Performance of the brand

An incredibly successful season in 2010-11 saw the Catalans win a treble with both European and domestic success. This has allowed Barcelona to close the brand value gap on Spanish rival’s Real Madrid. Barca’s sumptuous brand of football attracted the largest average attendances of any club in Europe and star quartet Messi, Xavi, Iniesta & Villa have made the Catalan club incredibly marketable. The club’s administration need to build on this to maximise the use of their strong brand.

However, on pitch success has come at a price and a large debt pile continues to plague the club. With the highest average player salaries in Europe, this season sees Barcelona demote their former charitable ambitions and take on a paid shirt sponsor for the first time in its 110 year history. This change of strategy marks a significant moment in the sport as business and sport “values” are being debated. The not-for-profit Qatar Foundation has agreed to pay at least €30m a year until 2016 to be on the front of the Barca kit.  Whilst this move provides vital funds for the club, it has also upset many of the clubs Socios owners.

League tables

FC Barcelona appears in the following brand league tables:

Rank 4 in the The Brand Finance® Football 50 2012.
Rank 3 in the The Brand Finance® Football 50 2011.
Rank 3 in the Top 25 Football Club Brands 2011.
Rank 61 in the Spain 100 2010.
Rank 3 in the Top 25 Football Club Brands 2010.
Rank 3 in the Top 25 Football Club Brands 2009.