Spanish Liga football club Barcelona has confirmed its first commercial move into the Brazilian market by making foot care products company Baruel an official club sponsor for 2015.
Barcelona will promote Baruel’s Tenys Pe brand throughout the year as the primary activation of a deal that was first reported last month. Baruel also acquires the rights to use the Barcelona brand in marketing campaigns, with a specially developed line of products set to be launched.
The team’s Brazil international forward Neymar will serve as a spokesman for the partnership throughout its duration. Baruel is a long-time sponsor of Neymar and the agreement with Barcelona was brokered by NR Sports, which has managed the player’s image rights since 2006.
Javier Faus, Barcelona vice-president, said: “We are delighted to have signed a deal with our first sponsor in Brazil, a priority market for us. This agreement will bring us closer to our Brazilian supporters who live football with such intensity. At the same time, the fact that they sponsor our player Neymar Jr shows their commitment to and association with the football world.”
Barcelona’s partnership with NR Sports gives the agency exclusive responsibility for seeking sponsorship opportunities in Brazil, where the club boasts a substantial social media presence. In October last year, Barcelona launched a version of its official website designed for Brazilian fans.