MADRID, June 30, 2025
Barcelona Erases Debt
final payments clear the books, marking a new era for the club’s financial future.
Barcelona concludes a tough financial period.
- Barcelona paid the last batch of postponed salaries from the 2020 financial crisis.
- the payments were divided into eight batches from December 2021 to June 2025.
- Lionel Messi received the largest portion of the deferred payments.
- Other beneficiaries include Samuel umtiti, Sergio Busquets, and Antoine Griezmann.
- This step signifies the end of a challenging financial period for the club.
It’s a new dawn for FC Barcelona as the club settles its final batch of postponed salaries dating back to the 2020 financial crisis; these salary deferrals represent a significant milestone in its recovery.
Barcelona Football has navigated one of its most arduous financial seasons by fulfilling its commitment to pay the last batch of postponed salaries for players and employees. The saga stems from the financial crisis exacerbated during the tenure of former President Josep maria Bartomeu and the COVID-19 pandemic.
To alleviate the economic strain, the club reached agreements to postpone salary payments for most players and the technical staff.
A Batch of Relief
The deferred amount was strategically divided into eight batches, spanning from December 2021 to June 2025. The final batch, disbursed June 28, 2025, marks the definitive end of this commitment.
Did you know? The global pandemic considerably impacted the finances of major soccer clubs, forcing many to renegotiate player contracts and defer payments.
who Benefited Most?
In total, approximately 121.7 million euros in salaries were postponed. The last batch amounted to 16 million euros, distributed among 20 first-team players and four members of the technical staff.
Which player received the largest portion of unpaid salaries from FC Barcelona? The player with the most significant amount of deferred earnings was none other than Lionel Messi, with a staggering 47.6 million euros.The last payment to Messi totaled 5.96 million euros.
Other notable names included in this agreement were Samuel Umtiti (9.9 million euros), Sergio Busquets, Antoine Griezmann, Jordi Alba, Philip Coutinho, Othman Dembele, Mirlem Pjanic, and even former coach Ronald Koman.
A Turning Point
this final payment represents a turning point for Barcelona, signaling the end of a tumultuous period marked by accumulated debt. It underscores the club’s dedication to achieving financial stability and charting a course toward a sustainable future.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding and Restructuring
With the salary deferrals finally cleared, FC Barcelona now has the opportunity too focus on rebuilding its squad and strengthening its financial footing, which has been heavily impacted in recent years [[3]]. The club’s management is looking ahead,and their goal is to stabilize their finances and be able to compete effectively [[2]]. One meaningful point to make is that after years of financial difficulty, the club can now create long-term strategies that contribute to its future success.
Barcelona’s journey thru this financial crisis provides hard-won lessons in club management and financial prudence. The need for responsible spending, balanced budgets, and diverse revenue streams has never been more critical.
Key steps in Barcelona’s Financial Recovery:
- Revenue Generation: Increasing revenue through on-field success and new commercial agreements is crucial.
- Cost Management: Strict control over player salaries and operational expenses will be important.This is where the end of deferred payments is significant.
- Debt Reduction: Reducing the club’s overall debt burden, which was a significant impact [[1]].
- Infrastructure Investment: Strategic investment in facilities such as the renovated Camp Nou, which helps boost match revenue [[2]].
What measures will Barcelona take to ensure economic stability? The club is making adjustments to secure its financial footing. This includes initiatives like the advance sale of television rights and the implementation of aggressive spending.
Will Barcelona’s on-field performance improve now that the debt has been settled? This financial relief could improve the team’s ability to compete at a high level and make crucial investments in players.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The end of the salary deferrals does not solve all of Barcelona’s financial troubles. The club must proceed with the current financial challenges. It is essential to attract commercial partners and boost revenue streams in the long run.
Reader question:-What is the impact of the club’s debt reduction efforts on its ability to sign new players and compete at the highest levels, such as the Champions League?
Barcelona must address the club’s debt, which will require careful planning, execution, and a bit of good luck, and requires a long-term focus on sustainable financial practices. The future appears radiant for FC Barcelona if the club effectively invests in its teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did the 2020 financial crisis impact Barcelona?
- The crisis forced the club to postpone salary payments to players and employees, leading to increased debt and limiting their ability to make new player acquisitions.
- What is the importance of the camp Nou renovation?
- The renovation of Camp Nou helps increase matchday revenue, which is a crucial part of the club’s financial recovery [[2]].
- What other financial strategies has Barcelona employed?
- The club has already used various methods in their recovery, including the advanced sale of television rights [[1]].
- What are the key takeaways for FC Barcelona’s future?
- With the salary deferrals complete, Barcelona can make decisions that stabilize their finances and create more revenue.
Table of Contents
