When you conjure up the image of a hardcore fan, images of violencechaos or abuse might come to mind. Among the great moments in football history, bend also often occurs.
But the definition of 'hardcore fan' is changing, say the new generation of supporters. For Barcelona fans at the Ladies of the club Champions League final in Bilbao, they say it is possible to be committed without being disruptive.
Georgina Léger is a content creator, former journalist and, most importantly for her, a Barcelona FC fan. She would like to distance herself from the 'hooliganism' of some people associate with top teams.
'We've had them [hooligans] in Barcelona,” the 27-year-old tells Metro from the lobby of the Mercure Jardines hotel in the city center.
'Almost every big club has its own hooligans. To be honest, I don't think they are real hardcore fans. Being a fan of a team means that you are connected to the club in every way; of his victories and his defeats.
'Hardcore fans are the ones who are willing to travel for their team, stay up late when their team plays in a different time zone, it's superstitious, it's non-stop talking to your friends about football. They are so many things that do not involve any form of violence, homophobia, racism or any form of hatred.
“That's not what sports is about.”
Barcelona has a reputation for football fandom at the club intertwined with Catalan culture. Younger fans have been able to embrace this way of bonding with two teams since Barça Femení turned fully professional in 2015 and took European football by storm.
“I am proud to be a women's football fan,” 11-year-old Rafik tells Metro the day after the Champions League final.
In Rafik's bedroom at home in Barcelona he is building his own personal museum. Football tops – including those from Arsenal, Hibernian, Crystal Palace and Cambridge United – adorn his walls as he expands his collection of memorabilia. One of the 11-year-old's favorite shirts is of course Barcelona FC.
“I have one Barça top that is very special,” Rafik explains. 'It is signed by ten players of the Barça women's team, including Alexia [Putellas]. When I think of Barça, I think of the women's team because they are the ones keeping the club alive at the moment.”
He admits the struggling Barca men's team is “a mess now” and “fails often”, which has fueled fans' excitement around the match. women's side lifting trophies and winning left, right and centre.
Rafik, who watched Saturday's match with his sister, parents and grandparents, witnessed Alexia Putellas' goal and Chloe Kelly-esque party in all its glory. The next day he was still giddy with excitement when he spoke to Metro.
He adds: “Barça Femení inspires both young girls and boys. This team and these players are what every kid dreams of.”
Metro had traveled to Bilbao to talk to fans with Heineken and former Lioness Jill Scott as part of the 'Cheers to the Hardcore Fans' campaign. The goal is to redefine what it means to be a passionate supporter. Research released during this year's campaign shows that support for women's football is consistent, with three of the largest crowds in the history of the UEFA Women's Champions League in the 2022/23 season.
The average turnover of the top 15 women's football clubs in Europe was also found to have increased by 61% to €4.3 million about the last year. Barcelona Women remained at the 'pinnacle of women's football' in Europe, both on and off the pitch. The club reported €13.4 million in revenue for the 2022/23 season, a year-on-year increase of 74%.
Speaking outside the San Mamés stadium, which hosted this year's Champions League final, a group of men proudly explained to Metro that they fans of both teams.
Rafa, who was queuing to get in with his friends, answered questions through his English-speaking girlfriend Ana as the group moved up the ticket queue. He felt the 'respectful' support from female fans was making waves in football as a whole.
Ana translated for him: 'When he was very young, Rafa was inspired by the team. He has supported them ever since. He enjoys watching both the men's and women's teams play. It's a different experience, he says the female supporters can be more respectful.”
At Plaza Nueva, about half an hour from San Mamés Stadium, the small square was covered in a sea of blue and red as men, women and children prepared for the match with pintxos, beer and music. A group of children had a dress rehearsal before the match and lined up in front of a fountain to lift a large, hand-painted sign with the name of Ballon D'or winner Aitana Bonmati depicted on it.
Jordi Oquinena, a father of the group, told Metro: 'We are from Sant Pere de Ribes, the birthplace of Aitana Bonmatí, a footballer for the Barcelona football team.
'We are always very proud, just like the children. We are passionate. A little bit crazy? Maybe.'
Juana, 68, also paused for a chat on the day of the match. She explained in broken English how she went to Barcelona games as a young girl. “I've always watched Barcelona play,” she says. 'Now with the women I can see even more. They are very powerful and they make us [women] feel powerful.”
And what makes Georgina, Rafik, Jordi, Rafa and Juana a hardcore fan?
“We follow the football team wherever they go,” says Jordi. 'She [Barcelona] are part of me,” Rafa adds. To Juana, she shrugs and points to the badge on her Barcelona top – with Putellas on the back. “I am always Barcelona,” she says.
Young Rafik, 57 years her junior, feels the same. He adds: 'For me, Barça is literally “more than a club”, it is a community full of passion. These players inspire everyone in the audience.'
Georgina says it is the values associated with her football club that have shaped her life, her journey into the creative industries and her view of her future.
“I've been a Barcelona fan since I was born,” Georgina explains.
'My family is half French, but I was born and raised in Barcelona. Whether you like sports or not, many people identify with the club because of what the club represents. It is a matter of sport, but also a matter of identity. It's about the Catalan values of effort, teamwork, not always taking the easy route, but also taking care of the journey. All this resonates with me and with many people in Barcelona, Catalonia and around the world.
'That's what makes Barcelona FC different.'
Metro traveled to Bilbao with the Heineken campaign 'Cheers to the hardcore fans'. Find out more here.
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