The Evolution of FC Barcelona: A Beacon of Catalan Identity and Pride

FC Barcelona stands as one of the most legendary football teams globally, known outside the U.S. simply as football, not soccer. With Lionel Messi, often hailed as the sport's greatest, leading the charge, the club has cultivated a passionate fanbase deeply intertwined with Spanish political dynamics. Situated in Barcelona, Catalonia's capital, the club's motto, 'Més que un club' ('More than a club'), resonates profoundly with locals. FC Barcelona, or Barça, transcends sports, embodying Catalonian pride and nationalism. Its journey to this status is a captivating tale, especially relevant in today's context.

On Oct. 1, Catalonia held a referendum for independence from Spain. Over 2 million Catalans participated, facing opposition from Spanish riot police aiming to halt the vote. The ensuing violence injured over 900 individuals, intensifying the longstanding political strife between Catalonia and Spain's central government.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy dismissed the referendum as 'unconstitutional,' despite Catalan officials reporting a 90 percent vote for independence, albeit with only 40 percent voter turnout. Barcelona saw massive protests and strikes, with FC Barcelona suspending all activities on Oct. 3, following a match played without fans due to separatist protests.

For Catalonians, long discontent under Spanish governance, FC Barcelona embodies their regional pride. Matches against rivals like Real Madrid often mirror the intensity of civil conflicts, played out on the football field.

At Camp Nou, Barcelona's home stadium, fans frequently chant 'Independencia!' at the 17:14 mark, echoing a 2012 game against Real Madrid. This timestamp commemorates 1714, the year Catalonia was defeated in its final major independence battle against the Kingdom of Castille.

Interestingly, FC Barcelona, a symbol of Catalan identity, was established by Hans Gamper, a Swiss national, in 1899. Initially, the club was notable for its international roster, contrasting with local rival Espanyol, which primarily featured Catalan players.

Barça solidified its role as Catalonia's 'national' team during the political turmoil preceding the Spanish Civil War in 1936. In 1935, Josep Sunyol, a wealthy Catalan lawyer and politician, became FC Barcelona's president. A staunch leftist, Sunyol believed in leveraging football for political advocacy. He founded the newspaper La Rambla, championing 'Esport i Ciutadania' ('Sports and Citizenship'), and used it to criticize Madrid's right-wing government.

When the Spanish Civil War erupted, pitting leftist Republicans against Franco's fascist forces, Sunyol remained steadfast as FC Barcelona's president. Many players joined the Republican cause. In August 1936, Sunyol and his companions traveled to the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains to support Republican fighters but mistakenly entered fascist territory. Upon shouting 'Viva la Republica!' at a checkpoint, they were executed on the spot.

Phil Ball, in 'Morbo: The Story of Spanish Football,' notes, 'Sunyol's death is now regarded as the pivotal moment for the club, symbolizing the suppression of cultural separatism, independence, and autonomy.'

Franco's fascists triumphed in the Civil War, and he ruled Spain as a dictator, suppressing Catalan culture, language, and traditions. With Sunyol's martyrdom fresh in their minds, Catalonians rallied behind FC Barcelona as a symbol of their national identity.

Ramón Spaaj, in 'Understanding Football Hooliganism,' states, 'Post-Civil War, FC Barcelona became the emblem of an oppressed nation.' Fans even targeted local rivals Espanyol, who adopted the Castilian spelling 'Español,' a move seen as highly provocative.

Espanyol, regardless of merit, faced accusations from Barça supporters of aligning with Madrid's fascist, centralist regime.

Ball writes, 'Despite their close proximity, Espanyol and FC Barcelona represent opposing social, cultural, and political ideologies: Catalanism vs. Anti-Catalanism, Anti-Spanishness vs. Spanishness, and integration vs. non-integration.'

The fervor of separatist protesters in Barcelona is evident, but the success of Catalonia's independence bid remains uncertain, as does its potential role as Europe's newest nation. The impact on FC Barcelona, a key player in Spain's La Liga, is also unclear. If Catalonia separates, can the team continue in the Spanish league?

At a recent press conference, FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu stated that if independence is achieved, the club might consider joining another top European league, such as the Premier League. He added, 'This scenario hasn't occurred yet... It would require careful consideration.'

The club will also participate as one of 11 'non-political organizations' in a commission aimed at resolving disputes between Catalan leaders and the Spanish government. However, the outcome of this political stalemate remains uncertain.