Barcelona send star-studded delegation to London for landmark Ballon d’Or ceremony

Barcelona president Joan Laporta will lead a major club delegation to London for the 70th Ballon d’Or awards, with the Catalan club hoping to dominate a ceremony being held outside Paris for the first time.

The event is expected to recognise the leading performers of the season, and Barcelona will be represented by nominees from both its men’s and women’s teams. The club’s delegation includes several of its leading players, with Lamine Yamal regarded as the leading contender for the men’s Ballon d’Or.

Pau Cubarsi, Rodri and Joan Garcia are also included among Barcelona’s representatives. The women’s team will be represented by Cata Coll, Esmee Brugts, Patri Guijarro, Caroline Graham Hansen, Claudia Pina, Ewa Pajor, Vicky Lopez and Clara Serrajordi, alongside manager Pere Romeu.

Laporta will be accompanied by vice-presidents Rafa Yuste and Elena Fort. Board members Xavi Puig and Xavier Barniol will also attend, as will the club’s sporting department.

Sporting director Deco is part of the travelling group, which also includes Bojan Krkic, Alejandro Echevarria, Enric Masip and Marc Vives.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the wider Barcelona party will travel together from Barcelona Airport to London. Yamal, however, will make the journey separately on a private plane arranged specifically for his parents, partner, relatives, friends and members of his personal team.

The occasion could prove the most significant night of Yamal’s professional career as he competes for the sport’s most prestigious individual award. Barcelona are hoping their large presence at the ceremony will reflect what they see as a season of outstanding performances across both teams.