El Barça escrito: fútbol, literatura y sentimiento barcelonista, protagonistas del séptimo capítulo del podcast del 125 aniversario
This Wednesday, the seventh episode of "La Llotja del 125" premiered, the commemorative podcast for FC Barcelona. This time, it delved into a realm seemingly far removed from the playing field: literature. But football and literature, as the episode reveals, are much more closely linked than it seems.
Hosted as always by Sara Loscos and Andreu Juanola, the episode explored the relationship between Barça and writing, debunking stereotypes that pit the idea of hooliganism that pervades the world of football against the idea of intellectuality associated with literature. As expressed during the conversation, Barça is a feeling, and like any intense feeling, it often leads to the impulse to write. The Club's history and values share a common thread with literary narrative.
Barça and Journalism with a Cultural Perspective
One of the central moments of the episode was the presentation of the Manuel Vázquez Montalbán International Award, a recognition of a lifetime of sports journalism awarded this year to Panenka magazine, a benchmark in the humanistic, cultural, and critical perspective of football.
Journalist Ramon Besa recalled the figure of Vázquez Montalbán, a symbol of a journalism that transcends sports and understands football as a vehicle for explaining the country, society, and identity. A specific way of understanding the Club and of doing journalism.
The award was presented by Elena Fort, institutional vice president of FC Barcelona, along with Josep Maria Morros, dean of the College of Journalists, and Daniel Vázquez, son of Manuel Vázquez Montalbán. The award was received by the founders of Panenka magazine: Aitor Lagunas, Roger Xuriach, and Àlex López.
With fourteen years of history and 147 published issues, Panenka dedicated its 143rd issue to the Club's 125th anniversary. Lagunas defended the journalistic legacy they represent and praised their work as heirs to a journalistic tradition rooted in the city. Xuriach recalled the magazine's origins, born in a context of maximum sporting tension and economic crisis, with the aim of providing a reflective and cultural perspective. "Football is culture, politics, and society," he remarked.
Writing as Memory and Identity
The chapter also featured Jordi Osúa, a doctor in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences and specialist in the thought of Manuel Vázquez Montalbán, editor of the book Barça, Culture and Sport, which compiles the football writings of Manuel Vázquez Montalbán. According to Osúa, these pieces allow for the construction of "a chronicle of Barça" through Vázquez Montalban's eyes.
In a second session, Enric Calpena, Jordi Puntí, and Jordi Finestres spoke. All three reflected on Barça as a narrative source. Calpena explained that, despite not following sports news, he sees the Club as an essential institution for understanding the history of Catalonia over the last 125 years. Finestres highlighted the relevance of Joan Gamper's founding speeches, while Puntí affirmed that writing about Barça is a way to extend the experience as a fan.
Among the shared reflections, they highlighted historical episodes such as the 1939 crisis, the Club's resistance to Franco's repression, and Gamper's vision in 1908, when he saved Barça from extinction by championing three key ideas: a connection with Catalan society, a unique identity, and a competitive and ethical commitment.
When athletes also write
The chapter concluded with the participation of two Club athletes who have also taken the plunge into writing: Bojan Krkic and Sergio Lozano. Both reflected on how writing has helped them understand and make sense of their athletic and personal journeys. The act of writing, they said, has been a tool for putting words to profound experiences, as well as a way to give value and meaning to what happens beyond the field of play.