FC Barcelona – The Secret of Success
September 7, 2019
The famous club was founded on October 29, 1899, by Hans Gamper and carries the motto “Més que un club” (More than a club). At the time, football wasn’t very popular, and Barça was the first club in the city. Already in its founding year, FC Barcelona won the Catalonia International Trophy. In the years that followed, the club secured many more titles and became a symbol of Catalonia. World stars like Ronaldinho and Diego Maradona wore the jersey – and Lionel Messi owes his legendary career to FC Barcelona.
“At the Barça Academy, players are taught that they have to win.”
– Francesc “Tito” Vilanova
Barça encourages competitiveness in its players from an early age. When they step onto the field, the goal is to win. Only with this attitude can they give their best in difficult moments.
“The most important thing is that everyone here in Barcelona knows that only victory counts. It’s part of their education.”
– Pep Guardiola
“I always had the will to fight. I hated losing.”
– Leo Messi
“I’ve hated losing since I was a child. It hurts. I hate it.”
– Thierry Henry
Competitiveness is a trait all top athletes share. But it’s just as important to accept failure, congratulate opponents, and believe in yourself. Those who learn to compete also learn how to win – and how to deal with loss.
“To learn how to compete, you must know the taste of failure.”
– Luis Enrique
Each year, young players from around the world join the Barça Academy. There are no language or racial barriers. What matters is perseverance and the desire to grow. Many talented players never reach their potential. Albert Puig compares it to Formula 1: the best car won’t win if the driver doesn’t accelerate. Perseverance in training and taking advantage of every opportunity is key. Carles Puyol wasn’t a technical genius, but his character, courage, and fitness impressed the coaches.
Imagine if Messi had listened to the bigger kids who told him he’d never make it. He would’ve wasted his talent. Another example: in 1976, coach Laureano Ruiz noticed a boy who had been left alone after a trial and was kicking the ball against a wall. Ruiz asked about him, but the school told him the boy had no potential. That boy was Albert Ferrer, who later played as a right-back for Barcelona and Spain in the 1990s. He did everything to become a footballer and fulfilled his dream. It was a Barça coach who believed in him because he saw his determination. FC Barcelona does not assume failure based on height or form. If they see your persistence, determination, and team spirit, they will support you.
Unfortunately, not every club is like this. Young players often hear negative, demotivating comments. But you have a choice: do you listen to them and give up on your dreams, or do you follow the example of the best and constantly improve to become the best version of yourself?
“More people make it into Barça’s first team through hard work than through natural talent.”
– Andrés Iniesta
This article is based on the book “La fuerza de un sueño: Los caminos del éxito” by Albert Puig.
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