Barcelona Football Club is teaming up with World of Women for the next installment of their Masterpiece NFT collection. This second release pays tribute to a pivotal moment in the club’s history and an extraordinary athlete, Alexia Putellas, who has had a transformative impact on the game.
The NFT, titled Authority, is an artistic embodiment of the semi-final of the Women’s Champions League that took place on April 22, 2022 between Barcelona and Wolfsburg. On that historic day, 91,648 spectators had the privilege of witnessing Barcelona’s triumphant victory, setting a record for the highest attendance at a women’s football match. Known for her exceptional skills, Putellas put in an outstanding performance during the match, scoring two goals that further elevated her status in the sport.
Benefits and experiences
After the inaugural NFT release, Immortal in a sense by Johan Cruyff, in July 2022, Authority is the next in a series of ten pieces that the club will gradually release. Each piece will capture iconic moments and figures from the football club’s history, using technology and innovation to engage fans across generations while preserving the club’s rich heritage.
The Authority Created by World of Women artist Rhi Madeline, NFT underscores FC Barcelona’s ongoing efforts to advocate for gender equality and provide equal opportunities for women in sport. Madeline’s striking digital artwork, featuring a three-dimensional representation of Putellas, is enriched with digital painting, special effects and authentic chants from Barcelona supporters, capturing the exciting atmosphere of the match.
“It was an incredible honor to have the privilege of creating such a meaningful work of art for a community as proud and passionate as Barça,” Madeline said in an official statement. “The values and spirit that Barça embodies resonate deeply with me, and this powerful experience will serve as a lasting source of motivation as I continue my artistic journey.”
In addition to driving fan engagement, this initiative aims to turn these digital assets into experiential premium products. The future owner of the NFT will not only have a digital work of art that signifies support for gender equality in sport, but will also receive a range of benefits. These include a face-to-face meeting with Putellas and a pair of autographed football boots. The NFT owner will also receive a Spotify Camp Nou physical chair decorated with a portrait of Putellas by renowned Catalan artist Oscar Tusquets, signed by Putellas himself.
“As a brand championing the strength and resilience of women and diverse populations, World of Women is excited to partner with FC Barcelona to continue our shared mission of empowerment and inclusion,” said Shannon Snow, COO of World of Women . “Together, we strive to spark a global movement that celebrates female athletes, breaks down barriers, and inspires future generations.”
The auction for Authority is hosted exclusively on OpenSea, marking the first time a globally renowned football club has launched an NFT auction on the platform. Bidding begins June 26 at 10am EST and continues through June 28 at 10am EST, spanning 48 hours.