The FC Barcelona Women's Team Receives the Public Figure of the Year Award from UPF-BSM

• Representatives from companies and institutions across the country attended the ceremony for the first edition of the Public Figure of the Year Award.
• Laia de Nadal, Rector of Pompeu Fabra University, presented the award, which was accepted by Xavier Puig Hernández, the director in charge of women's football at FC Barcelona.
• The award recognizes the team for its positive impact on society as a global reference in professional women's sports.

The UPF Barcelona School of Management (UPF-BSM) has given the Public Figure of the Year Award to the FC Barcelona women's team, recognizing its positive impact on society as a global reference in professional women's sports. Executives and business leaders from the country’s leading companies attended the ceremony for the inaugural edition of this award, presented by Laia de Nadal, Rector of Pompeu Fabra University, and accepted by Xavier Puig Hernández, the director responsible for women's football at FC Barcelona.

The ceremony also featured the participation of José M. Martínez-Sierra, General Director of UPF-BSM; Fátima Piqué, Deputy General Director of UPF-BSM; Enric Masip from the FC Barcelona President's Office; and Judit Farré, Head of the Women's Football Business Area.

"At UPF-BSM, we firmly believe that education is provided not only in academia but also through examples that embody values and inspire others. This award honors public figures who have stood out remarkably for their impact in society. In this context, the FC Barcelona women's team is a clear example of a team that upholds values such as perseverance, effort, excellence, equality, and teamwork — values that we, as a school, share in our classrooms every day," said José M. Martínez-Sierra, General Director of UPF-BSM.

Laia de Nadal, Rector of Pompeu Fabra University, highlighted the social contribution of the FC Barcelona women's team in her speech. "This is a team that has shown us that excellence is the result of effort, that talent has no limits, and that equality is not a dream but a right that can be achieved with work, determination, and courage," said de Nadal.

"At UPF, an institution also committed to breaking boundaries and creating positive global impact, we are deeply honored to recognize you with this award," added the Rector.

Xavier Puig Hernández, in his acceptance speech, emphasized the role of the players: "They are the true architects of all this: with their talent and effort, they have inspired younger generations and brought dignity to women’s sports and to our team. Thanks to them, many young girls have fallen in love with football."

Puig also acknowledged the work of the entire FC Barcelona women's team: "This award also belongs to a magnificent staff, an outstanding coach, and executives who go above and beyond to ensure this dream continues. It is also for a board of directors that, from day one, has worked to enhance the team’s sporting excellence and social impact."

An Unstoppable Team

Fátima Piqué, Deputy General Director of UPF-BSM, presented the team’s accolades during the event. Piqué described the FC Barcelona women's football team as "an example of sporting success, economic impact, and above all, social influence. This is a team that has marked a turning point for women’s sports in general and football in particular."

Piqué reviewed the players' achievements in 2023 but focused especially on the team’s societal impact, showcasing global visibility for gender equality in sports through their victories. "This is a commitment we deeply admire at UPF Barcelona School of Management and Pompeu Fabra University, as it directly aligns with our mission: planetary well-being as a driver of progress," said Piqué.

One of the merits highlighted by Piqué was how the FC Barcelona women's team has helped attract more fans who no longer differentiate by gender when following major matches. "The team has achieved record figures in fan engagement," Piqué noted.

Piqué also expressed special gratitude for the players’ work in becoming role models for millions of young girls worldwide. "They have positioned themselves as sources of inspiration for new generations, transforming societal perceptions about the role of women in football," Piqué explained. "The players’ names, awards, and achievements allow girls to see themselves in them and believe that anything is possible," she added.

Xavier Puig emphasized: "The story of the FC Barcelona women's team is one of resilience — from the early pioneers to today’s team, which has become a global reference. But for decades, women’s football faced complete invisibility and a lack of media coverage. Today, Barça is one of the best teams in the world, with a style of play that combines talent, technique, and courage."

"I am immensely proud of the players as role models for so many girls and boys starting out in football. Our commitment to gender equality in sports is demonstrated through La Masia, our youth academy. We strive to be more than a club, promoting equality and inclusion with conviction," Puig concluded.