In a bold step toward using sport as a platform for global development, FC Barcelona and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have announced a pioneering four-year partnership focused on cultural exchange, youth empowerment, and sports innovation across Africa.
Unveiled at the club’s headquarters, the agreement positions the DRC as FC Barcelona’s official empowerment partner for sport and culture, a first-of-its-kind designation that underscores the commitment of both parties to social impact through sport.
From the 2025-26 to 2028-29 seasons, the message “R.D. Congo – Cœur d’Afrique” (Heart of Africa) will be displayed on the back of training kits worn by all of Barca’s professional teams. More than a slogan, it’s a symbol of shared purpose: to spotlight African potential and promote meaningful engagement between global football and the continent’s next generation.
A core pillar of the partnership is grassroots development. FC Barcelona will expand its international academy network into the DRC, delivering training programs across multiple sports—football, basketball, futsal, handball, and roller hockey—aimed at fostering talent, inclusion, and accessibility at the local level.
Meanwhile, the Barça Innovation Hub (BIHUB) will take the lead on coach education, hosting a series of workshops for Congolese trainers. These sessions will focus on cutting-edge methodologies, athlete development pathways, and the integration of sports science into community-based programming.
Beyond the sporting arena, the collaboration also celebrates Congolese identity on the global stage. As part of the future Espai Barça development at Spotify Camp Nou, the club will inaugurate a dedicated cultural exhibition: “The House of the DRC.” This permanent space will showcase Congolese heritage, art, and the nation’s unique sporting DNA—offering fans and visitors an immersive cultural experience.
For FC Barcelona, this partnership reflects a deepening of its global mission: to use sport as a bridge between cultures and a driver of social good. For the DRC, it marks a powerful opportunity to inspire youth, invest in community development, and tell a new story on the world stage—one grounded in pride, resilience, and possibility.
