Barcelona have shut the door on a sponsorship deal with financial firm Revolut due to the enduring sensitivity surrounding Luis Figo, the brand's public face. The club's board, led by Joan Laporta, deemed any collaboration that evoked the former Portuguese footballer at Camp Nou an unacceptable red line.
Sergi Solé outlined the current situation: "El FC Barcelona sigue negociando con CaixaBank para renovar el contrato como socio financiero del club azulgrana tras haber expirado hace un año". Revolut's offer, which is an official sponsor for Manchester City and Italian side Como, arrived in this context but was flatly rejected. The decision shows that, even 26 years on, Figo's move to Real Madrid on the eve of the 2000-2001 season remains a delicate issue for a significant section of the fanbase.
Marc Rovira defined it this way: "El plantón que el futbolista Luis Figo dio al Barça para irse al Real Madrid en vísperas de arrancar la temporada 2000-2001 es un asunto que marcó un ciclo de pesadumbre culé". The board was unwilling to let Figo's association with Revolut create a negative 'boomerang' effect, prioritising the emotional connection with supporters over any economic advantages the digital firm might offer.
This rejection comes as the team enjoys an exceptional sporting moment, sitting top of La Liga with 18 points from six games and on a five-match winning streak. The team has maintained impeccable form, averaging 90 minutes of possession per game and a scoring efficiency that has seen them net at least two goals in each of their last five matches. With Raphinha as the season's top scorer on nine goals, the club maintains flawless on-pitch performance that contrasts with the caution shown in commercial dealings.
First reported at Mundo Deportivo
