Barcelona withdraw from the European Super League, leaving Real Madrid as the only remaining club still committed to the breakaway project.
Barcelona have officially withdrawn from the European Super League project. The decision was confirmed in a short statement released on Saturday. The club notified the European Super League Company and all involved clubs. Their exit leaves Real Madrid as the sole remaining supporter.
The move brings Barcelona closer back into alignment with UEFA structures. It also closes a chapter that began nearly five years ago. The Super League proposal has steadily lost support since its launch. Barcelona were among the final holdouts.
The club statement was brief and direct in tone. Barcelona confirmed the notification had been formally submitted. No further explanation was provided in the announcement. However, the decision had been widely expected for months.
President Joan Laporta had hinted strongly at a shift in direction. He previously spoke of rebuilding bridges with UEFA. Those comments now align clearly with the club’s actions. Barcelona have chosen institutional stability.
The European Super League was announced in April 2021. Twelve clubs initially signed up to the breakaway competition. Six came from the Premier League, with three from Spain and three from Italy. The plan aimed to create a closed elite tournament.
Fan protests erupted almost immediately across Europe. Political pressure and governing body opposition followed quickly. Within 72 hours, all six English clubs withdrew. The project effectively collapsed at that stage.
Despite the backlash, Barcelona and Real Madrid stayed committed. Juventus later remained involved before withdrawing in June 2024. That left only the two Spanish giants backing the idea. Both clubs pursued legal challenges against UEFA.
Those cases produced mixed outcomes. Courts ruled governing bodies had acted anti competitively. UEFA was forced to adjust its competition authorisation rules. However, the rulings did not validate the Super League itself.
In late 2024, organisers attempted a relaunch. The project was rebranded as the Unify League. It proposed a 96 team, multi-tier competition based on sporting merit. The top division would include just 16 clubs.
The concept failed to gain momentum. Major leagues remained opposed to the idea. Top clubs showed little interest in joining. The revised format never advanced beyond proposals.
Barcelona’s withdrawal also reflects changing priorities. The club were expelled from the European Clubs Association after 2021. All other withdrawing clubs have since been reinstated. Barcelona now aim to follow that path.
Laporta confirmed talks had taken place with UEFA officials. He described meetings as positive and constructive. The club wants full reintegration into European football governance. That goal required a definitive step away from the Super League.
Real Madrid remain the only club still tied to the project. They continue to seek substantial damages from UEFA. The case stems from how governing bodies blocked the original plans. Madrid insist their right to create competitions was recognised.
UEFA maintain recent rulings do not legitimise the Super League. They insist current authorisation rules remain valid. The legal battle may continue independently of club support.
Barcelona will now pursue formal reinstatement into the European Football Clubs association. On the pitch, they remain top of La Liga. They have also qualified for the Champions League last 16. The club’s focus fully returns to competition and stability
