Joan Gamper Trophy

About Joan Gamper Trophy

Joan Gamper Trophy History, Format, Organization, Media Coverage

The Joan Gamper Trophy is a friendly exhibition match hosted by FC Barcelona every year, usually before the start of the La Liga season. The match is used as a kickoff to the first team’s activity and to officially unveil any new signings in front of the team’s supporters against an invited club from different regions of the world.

The first edition of the trophy was held in 1966 with the presence of four teams: Barcelona, Köln, Nantes, and Anderlecht. The format of this competition changed in 1997, when only one club was invited to play the tournament.

Over the years, Barcelona have clearly dominated the competition with over 40 titles to their name. Teams from all over the world have been invited to play this match, with Köln being the only one capable of winning the title more than once.

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is the tournament’s all-time top scorer with nine goals. The South American ace is also the only footballer in history to be named MVP in this competition four times.

TV coverage for this game has been awarded to TV3 Televisió de Catalunya in Spain. Streaming rights belong to Barca TV, which allows fans from all over the world to follow the match for free.