Here's the lowdown on the 2022 Joan Gamper Trophy
The Joan Gamper Trophy is an annual friendly held at the end of the pre-season to pay homage to the club's most important founder, Joan Gamper.
Despite being born Hans Max Gamper-Haessig in Switzerland, he is more commonly known in Catalonia, and throughout the world, as simply Joan Gamper. At the incredibly young age of 22, Joan Gamper founded FC Barcelona in 1899. An exceptionally talented and acclaimed athlete, he went on to play 48 games for the club, becoming the club's first-ever captain, and scoring over 100 goals in his short 4-year career.
The Joan Gamper Trophy was originally setup as a 4 team tournament in 1966, by Club President, Enric Lluadet. However, since 1997, the tournament has been reduced to a a singular game, between FC Barcelona and an invitee, that determines the champion.
This year FC Barcelona will be taking on Pumas. (kinda sounds like they will play against animals lol) Officially known as "Club Universidad Nacional, A.C.", the Mexican club is more commonly referred to as UNAM, but referred to by fans and media as just Pumas. Three names for a club is a bit confusing, but I really dig the name Pumas. FC Barcelona likes to invite clubs, that have ex-Barcelona players or a link to Barcelona history, to participate in in the Joan Gamper Trophy. This season is no different, as FC Barcelona legend and probably the greatest right-back in football history, Dani Alves, is starting his first season with Liga MX side, Pumas.
“It’s strange to be back in a shirt that’s not Barcelona’s and it will be a special game for me. The only thing I’m not happy about is returning to Camp Nou in a white shirt! That’s hard for me."
"Once you are a Cule, you are forever!”
- Dani Alves
This year's installment of the historic friendly is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 7th at 6:00 PM UTC. The game will be streaming live via Barça TV+.
Not to be forgotten, FC Barcelona Femení, the women's team, will be taking on Montpellier Féminines on August 23rd at 6:00 PM UTC.
"The main goal is to finish well.....It must be a party for all of us, for all Culers"
- Xavi, Manager of FC Barcelona
I expect Barça manager, Xavi, to start a strong team for the first-half of the match, then going to the youngsters and backups for the second half. The team should come out sharp and hungry, looking to continue their excellent summer form, and carry that form into the start of the La Liga season next week. Barça fans will be hoping to see new signing, Robert Lewandowski, get on the score sheet and score his first goal for FC Barcelona.
I confidently predict a 4-1 Barça victory to close out the pre-season.
See ya!
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