How the world’s media reacted to Rakuten’s FC Barcelona sponsorship
Last week, Rakuten announced its partnership with FC Barcelona to millions of Barca fans across the globe.
The announcement made waves not just on social media, but also across media outlets around the world. Here is a quick round-up of the major headlines.
The Financial Times – Barcelona signs Rakuten of Japan as €220m shirt sponsor
“The deal with one of Europe’s most successful football teams signals Rakuten’s desire to gain global recognition for a brand that is already a household name in its home market. From next season, its logo will be emblazoned on the shirts of some of the world’s best players, including Lionel Messi and Neymar.”
Forbes – Barcelona And The Premier League Provide The Entertainment, Asia The Money
“The announcement that Japanese conglomerate Rakuten has signed a four-year deal to become the new shirt sponsor for Barcelona will boost the Spanish club’s annual revenue by around $25M with an additional $6.75M available in bonuses based on winning La Liga and/or the UEFA Champions League.”
BBC – Barcelona signs sponsorship deal with Rakuten
“This is clearly an effort to raise Rakuten’s profile globally, associating itself with the famous red and blue stripes and players like Lionel Messi and Neymar.”
ESPN – Barcelona’s Rakuten sponsorship includes deal for friendly in Japan
“At a presentation to confirm the agreement, club vice president Manel Arroyo said there would definitely be one game and possibly two if the calendar permitted it.”
The Nikkei Asian Review – Barcelona sign new four-year sponsorship deal with Rakuten
“Barcelona have agreed a new four-year deal for their shirt sponsorship with Japanese internet retailer Rakuten worth 55 million euros ($58.90 million) a year excluding potential add-ons, La Liga champions said on Wednesday.”
CNBC – Barcelona sign new four-year sponsorship deal with Rakuten
“Barcelona – once renowned for never having had a sponsor on their shirts – will earn an additional 1.5 million euros for each time they win La Liga and an additional 5 million euros Champions League each time they win the Champions League.”
Bild – New shirt sponsor pays Barça 220 million (German)
“The new ‘Global Innovation and Entertainment Partner’ – one of the ten largest internet companies in the world – beat out Qatar Airways to become the main shirt sponsor from July 1, 2017.”
El País – Rakuten will sponsor Barça for 55 million euros (Spanish)
“’It all started in the summer of 2015 over a dinner at the Mikitani house in San Francisco, organized by Gerard Pique, who is a very good friend of his. This is where we first got to know Hiroshi and his company,’ recalled Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu.”
La Vanguardia – Rakuten, Barcelona’s Japanese sponsor, is more than just an online store (Spanish)
“Rakuten in Japan is much more than an online store. It is a service provider, covering everything from fashion sales to marriage services or electronic banking.”
