In an exciting collaboration, FC Barcelona have unveiled their latest shirt design for the highly anticipated Clásico against Real Madrid on October 27.
As part of their ongoing partnership with Spotify, the iconic British band Coldplay will have their logo featured on the front of the men’s team jersey. This unique partnership extends beyond the men’s game, with the women’s team also set to wear the Coldplay-themed jerseys during their clash against Eibar on November 2.
A Musical Tradition Continues
This is not the first time Barcelona have showcased musical artistry on their shirts. In recent years, Spotify has facilitated one-off collaborations with some of the biggest names in music. Coldplay joins an elite group of artists who have graced Barça’s kits, following previous collaborations with Drake, Rosalía, Karol G, and The Rolling Stones. Each of these partnerships has added a fresh dynamic to the team’s visual identity, blending the worlds of sport and music in an unprecedented manner.
The Coldplay logo, a series of moons, pays homage to the band’s latest album, Moon Music. The moon-inspired design will replace the Spotify logo on the front of the jerseys, offering fans a limited-edition collectible and a deeper connection between the worlds of football and music.
Coldplay’s Deep Ties with FC Barcelona
Coldplay’s association with FC Barcelona isn’t a new one. The band has a cherished place in the club’s modern history, dating back to 2009. Ahead of the Champions League final against Manchester United, then-manager Pep Guardiola played the band’s iconic track “Viva la Vida” in a motivational video to inspire his players. Barcelona went on to win the final, and “Viva la Vida” became an anthem among fans, solidifying Coldplay’s connection to the club.
Since then, the members of Coldplay — Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion — have been frequent guests at Barça’s training ground, Sant Joan Despí. Their relationship with the club has only strengthened over the years, with Coldplay often attending matches and training sessions.
A Series of Historic Collaborations
Coldplay is the fifth musical act to be featured on Barcelona’s shirts since the club’s collaboration with Spotify began. The first artist to debut this unique concept was Drake in October 2022, although the men’s team suffered a loss to Real Madrid while donning the OVO logo. In March 2023, Rosalía’s Motomami logo brought better fortune, with Barcelona securing a victory over their bitter rivals. However, the back-to-back partnerships with The Rolling Stones and Karol G didn’t result in similar success, with consecutive LaLiga defeats to Madrid following their collaborations.
Interestingly, the women’s team has enjoyed greater success when wearing special-edition shirts. While the men faltered with some partnerships, the women’s team triumphed against Real Madrid, Sevilla, and Villarreal while wearing jerseys featuring Rosalía, The Rolling Stones, and Karol G’s logos.
More Than Just a Jersey: Coldplay Merchandise and Lifestyle Collection
In addition to the on-field collaboration, Coldplay, Spotify, and FC Barcelona are releasing a limited-edition lifestyle collection of merchandise. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase Coldplay-themed T-shirts, hoodies, and scarves, expanding the partnership beyond the pitch.
This collection is expected to be in high demand, with Coldplay fans and Barça supporters eager to grab a piece of this iconic collaboration.
Coldplay’s Presence in Barcelona’s Recent History
Coldplay’s connection with Barcelona reached new heights in 2023 when the band performed a series of sold-out concerts at the city’s Olympic Stadium. Notably, the stadium later became Barça’s temporary home while renovations at Camp Nou got underway. These concerts were attended by numerous past and present Barça players, including Lionel Messi, further intertwining Coldplay’s music with the heart and soul of the city.
During one of these concerts, fans at the stadium began chanting Messi’s name, in a surreal moment where football and music collided. At that time, speculation about Messi’s potential return to Barcelona was still rife before his eventual move to Inter Miami CF.
Looking Ahead: Will Coldplay Bring Luck to Barcelona?
Barcelona’s faithful will be hoping that their shared history with Coldplay brings them success in the Clásico. With previous partnerships yielding mixed results, the pressure is on for the men’s team to break the recent string of LaLiga defeats against Real Madrid.
The Coldplay logo, with its cosmic design, might just be the lucky charm Barça needs to reclaim dominance in this storied rivalry.
A Charitable Twist: Supporting Climate Change Projects
In addition to this exciting collaboration on the field, FC Barcelona is extending its commitment off the pitch. In partnership with Spotify, Coldplay, and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Barcelona and its Foundation are launching a new charity T-shirt to help combat the impact of climate change in refugee camps in Uganda. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to the joint project run by UNHCR and the FC Barcelona Foundation to address climate challenges in these communities.
This initiative highlights the social responsibility embraced by both the club and Coldplay, leveraging their global platforms for meaningful causes. Through this charitable venture, fans can not only support their favorite team and band but also contribute to a vital effort in the fight against climate change, making this partnership all the more impactful.
As fans gear up for the Clásico, the special Coldplay-branded jerseys will undoubtedly add a unique flair to an already electrifying encounter. With Coldplay’s logo taking center stage and the launch of a charitable initiative, this partnership will leave a lasting legacy both on and off the field.
Read More: Raphael Varane Explains His Move to Serie A Instead of Retiring at Manchester United
When is the El Classico?
The El Classico is on Sunday, October 27 from 12:30 am (IST) onwards.
