History will be made in Sydney next month as LaLiga powerhouse Barcelona visit Australia for the first time to face the A-Leagues All Stars at Accor Stadium on May 25.
The reprisal of the All Stars concept, and the arrival of Xavi’s in-form Barcelona outfit, will form part of a huge week in Australian football, including the Dolan Warren Medal and the Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final, which will take place on the weekend of May 28-29.
READ: In pictures – Global giants Down Under through the years
“The FC Barcelona v A-Leagues All Stars match will generate significant international interest and put Australian football back in the international spotlight,” Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase both our domestic professional A-Leagues and our beautiful Harbour City to the world.
“Hosting this sporting star power in Sydney will highlight the city’s attractions and world-class events calendar to football fans around the globe, turbocharging the NSW visitor economy on its road to recovery.”
It marks the return of the A-Leagues All Stars for the first time since 2014, when Serie A giants Juventus played in Alessandro Del Piero’s farewell to Australia, a year after Manchester United launched the concept at Stadium Australia.
The coach, kit, colours and team selection process will be announced in the coming days. Ange Postecoglou oversaw the 2013 fixture, while Josep Gombau was in charge for the 2014 edition.
Football Family, APL, FCB Fans and KEEPUP subscriber pre-sale tickets will go on sale on Thursday at 1pm AEST before tickets are made available to the generic public on Wednesday, April 13.
“As we emerge from our third COVID-impacted football season, Australia and the A-Leagues are once again the destination
for international teams,” said Australian Premier Leagues CEO Danny Townsend.
“One of the world’s best teams taking on the best of the A-League just days before the men’s Grand Final is going to deliver a feast of football for fans in Australia during Grand Final Week.”
Barca are second in LaLiga this season, 12 points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid, as they continue their resurgence under club great Xavi.
The Catalans squad includes household names Gerard Pique, Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Dani Alves, the player with the most trophies in football history and former Premier League stars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres and Adama Traore.
They also boast three of Spanish football’s most precious talents: Pedri, Gavi and Ansu Fati.
“Hi Sydney,” said Barca head coach Xavi. “We’re excited to come to Sydney for the first time and play in front of all our Australian fans on May 25th.
“… See you in Sydney.”
Barca forward Aubameyang told Australian supporters: “G’Day Sydney… Can’t wait to see you.”
Star Barca midfielder De Jong added: “We’re excited to becoming to Sydney for the first time ever this May to play against the A-Leagues All Stars.”
Barcelona vice-president marketing area Juli Guiu, said: “We are very happy to be able to announce this match in Australia today against the A-Leagues All Stars.
“This will be the first time the team visits this country, where Barça are generating great interest.
“Being able to play this match will give us the opportunity to bring the club and its values closer to our fans and will also give us the opportunity for new audiences to get to know FC Barcelona and all that it represents, which has made it a reference entity on and off the pitch.”
Tickets and Barca In Sydney Tour information at www.barcainsydney.com.au
Have you sampled our new mid-week podcast? In My Football Passport we go one-on-one with fascinating Australian football personalities as they share anecdotes from their football journeys. Listen below, or via your favourite podcast platform.
