ABSTRACT
The conclusion to FC Barcelona: History, Politics and Identity reflects on the contrasting themes and perspectives that have shaped the writing of the study, and the research underpinning it. The significant contemporary geopolitical developments in global elite professional football are framed to take account of theoretical considerations such as globalisation, fandom and gender politics, and their implications for FC Barcelona in this ever -changing mosaic. The sense that the club is a chameleon organically responding to political and cultural change, whilst striving to maintain its unique identity of being ‘More than a club’ emerges from the divergent chapters of the study. The conclusion outlines several scenarios for the future as FC Barcelona faces the uncertainties of the next decade. The city of Barcelona, and the revered football and sporting institution at the heart of it, continue to enthral and inspire the tourist, the fan, the pilgrim and the global consumer. The last words of the volume strike a balance between caution and optimism as FC Barcelona looks to restore its reputation and retain its status in Catalan, Spanish, European and Global football. The book's conclusion lucidly articulates the complexity of the challenges facing the club in 2023.
