FC Barcelona

In the heart of Catalonia, set along the beautiful Mediterranean costline, sits a football club whose badge carries far more than colours and initials. FC Barcelona are not just one of the most successful teams in world football; they are a symbol of regional identity, political resistance, cultural pride and sporting excellence. Few clubs anywhere can claim that their crest tells the story of a people as clearly as Barcelona’s does – so let’s unpack it as we #GetTheBadgeIn.

In the top left sits the red cross of Saint George, known locally as Sant Jordi. Saint George is the patron saint of Barcelona and Catalonia (and some soggy little island off the coast of North-West Europe). The legend tells of a knight who slew a dragon to save a city, and his story became a powerful symbol of bravery, protection and standing up to oppression – chimes nicely with Catalonian identity.

The medieval Crown of Aragon, which included Barcelona as its key city, used St George’s cross on its shields and coat of arms in battle. As Barcelona grew in importance as a medieval trading and political centre, Saint George became closely associated with the city’s identity and defence. Churches, chapels and civic buildings were dedicated to him.

Alongside it are the red and yellow stripes of the Senyera, the flag of Catalonia. Catalonia is not just a region on a map; it has its own language, traditions and long history of seeking self-rule. For centuries, Catalans have worked to protect their identity within Spain, and football became one of the few public spaces where that identity could be expressed openly. By placing the Senyera on the badge, Barcelona made a clear statement: this club belongs to Catalonia.

The lower half of the crest is footballing rather than political. The famous blue and red blaugrana stripes are instantly recognisable around the world. They are usually linked to the club’s Swiss founder, Joan Gamper, and may have been inspired by his former club FC Basel. At the centre sits a football, a reminder that while history and politics matter, the game itself remains the core. The initials F.C.B. proudly spell out Futbol Club Barcelona, a name that has become global.

Barcelona’s story cannot be separated from Spain’s troubled 20th century. During the Spanish Civil War, the city was a stronghold of Republican resistance. Volunteers from across the world joined the International Brigades to fight fascism, including British writer George Orwell, who later described the street fighting in his book Homage to Catalonia. The war had a devastating impact on the club. Barcelona’s president Josep Sunyol was executed by Franco’s forces, and Catalan language and symbols were later banned under the dictatorship. The club became a quiet symbol of resistance simply by existing.

This history gives extra weight to Barcelona’s rivalry with Real Madrid. El Clásico is not just about footballing styles or trophies; it reflects decades of political tension. Real Madrid were long seen as the team of the Spanish state and central power, while Barcelona represented regional pride and opposition.

On the pitch, Barcelona’s success has been extraordinary. The club has won league titles, domestic cups and European trophies in huge numbers, building a reputation for playing beautiful, attacking football. From Johan Cruyff’s influence as a player and coach to the era of tiki-taka under Pep Guardiola, Barcelona helped shape how modern football is played. Legends such as Lionel Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and Ronaldinho are not just club heroes; they are icons of the sport itself.

British football also has a special place in Barcelona’s modern story. Bobby Robson, best remembered in England for transforming Ipswich Town before going on to England and then Newcastle, managed Barcelona in the 1990s. Under him, Gary Lineker became one of the club’s most effective strikers, scoring goals while adapting to a new culture and style of play.

Towering over all of this is Camp Nou, one of the largest and most famous stadiums in the world. For generations, it has been a place where football, politics and culture meet. Next to the stadium, the fan centre contains a trophy cabinet which is more of a warehouse, and seems to stretch on forever, filled with silverware that reflects decades of dominance.

It’s staggering success inspired countless teams across England to adopt its crest as its own, with many a non-league team borrowing the iconic shape of Barcelona’s shield, keeping the St George’s cross and simply replacing the Catalonian stripes with their own local heraldry. Prior to their 2017 rebrand Forest Green Rovers played with a Barcelona style crest.

In recent years, Barcelona has again found itself at the centre of political change. The push for greater Catalan autonomy and independence has brought mass demonstrations, referendums and firm pushback from the Spanish government. As before, the club has walked a careful line, but its identity as a symbol of Catalonia remains clear. That is why the club’s famous motto still rings true: Més que un club. Barcelona are not just a football team.

They are history, culture, resistance and pride, stitched together in blue and red.