ABSTRACT
The chapter's focus is to analyse the historical, political and cultural factors which have shaped the club since its foundation in 1899. It examines the patterns of continuity and change which encapsulate Barça's history by examining five key narratives within the metanarrative of the club's traditions and legacies. Firstly, it revisits FC Barcelona's genesis at the end of the nineteenth century, noting that the club's history is frequently contested. Secondly, it considers the club's role as political and cultural institution, the narrative on Catalanism and independence interwoven with the relationship between Catalonia and Spain. The chapter then reflects on the rivalry with Real Madrid. This enduring conflict pre-dates and post-dates the Franco Regime. The chapter concludes with an evaluation of two further narratives: the club's managers from O’Connell ‘The Saviour’, in the 1930s, to Guardiola ‘The Architect’, between 2008–2012, followed by reflections on its players, from Samitier in the 1920s to Messi and Putellas in the contemporary era. It also considers the growth of women's football within the vortex of continuity and change. The chapter draws on FC Barcelona's official archive, together with contributions derived from face-to-face interviews. It utilises a range of sources in English, Spanish and Catalan.
