Biggest ovations
Among the loudest ovations were those for two players sporting new numbers: Pau Cubarsí with the No. 5, and Lamine Yamal with the iconic No. 10. Captains Pedri, Raphinha, De Jong, Araujo and Ter Stegen also drew huge applause, as did the summer signings Joan Garcia, Roony Bardghji and Marcus Rashford.
Words from Flick and Ter Stegen
As tradition dictates, head coach Hansi Flick and captain Marc-André ter Stegen took the microphone to speak to the faithful. Flick, entering his second season at the helm, thanked the fans for their support last year. “We shared some very beautiful moments together” he said. “We want to keep this wonderful story going. We’ll work hard with no excuses. We want to win many trophies. Visca el Barça and visca Catalunya!”
Ter Stegen, fresh from back surgery, also made sure to be part of the celebrations. He began by thanking the culers in attendance and assured them the team is “working very hard to achieve great success this season.” The German stopper also paid tribute to the players who departed in the summer, thanked Flick and his staff, and welcomed the new arrivals. “I love you, culers. Visca el Barça and visca Catalunya,” he concluded.
Guest artists
The day’s festivities were topped off by live performances from artists Lildami, Maria Hein, Mon DJ and Doctor Prats, keeping the crowd at the Johan Cruyff entertained from start to finish.
