Barcelona have taken a decisive step in ending their involvement in the long‑running European Super League saga. The club confirmed on Saturday that it has formally withdrawn from the breakaway competition, leaving Real Madrid as the only remaining club still committed to the project.
A Project That Collapsed Quickly
The European Super League launched in 2021 with 12 founding clubs. Premier League sides Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham all signed on as initial members. However, the project collapsed within 48 hours after intense backlash from supporters, players, managers, and governing bodies.
All six English clubs withdrew almost immediately. Their exit triggered a domino effect across Europe, with several clubs distancing themselves from the plan.
Barcelona’s Exit Follows Juventus’ Withdrawal
Juventus became the 10th club to withdraw in June 2024. Their departure left only Barcelona and Real Madrid still attached to the proposal. Barcelona’s decision to step away now isolates Real Madrid as the final club still supporting the Super League vision.
The club released an official statement confirming the move. Barcelona stated that it had formally notified the European Super League Company and all involved clubs of its withdrawal.
Laporta’s Shift Toward UEFA Cooperation
Barcelona president Joan Laporta signaled this direction months earlier. In October, he expressed the club’s desire to rebuild its relationship with UEFA and rejoin the European Football Clubs (EFC), formerly known as the European Clubs Association (ECA).
All 11 clubs that initially joined the Super League were expelled from the EFC. However, the 10 clubs that withdrew have since been reinstated. Barcelona’s exit now clears the path for their return to the EFC as well.
What This Means for European Football
Barcelona’s withdrawal marks another major step toward closing the chapter on the Super League. With only Real Madrid still committed, the project appears more symbolic than viable. European football continues to move toward unity under UEFA, and Barcelona’s decision reinforces that direction.
The club now focuses on rebuilding relationships, restoring stability, and aligning with the broader European football community.
