FC Barcelona marked its 125th anniversary with an extravagant celebration at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona on Friday evening. The iconic opera house, steeped in history since 1837, provided the perfect backdrop for a night that honoured the club’s remarkable journey. From overcoming challenges to continuing to aim for new heights, the club’s resilience mirrored the venue’s own survival through two fires.
Almost 2,000 distinguished guests, including athletes, celebrities, and representatives from various sectors, gathered to celebrate the occasion. As they walked down the red carpet, the atmosphere was electric, with dozens of camera flashes capturing the glamour of the night. It was an event that perfectly blended the club’s rich history with its present-day prestige.
A Tribute to FC Barcelona
The evening commenced with a poignant speech by David Carabén, Commissioner of the 125th Anniversary, who set the tone with a manifesto full of blaugrana passion. The festivities then took a nostalgic turn, as renowned announcer Aleix Santacana guided the audience on a journey back to November 29, 1899, to honour the club’s founder, Joan Gamper. His legacy as the visionary behind the club was celebrated, with President Joan Laporta reflecting on FC Barcelona’s incredible 125-year history.
Laporta’s Moving Address
President Laporta’s speech highlighted the club’s multi-sport identity, its deep connection to Catalonia and Catalan culture, and its role as a leader in defending rights and freedoms. His words encapsulated the spirit of a club that has evolved from humble beginnings to become a global sporting icon.
A Night of Laughter and Surprises
The evening was filled with laughter and emotion, expertly hosted by Llorenç Tarrés and Sandra Sabatés. The gala included comedic sketches by actors Jordi Ríos and Toni Albà, who brought back their beloved characters from the TV show Crackòvia, impersonating legends like Johan Cruyff and Carles Rexach. The audience was in stitches as the duo performed several hilarious routines.
Pep Plaza also entertained the crowd with his spot-on impersonations of public figures, including Jordi Pujol and Luis Enrique, adding to the fun atmosphere and celebrating the many individuals who’ve shaped the club over the years.
Voices from Barça’s Legends
The celebrations continued with heartfelt speeches from figures like Jordi Cruyff, who lauded the importance of La Masia, and Alexia Putellas, a current icon in women’s football. A tribute video also featured messages from some of the club’s greatest players, including Leo Messi, Carles Puyol, and Andrés Iniesta, reflecting on their time at the club and their impact on its history.
A New Mascot and Anthem Unveiled
A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the club’s new mascot, CAT, created by the Grangel Brothers for the anniversary. CAT stole the spotlight when it jumped onto the stage for a selfie with President Laporta, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal, infusing the event with energy and excitement. Fans will see the mascot debut at the upcoming Barça vs. Las Palmas match.
Additionally, the new Barça anthem, “L’Escut al Pit,” was revealed after a voting process among club members. The song, which won 63% of the vote, perfectly encapsulates the unity and pride of FC Barcelona and will be heard during matches starting this weekend.
Honouring Barça’s Diverse Legacy
The evening also celebrated legends from other sports, such as basketball, handball, roller hockey, and futsal, with Juan Carlos Navarro, Enric Masip, Gaby Cairo, and Jordi Torras in attendance. Together, these athletes have contributed to FC Barcelona’s remarkable success across multiple disciplines.
FC Barcelona’s commitment to social causes was also acknowledged, with the club’s Foundation celebrating its 30th anniversary. Dr. Marta Segú, director of the Foundation, and writer Albert Espinosa spoke about the club’s impactful charity work, including its partnership with UNICEF and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). A teaser for the upcoming Blaugrana Wristbands project was also shared, promising more initiatives that will positively impact communities around the world.
A Grand Finale
The night concluded with a special screening of a film by director Leigh Powis, showcasing the global influence of FC Barcelona. And no celebration would be complete without a sweet treat—an enormous blaugrana-themed cake marked the end of the evening, rounding off one of the most memorable nights in the club’s illustrious history.
As FC Barcelona celebrated its past, present, and future, fans could not help but feel optimistic about the next 125 years. The evening was a reminder that the blaugrana spirit remains as strong as ever. Here’s to many more years of success, growth, and passion.
Happy 125th Anniversary, FC Barcelona!
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