If you’re an FC Barcelona fan or someone who never misses a La Liga match, you’ve probably heard or seen the quote “Més que un club.”
But do you actually know what that phrase means?
No? Great!
That’s exactly what you’re going to learn today!
WHAT DOES MÉS QUE UN CLUB MEAN?
When translated into English from Catalan, “Més que un club” means “More than a club.”
The phrase reflects Barça’s unique position in Catalonia, a region with its own language, culture, and history, often at odds with Spain’s central government.
That famous motto is more than just a catchy phrase…
“Més que un club” means a whole identity. A statement. And it perfectly captures what Barça stands for, on and off the pitch.
HOW TO PRONOUNCE MÉS QUE UN CLUB
Say it like this:
“Mes keh oon club”
“Més” rhymes with “mess,” “que” sounds like “keh,” “un” like “oon,” and “club” is said the same as in English.
Now that you’re saying it right, let’s talk history.
WHEN DID FC BARCELONA START USING THE MOTTO?
FC Barcelona officially adopted “Més que un club” as their slogan in 1968, under club president Narcís de Carreras.
But the idea behind it had been alive way before that.
The words were first spoken by Narcís de Carreras, a Catalan lawyer and longtime Blaugrana member, during a speech right before he was appointed president.
He said:
And just like that, “Més que un club” was born.
But make no mistake, this wasn’t just a slick line in a presidential speech.
It was a recognition of what Barça already was.
During Francisco Franco’s dictatorship (1939–1975), when speaking Catalan in public was banned and regional identities were being crushed, FC Barcelona quietly resisted.
- At Camp Nou, fans still sang in Catalan.
- The Catalan flag (Senyera) waved proudly, even though it was illegal elsewhere.
- The club became one of the few public places where Catalans could still feel Catalan.
Barça didn’t need to declare political intentions.
Its mere existence as a proud Catalan institution was enough.
The club was a safe haven, a form of protest, and a cultural guardian.
So when Narcís de Carreras said the words in 1968, they weren’t new.
They simply put into words what millions already felt.
And from that moment on, “Més que un club” became more than a motto, it became the club’s mission.
WHY IS IT MORE THAN JUST A SLOGAN?
Back in 2006, while other big clubs were cashing in on shirt sponsors, Barça did something different by featuring UNICEF on the front of their shirt, FOR FREE!
They became the first major football club to feature a charity on their kit, choosing values over cash.
Not only did they hand over premium advertising space, but they also pledged to donate €1.5 million annually to support UNICEF’s work for vulnerable children around the world.
That move said a lot: People over profit.
A message to the world that this club stands for something bigger than trophies and ticket sales.
OTHER ACTIONS THAT BACK UP THE MOTTO
- Through the Barça Foundation, the club has launched programs supporting education, refugee assistance, youth development, and anti-violence initiatives.
- During political tensions in Catalonia, the club has consistently spoken out in favor of freedom of expression and democratic rights, even when it meant risking fines or criticism.
- The club’s famed La Masia academy is built not just to create future professional football players, but to shape responsible people who understand what it means to represent the Barça values.
FC BARCELONA’S ISSUES WITH UEFA
FC Barcelona’s commitment to “Més que un club” has led to tension with the Union of European Football Associations.
This ongoing tension is also reflected in how FC Barcelona fans feel about UEFA’s influence, including their infamous practice of booing the Champions League anthem.
In 2015, Barça was fined for displaying the Catalan flag during a Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite these issues, the club has remained steadfast in prioritizing its Catalan identity and the values behind “Més que un club” over UEFA’s regulations.
One of the most notable tensions occurred in 2017, when Barcelona’s public support for Catalan independence led to a standoff with UEFA.
Following the controversial Catalan independence referendum which was deemed illegal by the Spanish government, UEFA warned FC Barcelona about its involvement in political matters.
The ex-president Josep Maria Bartomeu expressed that the club would always stand by its Catalan roots and support the Catalan people’s right to self-determination.
This stance was a clear example of the club putting their identity and values before any outside pressure, staying true to their motto of being “more than just a club“.
PLAYERS AND COACHES WHO EMBRACE CATALAN IDENTITY
XAVI HERNÁNDEZ
Born in Terrassa, Catalonia, Xavi has always spoken proudly about his roots.
He’s supported Catalonia’s right to decide its future and often emphasizes the region’s cultural uniqueness. As a coach and former captain, he embodies the club’s values on and off the pitch.
PEP GUARDIOLA
One of the most vocal supporters.
Pep has marched in pro-independence rallies, worn yellow ribbons in support of imprisoned Catalan leaders, and never shied away from speaking out about democracy and human rights in Catalonia.
“What I want is the people who are still in jail to go out as soon as possible because it’s not fair, because it’s a probation jail, and the politicians can start to make politics. So please start to talk. Forget about the judges and try to do the best for Catalonia and Spain. That is what everybody wants.”
GERARD PIQUÉ
Piqué might’ve played for Spain, but he’s always been pro-Catalan. He’s voted in independence referendums and often defended Catalans’ right to be heard, even if it meant getting booed by Spanish fans while playing for the national team.
OTHER NAMES
Víctor Valdés and Sergio Busquets have also expressed pride in their Catalan identity.
Even foreign players like Johan Cruyff admired the club’s connection to Catalonia and respected its political and cultural importance.
TLDR;
“Més que un club” means “More than a club”, a motto that reflects FC Barcelona’s deep ties to Catalan identity, culture, and values beyond football.
FINAL THOUGHT
Next time you hear someone say “Més que un club,” know it’s not just hype.
It’s true. It’s history. And it’s what makes FC Barcelona stand out in world football.
