Barcelona Rejects Revolut Sponsorship Over Luis Figo's 2000 Transfer

FC Barcelona has rejected a substantial financial offer from digital banking company Revolut to become the club's new financial partner, citing the company's use of Luis Figo as a global brand ambassador. The decision, reported by Catalan media outlet Mundo Deportivo and confirmed by Catalunya Ràdio's "Barça Reservat" podcast, reflects the club's sensitivity around Figo's 2000 transfer to rival Real Madrid—a move that Barcelona supporters still regard as one of the greatest betrayals in the club's history, even 26 years later.

Revolut's recent advertising campaigns have actively featured Figo and referenced his controversial transfer, including promotional materials that alluded to fan criticism of the move. Barcelona's board, led by president Joan Laporta, determined that partnering with a company that uses Figo in its marketing would cause a "boomerang effect" among supporters and damage the relationship between the club's management and its fan base. According to reports, the financial and marketing terms offered by Revolut were exceptionally attractive—the company serves as global partner of Manchester City and main sponsor of Italian club Como—but the club prioritised emotional connection with supporters over financial gain.

The rejection reflects Barcelona's stated principle that certain red lines cannot be crossed for money. The club has been searching for a new financial partner since its four-decade partnership with CaixaBank ended in 2025 following disagreements over annual compensation, strategic priorities, and failed external investment projects involving club officials. Barcelona continues to negotiate with CaixaBank over a renewed agreement while exploring other financial partnerships, but has made clear that any entity associated with Figo remains off-limits.