The first gold badge ceremony of the year took place this afternoon in the 1899 Auditorium. A total of 37 members who have reached 50 years of loyalty to FC Barcelona were honoured by club president Joan Laporta, who was accompanied by the director in charge of the Social Area, Josep Ignasi Macià. The honourees were also able to mark the occasion with photographs alongside the La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup trophies won last season.
In his speech, Laporta highlighted that throughout its more than 125 years of history, “Barça has experienced moments of glory and moments of sadness, like yesterday,” in reference to the defeat against Real Sociedad. “But we have always remained strong,” he added. The president also underlined the importance of the commitment shown by those being honoured.
As is tradition, Laporta personally greeted each member receiving the badge, along with their families. The presentation of these badges is a simple gesture, but one rich in symbolism, through which the club expresses its recognition of those who joined during a key period in its history.