barcelona women face squad challenges amid financial turmoil

introduction: barcelona women's squad impacted by club finances

Barcelona Women, a powerhouse in European football, are heading into the 2025/26 season with just 17 first-team players, a number insufficient for a full matchday squad. This shortage is a direct consequence of the club's ongoing financial difficulties, which have ripple effects across all departments, including the women's team. Despite their past success and commercial strength, the women’s side is now facing challenges that could hinder their performance and growth.

the financial structure linking barcelona’s teams

Unlike clubs in England or the US, Barcelona’s men’s, women’s, and youth teams share finances under LaLiga’s financial fair play (FFP) regulations. This means overspending or financial issues in one section impact the entire club. Former Barcelona director Xavier Vilajoana explains that this unified financial pot aims to maintain club stability but currently results in the women's team bearing the brunt of the men's side’s financial mismanagement.

Shared resources such as facilities, medical staff, and infrastructure mean budget cuts affect everyone. Consequently, despite being the top-earning women's team in Europe, Barcelona Women have faced significant budget reductions.

the current squad and recent departures

The official squad for the new season includes goalkeepers Gemma Font and Cata Coll; defenders Irene Parades, Mapi Leon, Marta Torrejon, Ona Batlle, Esmee Brugts, and Laia Aleixandri; midfielders Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmati, Kika Nazareth, and Vicky Lopez; and forwards Salma Paralluelo, Claudia Pina, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Ewa Pajor. However, this 17-player roster is below the typical matchday squad requirement.

This summer alone, 17 players have departed, including high-profile names like Fridolina Rolfo and Lucy Bronze. Many have moved to clubs in England’s Women’s Super League or European rivals, such as OL Lyonnes. The only significant incoming transfer was Laia Aleixandri from Manchester City on a free transfer.

impact on performance and morale

With such a thin squad, Barcelona Women face the risk of being stretched too thin, especially with the demands of domestic and European competitions. Injuries, suspensions, or fixture congestion could rapidly deplete available players, threatening competitiveness.

Morale is likely affected as well. Sudden departures and financial uncertainty come after a disappointing Euro 2025 final loss for many players. The cumulative pressure on the squad is substantial, and while the team is known for resilience, relying solely on player grit is unsustainable.

financial comparisons and market growth

Barcelona Women generated almost €18 million (£15.6 million) in revenue last season, surpassing rivals like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Real Madrid. Despite this, their financial constraints stem from the broader club mismanagement affecting all sections. In contrast, other European clubs such as Real Madrid or Bayern Munich rarely need to offload key players purely for financial balancing.

The growth of women's football globally is undeniable. The 2025 Euros showcased record interest and commercial potential. Barcelona, with its talent and history, should be leading this charge, expanding their squad and resources rather than contracting.

potential solutions and future outlook

Some English clubs have sold their women's teams to raise funds and meet league financial regulations, but this is not seen as the right solution for Barcelona. Vilajoana advocates for maintaining integration with La Masia and the broader club philosophy, emphasising respect and equitable treatment over structural separation.

Barcelona's motto, ‘mes que un club’, represents unity across men's, women's, youth, and other sports teams. Splitting the women’s team risks losing this identity and the global platform associated with it.

Going forward, Barcelona must balance financial realities with squad needs, investing in youth talent and strategic recruitment within LaLiga’s rules. Leadership must adopt long-term planning and professional governance to secure sustainable success for the women’s team.

conclusion: safeguarding barcelona women’s legacy

Barcelona Women remain a world-class team with a rich talent pool and a history of success. However, the current financial crisis at the club threatens their stability and future achievements. A holistic approach that respects and supports all club sections equally is essential.

Without meaningful change, the squad depth issues and financial pressures could escalate into a full-blown crisis, impacting not just Barcelona but the wider women's football landscape. Fans and stakeholders hope that Barcelona's leadership will prioritise the women's team, ensuring they receive the resources and respect they deserve to continue thriving on the European stage.