Barcelona has unveiled a limited-edition shirt created in partnership with pop sensation Ed Sheeran for the upcoming Clásico against Real Madrid, scheduled for later this month.
The shirt will feature designs inspired by Sheeran’s eighth studio album, Play, prominently displayed on the front during the match at the Santiago Bernabéu on October 26. This initiative continues Barcelona’s sponsorship with Spotify.
A week earlier, on October 19, the women’s team of Barça will wear a similar jersey in their Liga F match against Granada.
Sheeran joins a list of artists who have appeared in place of the Spotify logo on Barcelona’s jerseys, including Drake, Rosalía, The Rolling Stones, KAROL G, Coldplay, and Travis Scott.
“I’m really proud to see my new album Play on the Barcelona shirt,” Sheeran expressed. “As a big football fan and supporter of Barcelona, it’s amazing to merge music and football in such a fun way.”
This isn’t the first collaboration between Sheeran and a football club. He is a minority owner of English Championship side Ipswich Town, a club he has long supported, and previously sponsored their kits with branding from his +−=÷× Tour for four years.
In a nod to the club’s founding year, Barça will release only 1,899 of the limited-edition jerseys for sale, along with a merchandise line featuring the Play album iconography.
The players have expressed their enthusiasm about the partnership. “Ed’s songs have been part of our dressing-room playlist for a long time, and having his new album on the front of our shirts feels incredibly special,” remarked Barça and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski.
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“Music and football both unite fans in powerful ways. I’m honored to represent that connection on the pitch,” Sheeran added.
The upcoming fixture in Madrid is likely to showcase the top two teams in LaLiga, with Real Madrid currently leading Barcelona by two points after eight matches.
The two rivals faced off four times last year, with Barça emerging victorious each time, including wins in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa finals.
Before the Clásico, Barça will take on Girona in LaLiga and Olympiacos in the Champions League, while Real Madrid faces Getafe away and hosts Juventus.