Barça re-publishes 'history's smallest ad' to commemorate 125th anniversary

Newspapers across Catalonia print message from founder Joan Gamper

An ad shared in many Catalan newspapers to commemorate FC Barcelona's 125th anniversary reads 'history's smallest ad to found the world's greatest club"
An ad shared in many Catalan newspapers to commemorate FC Barcelona's 125th anniversary reads 'history's smallest ad to found the world's greatest club" / Gerard Escaich Folch
Catalan News

Catalan News | @catalannews | Barcelona

October 22, 2024 10:32 AM

October 22, 2024 10:37 AM

FC Barcelona has revived "history's smallest ad" to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the football club.

On Tuesday, several newspapers across Catalonia printed the message shared by the club's founder, Joan Gamper, years ago, set between two large horizontal stripes in blau and grana, the team's colors.

"Today, over 125 years ago, Joan Gamper published history's smallest ad to found the greatest club in the world," a message surrounding the advertisement reads.

The ad, originally published in Los Deportes magazine, marked the beginning of what FC Barcelona is today.

An ad shared in many Catalan newspapers to commemorate FC Barcelona's 125th anniversary with the message shared by founder Joan Gamper in 1899 at Los Deportes magazine on October 21, 2024
An ad shared in many Catalan newspapers to commemorate FC Barcelona's 125th anniversary with the message shared by founder Joan Gamper in 1899 at Los Deportes magazine on October 21, 2024 / Gerard Escaich Folch

"Our friend and colleague Mr. Kans Kamper [Joan Gamper], from the football department at Sociedad Los Deportes and a former Swiss champion, is willing to organize some football matches in Barcelona," the ad read.

"Those supporters of this sport should contact him by visiting the newsroom of this media outlet on Tuesdays and Fridays between 9 pm and 11 pm," the ad, written in Spanish, concluded.

At the time, instead of fútbol, as it is written today, it was spelled 'Foot-Vall.'

125th anniversary

This is one of many events marking the 125th anniversary of FC Barcelona's founding.

The club's 2024/2025 kit pays homage to their first-ever kit from 1899, featuring two halves: one side with a red stripe and blue sleeve and the other with a blue stripe and red sleeve.

The center of the shirt displays the club's crest alongside the Spotify sponsor logo.

Recently, the famous Catalan beer, Estrella Damm, released a special edition featuring Barça's logo with the chant "Tenim un nom, el sap tothom," a line from the team's anthem, celebrating the fact that Barça's name is known by all.

Catalan beer Estrella Damm releases limited FC Barcelona commemorating the 125th anniversary
Catalan beer Estrella Damm releases limited FC Barcelona commemorating the 125th anniversary / Estrella Damm