The telling flag

One detail defined a city; it embodied everything that Barcelona entails.

As I emerged from the underground metro, I found myself among  cream apartment buildings and street vendors with the arrays of colorful flowers. It was one small detail that caught my eye in the midst of the vibrant city. Once I noticed it, I began to notice how reoccurring and prominent this detail was.

From every balcony, hanging from each door, and being carried by the countless locals, was the Spaniard flag. They hung it with pride, in hopes of a new run as their beloved soccer team was playing in a FIFA World Cup qualifying game. For those who cheer on Spain, this was beyond a routine game, it was a piece of history. Futbol in the area is a means of life. I observed this lifestyle through the flags, and groups of teenagers playing the game wherever there was a open plaza.

The flags symbolized the passionate relationship between the locals and futbol. Apartment buildings had dozens of them hanging off the side, swinging in the light breeze. Some were over bearing, while the smaller ones filled the empty space of the balconies. Some flags were vibrant as if they were purchased specifically for this game. Others were more tattered, as if they had been hung every four years without being a forgotten decoration.

While the Spain national team makes their World Cup appearance every four years, many of the players show their duty to the city by representing FC Barcelona year after year. It can be argued that the Barcelona soccer team is the city’s one true love, and the Spain national team is just a mistress.

During my stay in Barcelona I took a trip to the soccer club’s fortress, Camp Nou; the home of FC Barcelona.

Outside the camp, a massive banner of the players drapes over the side of the stadium. Most likely the banner is there for advertising purposes. Yet when I saw the banner I saw it in a particular manner. To me, it represented the larger than life athletes of FC Barcelona. Those looking up at the banners are about to enter their home, and hopefully the team will send their guests home satisfied.

Entering the stadium, the prestigious history of the soccer club is out for the world to see. With how many trophies were on display it could be show the team’s inability to be humble, but it is undeniable history. There is one row of trophies, then another, and then another. The range from league championships to FIFA championships, old and new. The room holds unsurpassed amount of success in European soccer.

A few fleets of stairs below began the tunnel that leads into the field. The inside of the locker room was simple. It didn’t resemble the lavish locker rooms of American professional teams. The lockers were grey, the walls where white, and the floor was black. There wasn’t plush couches, plasma televisions, or cushy carpet. It was straightforward. The team was there to play, and continue to restore pride in their city, they weren’t there for the perks.

Exiting the locker room the players, and those visiting Camp Nou, find themselves heading through a tunnel where a distant light is at the end. But the light becomes unimportant compared to what the tunnel holds. On the right hand side a small church is nestled in. It is humble and peaceful, allowing the players one last moment of tranquility with their Lord before heading into the madness.

When coming closer to the light, the faces of the players are once again blown up and plastered on the wall. It is the final sight they see before starting the show.

A few more steps the tunnel ends. Then five stairs up, the field opens. It is overwhelmingly large and majestic. It surrounds on all sides, making one feel small. Yet in the player’s case, it must make them feel even larger, as they captivate the crowd of over 98,000 with their presence. Before stepping any further onto the field, it is a moment to pause and soak in the beauty of Camp Nou. It is a time to take in knowing that it is the entrance to heartbreak, triumph and the history of the world’s greatest soccer club.