Barcelona have agreed a one-off shirt sponsorship deal with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, making the Central African nation the club’s main sponsor for a single match in August 2025.
The agreement, confirmed in late July, will see DR Congo’s name and a map graphic displayed on the front of Barcelona’s men’s team jersey. The financial terms were not disclosed.
Patrick Muyaya, Congo’s minister of communication, said the deal was aimed at improving the country’s image abroad. “This link connects the country to one of the most popular football clubs in the world,” he said, adding it could help shift global perceptions of Congo.
Barcelona said the partnership fits with its strategy of expanding ties in new regions. The club and the Congolese government will also produce joint marketing content as part of the arrangement.
For Congo, officials say the sponsorship is part of wider efforts to attract foreign investment and boost tourism. Reactions inside the country have been mixed, with some residents questioning the use of public funds and others calling it an innovative way to market the country.
Barcelona has previously used short-term sponsorships for advertising and regional outreach. Club officials gave no indication of whether similar deals will follow but said the agreement showed openness to unconventional partnerships.
The August match will mark the first time a national government has appeared as Barcelona’s shirt sponsor.
