FC Barcelona have officially announced their withdrawal from the European Super League, bringing an end to their involvement in the controversial breakaway competition.
In a formal club statement, Barcelona confirmed they have notified the European Super League Company and the remaining clubs of their decision to walk away permanently.
“FC Barcelona hereby announces that today it has formally notified the European Super League Company and the clubs involved of its withdrawal from the European Super League project.”
End of the Road for the Super League Dream
Alongside Real Madrid, Barcelona had remained one of the last supporters of the European Super League, a project heavily backed by Florentino Perez.
First unveiled in April 2021, the Super League was designed as a breakaway competition involving 12 elite European clubs, including:
- Real Madrid
- Barcelona
- Juventus
- Manchester United
- Chelsea
The idea was to give top clubs greater control over revenues and reduce reliance on UEFA’s Champions League structure.
Fan Backlash That Changed Everything
The reaction to the Super League proposal was immediate and explosive. Fans, football authorities, players, and governments across Europe condemned the plan, branding it a closed-shop competition that threatened football’s traditions and competitive balance.
Within 48 hours, nine of the twelve founding clubs pulled out. Juventus eventually followed, leaving Barcelona and Real Madrid isolated as the project lost all credibility.
Barcelona Move Closer to UEFA
In recent months, relations between Barcelona and Real Madrid have cooled, and the Catalan club had already begun distancing themselves from the Super League.
Barcelona have instead strengthened their relationship with UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA), now chaired by PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
Their official withdrawal confirms that shift in direction and leaves Real Madrid standing alone as the last major club still publicly backing the project.
What This Means for European Football
Barcelona’s exit effectively signals the final collapse of the European Super League, a project that never recovered from its disastrous launch.
With one of its founding giants now gone, the focus returns firmly to UEFA competitions and reforms within the existing football structure rather than breakaway alternatives.
