If it had to be described simply as a football match, it is obvious that the Gamper is no longer what it used to be. The summer trophy, like so many others, has been swallowed up by an overloaded schedule that barely leaves crumbs from the start. Once an exciting prelude that fans, foreign but especially local, took advantage of to see the new signings live against top-class rivals, today it is an excuse to cash in with tourists as the main targets. The Gamper, that said, still maintains that something of a season opener where hopes are still intact, this year more than ever after Hansi Flick’s two consecutive Leagues and the recent and stunning signing of Rodri.

With 54,224 spectators in the stands of the Spotify Camp Nou, Rodri and Lamine Yamal jerseys, and applause for Hansi Flick, Barcelona presented the squad that, pending the closing of the market, will face the 2026-27 season with the goal of defending the League title and fighting for the coveted Champions League.