- Words Liam Cattermole
Following a collaboration with Drake, Barcelona scores an exclusive t-shirt release with Catalonian superstar Rosalía.
Football and music have always intermingled, but few crossovers possess the authenticity of this collaboration between Spanish powerhouses Barcelona and Rosalía. Creating co-branded kits to support the men’s and women’s upcoming El Clásico matches, the proud Catalonians continue to push boundaries in their respective fields and this link up is no different.
The jersey pays tribute to Rosalía’s most recent album, MOTOMAMI. Winning her the best Latin Rock or Alternative record at the Grammys, and making them the most streamed Spanish artist globally, the record remains a worldwide hit. Equally, Barcelona’s pushing to win La Liga and currently sit nine points clear of Real Madrid, who they face in the coveted El Clásico showdown.
Coming in two editions, the shirt will be worn by the teams during their El Clásico matches. 1899, the year in which Barcelona was founded, units of the first shirt have been released, whilst 11 men’s and women’s versions have been signed by the match players for an ultra-exclusive instalment.
Drake’s OVO owl adorned Barcelona’s famous blue and maroon stripes for the previous El Clásico, which they lost 3-1. However, many have fallen victim to the ‘Drake Curse’, whereby teams and players suffer misfortune in the hands of their association to Champagne Papi. When Manchester City lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League quarter-finals, Sergio Aguero missed a penalty, just after taking to Instagram to share his encounter with the rapper. Countless other Drake sporting link ups have unravelled this way.
Rosalía, on the other hand, will be hoping that her co-sign can captain Barcelona to Spanish glory. With Real Madrid hot on the 26-times winner’s tails, this El Clásico is one of the most definitive in recent times; it’s all to play for, and you can find more info on the collaboration over on Barca’s website.