Ed Sheeran to Feature on FC Barcelona Jersey for El Clásico Match

Karachi: Spotify and FC Barcelona have announced that Ed Sheeran will become the first male solo pop artist to feature on the club’s jersey, as part of their seventh jersey takeover. The collaboration will see FC Barcelona players don a special edition of the blaugrana jersey featuring the logo of Sheeran’s newest album, “Play,” during the highly anticipated El Clásico match against Real Madrid on October 26.

This marks a significant moment for both the music and sports worlds, with Sheeran’s album “Play” set to release as his eighth studio album. The album draws inspiration from global sounds and stories, resonating with FC Barcelona’s international fanbase. The jersey takeover highlights the role of music in transcending cultural boundaries and fostering community.

Spotify’s initiative to feature artists on FC Barcelona jerseys has included icons like Drake, Rosalía, The Rolling Stones, and Coldplay. Sheeran’s involvement brings his extensive Spotify following—boasting over 92 million monthly listeners—into the spotlight. Robert Lewandowski, a prominent player for FC Barcelona, expressed excitement about Sheeran’s presence, noting the synergy between music and football in bringing fans together.

In addition to the match, the jersey will make its debut in the digital realm through the gaming platform eFootball, where it will be available for players worldwide starting October 23. This initiative continues the tradition of integrating the worlds of sports and music, reaching a broad audience through innovative channels.

A capsule collection, including a retro jersey inspired by the 2004/05 season, will accompany the release. The collection pays homage to Sheeran’s creative journey and FC Barcelona’s rich heritage. A limited number of 1,899 jerseys, symbolizing the club’s founding year, will be available for purchase both in Spain and online.

Officials from both Spotify and FC Barcelona have expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration. Marc Hazan, Spotify’s Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Marketing, highlighted Sheeran’s genuine love for football as a natural fit for the jersey takeover. Manel del Río, General Manager of FC Barcelona, emphasized the partnership’s success in blending sport and music.

The Spotify x Ed Sheeran x FC Barcelona jersey and merchandise collection will be available from October 15, offering fans a unique way to engage with the collaboration.