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FC Barcelona's crest is among the most iconic symbols in global football, immediately linked to the club's storied past, Catalan heritage and distinctive blue-and-red palette.
Displaying the celebrated "FCB" initials, the St. George's Cross, the Catalan flag, the club's signature stripes and a traditional football at its foot, the emblem has grown into a worldwide symbol that extends well beyond the city of Barcelona.
Yet the badge recognized today is the product of over a century of transformation. Since the club was established in 1899, Barcelona's crest has gone through countless redesigns, each version capturing a distinct chapter in the club's development and character.
From the earliest emblem to the contemporary design worn across the globe, Sports Illustrated traces the history, evolution and significance behind FC Barcelona's legendary badge.
FC Barcelona Badge Origins
When FC Barcelona was established in November 1899 by Swiss-born Hans Gamper—widely known as Joan Gamper throughout Catalonia—the club had yet to adopt a badge of its own.
Instead, Barcelona used the city's official coat of arms as its founding emblem. The design showcased a diamond-shaped shield incorporating two of Catalonia's most cherished symbols: the red-and-yellow stripes of the Crown of Aragon and the Cross of Saint George.
FC Barcelona's First Official Badge
As the club expanded, Barcelona sought to forge an identity that was distinctly its own. In 1910, the club organized a competition to design a new crest, with player Carles Comamala's submission ultimately chosen as the winner.
His design introduced many of the elements still associated with Barcelona today: the shield silhouette, the Catalan flag, the Cross of Saint George, the club's blue-and-red colors and the "F.C.B." initials positioned across the center. The lower section also incorporated the iconic Blaugrana stripes, representing the colors of the team's early playing kits.
Alterations
While Barcelona's crest has changed over the years, the club has seldom made sweeping alterations to its fundamental design.
The first notable modifications arrived in 1920, when the shield's shape and the vibrancy of its colors were adjusted, and the "F.C.B." initials were set against a yellow background. By 1936, that background had been switched to black.
Subsequent years brought additional changes driven by Spain's political landscape. Under Francisco Franco's dictatorship, Barcelona were compelled to modify aspects of their identity, including the badge. In 1941, the initials "F.C.B." were replaced with "C.F.B." after the club's official name was changed from Futbol Club Barcelona to Club de Fútbol Barcelona.
In 1949, the initials were revised once more to "C. de F.B." before "C.F.B." was reinstated in 1960 alongside a number of minor cosmetic updates. The original "F.C.B." lettering was ultimately restored in 1974 as Spain transitioned toward a new democratic period.
A polished version of the crest was unveiled in 1975, preserving the core design while introducing subtle refinements for balance and visual appeal. This badge remained in use for nearly three decades, accompanying the club through some of its most celebrated moments, including the Johan Cruyff "Dream Team" era.
A New Beginning
As the new millennium arrived, Barcelona determined it was time to refresh their visual identity. In 2002, designer Claret Serrahima was commissioned to update the renowned crest.
His philosophy was to simplify rather than overhaul. The redesign stripped away unnecessary details, removed the dots between the letters and produced a cleaner, more refined shield. The outcome was the modern "FCB" badge now recognized across the world today.