FC Barcelona Femeni exemplifies an unrivalled display of football in Europe, advancing to the peak with unrelenting momentum. The Blaugrana club unveiled their new season’s shirt, which pays a thrilling homage to the club’s trailblazers in women’s football.
The famous broad stripes are ornamented in the original Blaugrana hues, but with a stunning addition – a diamond-shaped insignia. This diamond insignia represents the badge from 1970. It also celebrates a momentous occasion when the first-ever Barcelona women’s squad played a football match at the world-famous Spotify Camp Nou stadium. It exemplifies Barça’s pioneering mentality, continually embracing a leadership position in both sports and society while leaving a legacy of victory.
With the notion of ‘Here, to lead the way,’ this new jersey attempts to pay honour to that historic occasion. The insignia is inspired by the trailblazing women who gathered in 1970 and bravely competed in a women’s football match in the stadium. These trailblazers paved the path for future generations by setting a precedent and showing themselves as real pioneers. Today, more than 50 years later, new players from the Barça academy are set to take the lead, becoming the Club’s torchbearers in the years ahead. This underscores one of FC Barcelona’s core values: being leaders in all parts of their undertakings.
Furthermore, the kit’s design also incorporates sustainable elements, utilizing innovative techniques that promote environmental consciousness.
Inspired by the pioneers for the future
The pioneers’ insignia adorns the new shirt in a way never seen before on a club kit. It has a symbolic diamond representing the first women’s supporters group, which was formed in 1970. The origins of this diamond can be traced back to that momentous year when Inma Cabeceran proposed the development of a women’s football squad in a letter to FC Barcelona’s then-president, Agust Montal i Costa. This resulted in a historic event: an intimate women’s football match played behind closed doors at the stadium on Christmas Day.
Following that game, the Penya Femenina Barcelonista was founded, making it the first female supporters club. Its crest merged parts of the old Barça logo with the reserve team’s characteristic diamond form. This squad eventually obtained formal recognition in 2002.
From then, history unfolded, opening the door for a slew of victories, culminating in the club’s first Women’s Champions League trophy in 2021, as well as Ballon d’Or accolades for Alexia Putellas, widely regarded as the best player in the world. Another historic milestone was just attained on June 3, 2023, with the club’s second Women’s Champions League triumph.
The Blaugrana stripes on the jersey are inspired by this iconic sign, while the jersey’s presentation campaign embodies the spirit of exploration.
More than a Club, More than Empowerment
It is not the first time that FC Barcelona celebrated the outstanding achievements of its women’s squad through its shirt design. The 2021/22 away kit, released as part of the ‘More Than’ campaign, paid tribute to the 50th anniversary of the game played on December 25, 1970, at Camp Nou.
FC Barcelona announced the away shirt for the 2021/22 season in a striking demonstration of support for women’s empowerment. By combining the club’s trademark blue and red, the design incorporated a brilliant shade of purple, symbolising the unified battle for gender equality. The team’s heritage is represented by the iconic Barça stripes. The feminine version of the club’s anthem line, ‘Tots units fem força’ (United we are strong), was prominently placed on the side of the shirt to emphasise the club’s devotion to women’s sports.
The ‘More Than’ campaign unveiled the away kit under the premise of ‘More than empowerment.’ It emphasised the club’s dedication to women’s football and acknowledged the crucial role of women in sports. This pledge was especially significant since it marked the 50th anniversary of the game played at Camp Nou on December 25, 1970, by the women’s squad Selecció Ciutat de Barcelona, which is regarded as the origin of Barça’s women’s football.
The Future Stars
The pioneering women’s team of FC Barcelona faced numerous challenges along their journey, but their unwavering determination laid the foundation for the emergence of future stars.
Today, the current FC Barcelona Femeni women’s squad continues to fly to new heights, building on the heritage of their predecessors. They are not only achieving incredible success on the field, but also serving as beacons of hope and encouragement for aspiring athletes, thanks to their extraordinary skill, steadfast devotion, and boundless enthusiasm. These modern-day superstars have become role models not just for their extraordinary football skills, but also for their resilience, tenacity, and dedication to the game. They are setting new benchmarks and lifting the bar, demonstrating that aspirations can be realised with hard effort, ability, and patience.
The pioneering women’s team’s influence stretches well beyond the football pitch. Their boldness and perseverance have broken down preconceptions and challenged cultural standards, allowing women to follow their passion for the game and trust in their skills. They have demonstrated that gender should never impede success.
In this moment of development and empowerment, FC Barcelona’s women’s team is a tribute to sport’s transforming potential. They continue to push the frontiers of football, inspire change, and leave an everlasting impression on the game. With each match, goal, and victory, they leave their mark on history and encourage future generations to dream big, work hard, and carve their pathways to success.
Written by Unnati Naidu
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