players in the world for 2010.
June 2010: Rosell Elected President; La Masia Graduates Shine at World Cup
Following Laporta's departure, Sandro Rosell was elected as Barcelona's new president in June 2010. Rosell made significant signings, bringing in David Villa and Javier Mascherano. Notably, graduates from Barcelona's La Masia academy played pivotal roles in Spain's World Cup victory, with seven of them featuring in the final.
November 2010: Barcelona Thrashes Real Madrid in El Clasico
Barcelona asserted their dominance in El Clasico in November 2010, delivering a resounding 5-0 victory against their arch-rivals, Real Madrid.
2010: Forbes Valuation
Forbes valued FC Barcelona at approximately €752 million (US$1 billion), placing them fourth among the world's most valuable football clubs.
2010: Barcelona Youth Academy Achieves Unprecedented Feat
In a historic moment for the club, three players from Barcelona's youth academy, Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Xavi, were honored as the three best players globally at the FIFA Ballon d'Or awards in 2010.
April 2011: Barcelona Falls Short in Copa del Rey Final
Barcelona reached the Copa del Rey final in April 2011, but their quest for the trophy ended in disappointment as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Real Madrid.
August 2011: Barcelona Signs Fabregas, Wins Supercup
Barcelona bolstered their squad in August 2011 by signing Cesc Fabregas, a graduate of their esteemed La Masia academy, from Arsenal. Fabregas's arrival contributed to the team's success as they triumphed over Real Madrid to secure the Spanish Supercup, bringing their total trophy count to 73, equaling Real Madrid's record.
2011: Barcelona Wins Club World Cup, Earns Laureus Award
Barcelona achieved a historic feat in December by winning the Club World Cup for a record second time. They defeated Santos 4-0 in the final, with Lionel Messi scoring twice and Xavi and Cesc Fàbregas adding one each. This victory marked their 13th trophy under Pep Guardiola's leadership. Barcelona's exceptional performance and achievements led to them being widely regarded as one of the greatest football teams, earning them the Laureus World Sports Award for Team of the Year in 2011.
2011: Barcelona's Second Treble
Barcelona continued their winning streak in 2011, adding another Champions League title to their trophy cabinet and achieving a remarkable five-trophy haul.
2011: Guardiola's Departure and Final Copa del Rey Triumph
Barcelona's Champions League journey in the 2011-2012 season ended in the semi-finals against Chelsea. Following this setback and mounting pressure regarding his tactics and squad selections, Pep Guardiola, operating on a rolling contract, decided to step down as manager. Guardiola's tenure culminated with a triumphant 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final, securing his 14th trophy as Barcelona's manager.
March 2012: Messi Breaks All-Time Scoring Record
Lionel Messi became FC Barcelona's all-time leading scorer in official competitions in March 2012, surpassing César Rodríguez's 60-year-old record of 232 goals.
December 2012: Tito Vilanova's Tenure and Health Concerns
Tito Vilanova took over as Barcelona's manager in the summer of 2012. Despite facing health challenges, including a three-month medical leave due to throat cancer, Vilanova guided the team to an impressive run. Barcelona maintained the top spot in La Liga for the entire season, losing only twice and amassing an impressive 100 points. Lionel Messi once again led the scoring charts with 46 goals, including two hat-tricks. However, Vilanova's health forced him to resign in July 2013.
2012: Messi's Champions League Feat
Lionel Messi joined the ranks of Champions League record holders by netting five goals against Bayer Leverkusen.
July 2013: Gerardo Martino Takes Charge
Gerardo "Tata" Martino was officially appointed as Barcelona's new manager in July 2013 for the upcoming 2013-2014 season. Under Martino's guidance, Barcelona secured the Supercopa de España title, winning on away goals against Atlético Madrid.
2013: Launch of 'Barça Cultura'
FC Barcelona introduced the 'Barça Cultura' initiative, aiming to leverage the club's platform to champion and promote Catalan culture.
2013: Forbes Ranking
Forbes magazine ranked FC Barcelona as the third most valuable sports team globally, trailing only Real Madrid and Manchester United, with a value of $2.6 billion.
January 2014: Rosell Resigns, Bartomeu Steps In
Sandro Rosell's presidency came to an end in January 2014 when he resigned amidst allegations of misappropriation related to the transfer of Neymar. Josep Maria Bartomeu assumed the presidency to complete Rosell's term.
2014: Forbes and Deloitte Rankings
Forbes named FC Barcelona the world's second most valuable sports team, valued at $3.2 billion, while Deloitte positioned them as the fourth wealthiest football club based on revenue, with €484.6 million.
2015: Barcelona Makes History with Second Treble
Barcelona etched their name in football history by becoming the first European team to achieve a second treble. They secured the Copa del Rey title with a victory against Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou. Their historic season culminated with a 3-1 triumph over Juventus in the Champions League final, completing a remarkable treble - their second in six seasons. The formidable attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar, dubbed "MSN," was instrumental in their success, scoring a record-breaking 122 goals across all competitions.
2015: Barcelona Achieves Historic Milestones
In 2015, Barcelona secured a record fifth European Super Cup victory and a record third Club World Cup title. They also set a new record for most goals scored in a calendar year with 180 goals across all competitions.
2015: Barcelona Makes History with Second Continental Treble
Under Luis Enrique's guidance, Barcelona clinched their fifth Champions League trophy in 2015, becoming the first European club ever to achieve the continental treble twice.
February 2016: Barcelona Breaks Unbeaten Record
In February 2016, Luis Enrique's Barcelona team set a new club record by going 28 consecutive games unbeaten in all competitions, surpassing the previous record set by Guardiola's team in the 2010-11 season.
April 2016: Barcelona's Unbeaten Streak Ends
Barcelona's impressive 39-game unbeaten streak came to an end in April 2016 with a 2-1 loss to Real Madrid at Camp Nou.
2016: Barcelona's Recent Dominance
FC Barcelona continued their recent dominance over Espanyol with a 5-0 victory.
2016: Barcelona Renews with Nike in Record Deal
In 2016, Barcelona secured a record-breaking kit deal with Nike, extending their partnership until 2028 for a staggering €155 million per year, highlighting the club's global brand power.
2016: La Masia Ranked Second Best Academy
Barcelona's renowned youth academy, La Masia, received significant recognition in 2016 when it was ranked second by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) as the most top-level players producing academy in the world.
May 2017: Ernesto Valverde Appointed as Barcelona Manager
Former Barcelona player Ernesto Valverde was appointed as the team's new head coach in May 2017, succeeding Luis Enrique.
September 2017: Barcelona Issues Statement on Catalan Referendum
In September 2017, Barcelona released a statement expressing their support for the Catalan people's will regarding the independence referendum.
2017: Barcelona's Continued Supremacy
FC Barcelona affirmed their supremacy over Espanyol with another 5-0 victory.
2017: Forbes Ranking
Forbes placed FC Barcelona fourth among the world's most valuable sports teams, with a team value of $3.64 billion.
2017: Messi's Shirt Celebration Adds Fuel to the Rivalry
Lionel Messi's provocative celebration in 2017, holding his Barcelona jersey up to Real Madrid fans after scoring a late winner, further intensified the rivalry and added to the long history of memorable moments.
November 2018: Record-Breaking Payroll
In November 2018, FC Barcelona became the first sports team with an average first-team payroll exceeding £10 million ($13.8 million) per year.
January 2020: Quique Setién Replaces Ernesto Valverde as Barcelona Coach
Following a loss to Atlético Madrid in the Spanish Supercup, Quique Setién was appointed as Barcelona's new head coach in January 2020, replacing Ernesto Valverde.
October 2020: Josep Maria Bartomeu Resigns as Barcelona President
In October 2020, Josep Maria Bartomeu announced his resignation as president of Barcelona to avoid a vote of no confidence from the club members.
December 2020: Messi Surpasses Pelé's Club Record
Lionel Messi achieved another milestone in December 2020 by surpassing Pelé's 643 goals for Santos, establishing himself as the highest official scorer for a single club.
2020: End of Bartomeu's Presidency
Josep Maria Bartomeu's tenure as FC Barcelona's president, marked by significant spending, concluded.
March 2021: Messi Breaks Appearance Record
Lionel Messi surpassed Xavi's record of 767 appearances for FC Barcelona in March 2021.
March 2021: Joan Laporta Elected President of Barcelona
Joan Laporta was elected as the new president of Barcelona in March 2021 with 54.28% of the vote.
August 2021: Barcelona Faces Financial Struggles and Lionel Messi Departs
In August 2021, Barcelona faced significant financial challenges and were unable to re-sign Lionel Messi due to La Liga's Financial Fair Play regulations, leading to Messi's departure from the club.
December 2021: Espai Barça Project Approved
In a historic moment for FC Barcelona, December 2021 saw club members vote overwhelmingly in favor of the Espai Barça project. This marked the first online referendum in the club's history.
2021: Behind the Scenes of a Challenging Season
The 2021-22 season, documented in the Amazon Prime Video docuseries "FC Barcelona: A New Era," captured the club's experiences during a challenging period.
2021: Financial Challenges
FC Barcelona faced substantial financial difficulties, with gross debt reaching approximately $1.4 billion, largely attributed to overspending and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 2022: Global Fanbase and Recognition
As of March 2022, Barcelona had 1,264 officially registered fan clubs worldwide, called "penyes," showcasing their global reach and support.
December 2022: Release of "FC Barcelona: A New Era" Season 1
Amazon Prime Video premiered a five-part docuseries titled "FC Barcelona: A New Era," offering viewers an exclusive glimpse into the club's 2021-22 season.
2022: Partnership with Òmnium
FC Barcelona and Òmnium Cultural, a Catalan cultural advocacy group, entered into a partnership to further advance the Catalan language, culture, and national identity.
January 2023: Barcelona Wins Supercopa de España
Under the guidance of Xavi, Barcelona secured their first trophy since the 2021 Copa del Rey by winning the Supercopa de España in January 2023.
May 2023: Membership Update
As of May 2023, FC Barcelona had 150,317 socis, reflecting the club's large and dedicated fan base.
May 2023: Barcelona's Membership Reaches 150,317
As of May 2023, Barcelona had 150,317 members, known as socis.
June 2023: Camp Nou Renovation Begins
After some delays, renovation work on the iconic Camp Nou stadium began on June 1, 2023, as part of the ambitious Espai Barça project.
September 2023: Release of "FC Barcelona: A New Era" Season 2
Amazon Prime Video launched the second season of "FC Barcelona: A New Era," continuing the behind-the-scenes look into the club's 2022-23 season with five new episodes.
2023: Barcelona Leads Europe in Kit and Merchandise Sales
Barcelona's commercial success was evident in 2023 when the club emerged as the revenue leader in Europe from kit and merchandise sales, generating a turnover of €179 million and demonstrating their immense global appeal.
November 2024: Barcelona's Temporary Move and Return
During the renovation of Camp Nou, Barcelona will temporarily relocate to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc for the entire 2023–24 season, with an anticipated return to a partially renovated Camp Nou in November 2024.
2026: Camp Nou Renovation Completion
The completion of the Camp Nou renovation is expected by the end of 2026, transforming the stadium and its surrounding areas with an estimated €1.5 billion net funding.
2028: Barcelona Renews with Nike in Record Deal
In 2016, Barcelona secured a record-breaking kit deal with Nike, extending their partnership until 2028 for a staggering €155 million per year, highlighting the club's global brand power.