Barcelona has already begun their pre-season training as they prepare to challenge for another season. The team will have a pre-season tour in America where they will face the likes of Juventus, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. But the Blaugranas now will also face Tottenham Hotspur, the London-based club, in the Joan Gamper trophy, a trophy that they always play in before the season starts.
But what is this trophy that the Catalans always compete for, and why is it important for them? Let’s delve into the details.
What is Joan Gamper Trophy? details explained
The Joan Gamper trophy is basically an exhibition match that is held before the season starts. It has been around since 1966, with this year’s edition being the 58th edition. It was named after Joan Gamper, a founding member of the club who also played for them and was also the president of the club.
Usually held in Camp Nou, this year it would not be possible as the iconic stadium is undergoing renovations.
According to 90 min, the exhibition trophy was first started by the club president at the time in 1966, Enric Llaudet. In the competition’s first 30 years, the trophy was competed for by four teams, with two semi-finals and a final match.
But from 1997 onwards, the trophy is now just a final, with Barcelona inviting another team to play. There is now a Women’s Joan Gamper trophy since 2021 as well.
Barcelona has been quite dominant in the trophy, winning it 45 times, last losing it in 2012 against Sampdoria. In fact, only 11 other teams have won the competition, with only FC Koln winning it twice.
The leading goalscorer in the competition unsurprisingly is Lionel Messi himself with 9 goals.
Barcelona confirms to play vs Tottenham for Gamper Trophy
Earlier today, the club confirmed that Tottenham will be the new opponents for this season’s edition of the trophy. It will be the last game of the pre-season for both teams.
With Camp Nou under renovation, it will be the first time the Joan Gamper trophy will take place in another stadium. The game will be played at Estadi Olimpic, which will also be Barca’s new home until the new Camp Nou emerges.
🚨| Official: Barcelona will play the Joan Gamper trophy against Tottenham at the Montjuïc on August 8. #fcblive 🏆✅ pic.twitter.com/gVr5IhmnOW
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) July 12, 2023
Tottenham will also become the first-ever Premier League team to participate twice in the prestigious exhibition game. They last played in 1986, when they were knocked out of the semi-finals by PSV Eindhoven.
Barcelona and Tottenham will also face each other for the first time since the 2019 Champions League group stage fixtures. Barca won the first game 4-2 at Wembley before settling for a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou.
The match will take place on 9th August with both teams sure to want to win the trophy to end pre-season on a good note.
