"That’s next-level crossover vibes"- Internet reacts to Ed Sheeran collaborating with FC Barcelona and Spotify for Clasico shirts

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Ed Sheeran is the latest artist to feature on popular Catalan football club FC Barcelona's collaboration with Spotify. The artist's new album logo, PLAY, will be featured in their El Clasico shirts, with the game set to take place on October 26.

On October 14, Barcelona and Ed Sheeran revealed the special edition shirts for their Spotify collaboration. It is a tradition for the Catalan side to release a special edition set for the much-awaited El Clasicos each season, which refers to their clash with archrival side, Real Madrid. Multiple artists, including Drake, Travis Scott, and the Rolling Stones, have featured in these collaborations via Spotify.

The new edition shirts are in Barca's signature 'blaugrana' (blue and red) colors, with the PLAY icon from Sheeran's album displayed in front. Both the men's and the women's teams will be sporting the special shirts on match days. The Catalan side also released a small promo introducing the shirts and featuring Ed Sheeran himself wearing the kit. Popular club superstars, including Lamine Yamal and Aitana Bonmati, also featured in the promo.

Fans took to X to react to the Ed Sheeran x Barcelona collaboration. While some were critical, others were excited to see the new editions. One X user wrote:

"Wow, Ed Sheeran on a Barça jersey? That’s next-level crossover vibes."

@PopCrave Wow, Ed Sheeran on a Barça jersey? That’s next-level crossover vibes 🎶⚽🔥

Other netizens also shared their two cents on the collaboration:

@PopCrave It’s wild how football kits have become moving billboards for culture. From Drake’s owl to Ed Sheeran’s “Play,” Barcelona’s shirts now say more about streaming than sport.

@PopCrave spotify slaps ed sheeran’s “play” on barça’s jersey again? merch synergy going full 4D 😭 next we’ll see concert passes printed on kits.

@PopCrave the timing is so wrong for the 'Play' as Barca is grappling with injured players at the moment including Lewandowsky

Fans continued to share their thoughts on X:

@PopCrave Another shameless marketing stunt. FC Barcelona used to stand for passion and pride now it’s just a walking billboard for Spotify’s next promotion. Turning football kits into album ads isn’t innovation, it’s desperation. Fans deserve tradition, not corporate sellouts.

@PopCrave barca having these tees as el clasico jerseys would be a whole different level of el clasico madness

@PopCrave Their PR team needs an award

Ed Sheeran opens up about collaborating with FC Barcelona and his love for football

In an official statement on October 14, Ed Sheeran shared his thoughts on his collaboration with FC Barcelona. The popstar is well-known for his love for football and is an ardent supporter of the Premier League side, Ipswich Town.

"Seeing my new album Play on the [Barça] shirt is something I'm proud of. I'm a big fan of football and FC Barcelona, and I love that we get to merge the worlds of music and football in such a fun way."

Ed Sheeran is the seventh musical artist to feature in Barcelona's shirts over the years, but the first time for a solo male pop artist. Apart from the home jersey, the collab collection also features other exciting merchandise for fans, including a white t-shirt which says "play like Barca" in the front, inspired by Sheeran's album's font.

Other items include a scarf, a hooded sweater, and a retro jersey inspired by the 2004-2005 season. This season was specifically chosen because it marked the era when Sheeran began making music and also marked one of Barca's most successful seasons, including the debut of their greatest legend, Lionel Messi.

Speaking of Sheeran featuring on the Barcelona shirt, legendary striker Robert Lewandowski said:

"Ed's songs have been part of our dressing-room playlist for a long time, so seeing his new album on our shirt for El Clásico is really special. Music and football unite fans in powerful ways, and I'm proud to represent that connection on the pitch."

Only 1899 pieces of match-quality shirts will be made for sale, with 22 other special edition shirts signed by Barca players. Ed Sheeran himself will sign 11 shirts. The men's team will sport the shirt for the first time during the Clasico against Real Madrid on October 26, while the women's team will wear it during their LaLiga clash against Granada on October 19.

The Catalan side will also release a special matchday playlist designed by Sheeran himself on the Clasico day. Meanwhile, all items of the Sheeran x Barca collection will be available across the club's official stores in Spain and for online purchase via their website.

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About the author

Pratyasha Sarkar

Pratyasha is a Pop Culture and a European Football writer for Sportskeeda. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, and has over 3 years of experience in the pop culture industry. Throughout her career, Pratyasha has always emphasized detailed background checks, and believes in verifying all information regardless of how correct it may seem.

Pratyasha is an ardent admirer of Lionel Messi and has followed his journey since she was a kid; he inspires her with his dedication and humility. She has grown up watching, living, and breathing Satyajit Ray's cinema, which she believes is timeless. She loves Taylor Swift’s music and thinks she's a lyrical genius, and also admires Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Deepika Padukone.

When Pratyasha's off the clock, she enjoys reading books and listening to music. During the football season, she is usually busy watching football matches late at night when Barcelona are playing.

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