Barcelona’s “more than a club” slogan epitomizes the unique social, political and cultural identity of the Catalan outfit. In the early days, the club represented the Catalan people’s desire for freedom.
With founder Hans Gamper as president for a combined 25 years in the opening period of Barcelona’s history, the club were a force in the Copa del Rey and various regional tournaments, with all-time top scorer Paulino Alcantara a major figure in the success.
But financial problems dogged the club as well as the political difficulties of the Spanish Civil War and post-war period, which led to the assassination of president Josep Sunyol in 1936. After the war the Catalan language and flag were banned and clubs were prohibited from using non-Spanish names.
The club won three Spanish titles in the 1940s and another four in the 50s, with Hungarian Laszlo Kubala an influential player after joining in 1950. Barca outgrew their Camp de Les Corts Stadium and moved into the Camp Nou, which is now regarded as one of the best stadiums in the world.
Johan Cruyff's arrival in 1973 helped the club to their first title since 1960, and his appointment as coach in the late 80s signaled a period of domestic dominance with four title triumphs in the first half of the 90s. Cruyff’s “Dream Team” containing the likes of Guardiola, Hristo Stoichkov, Michael Laudrup and match-winner Ronald Koeman beat Sampdoria 1-0 in the 1992 European Cup final.
