Barcelona accumulates around €2.5 billion in total liabilities (approximately R$15 billion at current exchange rates)
One of the giants of world football is also the most indebted club on the planet.
Barcelona accumulates around €2.5 billion in total liabilities (approximately R$15 billion at current prices), according to the club’s treasurer and recent reports such as that in The New York Times.
This debt can be divided into two main parts: €1.5 billion linked to the renovation of Camp Nou (Espai Barça project), financed by long-term loans and recently refinanced with help from Goldman Sachs.
And €1 billion in operational and current debts, inherited from years of mismanagement and worsened by the pandemic.
This amount is practically double the debt of its great rival, Real Madrid (around €1.3 billion to €1.4 billion, including its own renovated stadium).
It is important to recognize that Joan Laporta, since taking over in 2021, has significantly improved the chaotic scenario he inherited: he reduced losses, refinanced debts, increased revenues and brought the club to positive operational results in recent years.
However, the problem is still far from being completely resolved. The definitive solution depends on the new Spotify Camp Nou, which should generate extra revenue promised from 2027/28.
Conservative projections point to an additional €360 million annually; more optimistic analyzes reach €400 million per year with the complete stadium (capacity of 105 thousand seats, retractable roof and new VIP areas).
The Barcelona brand remains global and one of the most valuable in sport. Sponsorships already exceed €300 million annually and are expected to grow even more: Nike: around €120 million per year (renewed contract).
Spotify: €70–75 million (including stadium name + shirt), with extension until 2030/34.
The board is looking for new agreements with Arab, American and Asian companies. The club has more than 450 million followers on social media (one of the largest in the world), 140–150 thousand members paying high annual fees and buying tickets, as well as extra income from international tours, Barça Academy, Barça Studios and other businesses that generate tens of millions of euros.
Barcelona is a colossus with enormous potential. The debt is scary, but the path to recovery — with the new stadium and growing revenues — appears solid.
The future depends on prudent management and success on the field. Until then, Barça continues to be synonymous with greatness, even with the red numbers.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
