FC BARCELONA, LA LIGA, ESP 

“Mes Que Un Club”, translates to More Than a Club in Catalan, and is exactly what FC Barcelona means to me.  It started several years prior to me discovering my love for the beautiful game. I’d occasionally see brief highlights of either the Champions League Final or the Copa del Rey Final on ESPN.  It seemed as though it was always La Blaugrana that was wining the title.  I remember seeing a young, sprite, long-locked Leo Messi roaring after netting a goal, as well as witnessing the sheer brilliance of Ronaldinho who I had come to know and enjoy from watching the FIFA World Cup.  I was instantly drawn to the raw passion and incomparable talent from these men, despite not really having access to following them and their club on regular basis.  

As years went by, and the game became more popular here in the States, there was more and more television coverage of the World Cup and European Championship. At this time, the Spanish National Team, featuring Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Andres Iniesta, and David Villa, won back-to-back-to-back titles, which led to me finally having the access to indulge and immerse myself in the sport.  In 2014, I was able to urge on a Leo Messi led Argentina who ultimately finished runner-up, and I was captivated by the raw but world class talent of Neymar Jr.  It seemed as though the stars were aligned, I was destined to be a Cule.

After the 2014 World Cup, I then began watching the UEFA Champions League on FS1.  Barcelona, being one of the premier clubs in Europe, was often on tv. This allowed me to watch them rather regularly during this competition.  As I saw more of La Azulgrana, I began to delve into the club’s history, finding that FC Barcelona is not just a soccer team, but truly a member of the city, a fabric of its societal heart beat.  The club is a symbol of success on and off the pitch.  A symbol for Catalan independence. During any and every game at the legendary Camp Nou, you will see Estelada flags flying through the stands.  

The essence of this club is rooted in Catalan pride, and that pride extends through even non-Catalan players.  The club focuses on producing world class “home grown” talent by grooming young soccer players through the famed La Masia academy. Many of these players ultimately progress to Barca’s senior squad, and complete much of Spain’s National Team. Those that don't make it to the ranks for the senior squad are sold off to other top clubs around Europe.  While in La Masia, the youths are not just taught how to transcend the soccer field, they are also taught the history of Catalunya, and how to speak the language, in addition to Spanish. As a side note, Catalan actually more closely resembles French than Spanish. Being a proud member of the community is of utmost importance.

This sense of community and pride for a club that is not just a world class performing team but holds top class players, is why I am now and will forever be a Cule.