One of the World’s Poorest Countries Set to Sponsor FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona is reportedly close to signing a four-year sponsorship deal with the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to Mundo Deportivo. The contract is valued at €44 million — or €11 mln annually.

Under the agreement, the men’s team’s training kits will feature the slogan «RDC, cœur de l’Afrique» («DRC — Heart of Africa») on the back.

The sponsorship income will help Barcelona comply with La Liga’s financial fair play regulations.

Despite this high-profile deal, the DRC remains one of the poorest nations in the world. According to the World Bank, the country’s nominal GDP per capita in 2024 was just $714, and $1,552 in purchasing power parity (PPP). Roughly 75% of the population lives on less than $2.15 a day.

For comparison:

• Uzbekistan: ~$2,300 nominal GDP per capita / over $9,000 (PPP)
• Spain: over $30,000 nominal / around $50,000 (PPP)

Meanwhile, the average salary for a Barcelona first-team player is estimated at €6 mln per year, according to SalaryLeaks.

Previously, AS Monaco signed a similar sponsorship deal with the DRC government, committing to support football infrastructure development in the African nation.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Manchester City renewed its kit deal with Puma for a record £1 bn.