FC Barcelona have officially announced their withdrawal from the European Super League (ESL) project, leaving Real Madrid as the only remaining club associated with the controversial breakaway competition.
The Catalan giants confirmed the decision in a statement released on Saturday, bringing an end to their involvement in the project that was first launched in 2021 and strongly opposed by football governing bodies, domestic leagues, and supporters across Europe.
Barcelona had remained one of the last three clubs publicly linked to the ESL alongside Real Madrid and Juventus, but with this latest development, Real Madrid now stands alone in its continued push for the competition.
Club sources indicate that the decision was reached after extensive internal consultations, with Barcelona prioritising stability, institutional relationships, and long-term sporting development within UEFA competitions.
The European Super League proposal had sparked widespread protests, with fans and stakeholders condemning it as a threat to the integrity, competitiveness, and tradition of European football.
With Barcelona’s exit now confirmed, attention turns to Real Madrid, who remain the sole club still publicly backing the project, raising fresh questions about the future and viability of the European Super League initiative.
This development effectively signals another major setback for the ESL, which has struggled to regain credibility and momentum since its dramatic collapse following its initial announcement.
