Barça and Rakuten unveil new mosaic created with photos of fans from around the world to decorate the Camp Nou facade

Today, FC Barcelona has unveiled the new mosaic that will be adorning the Camp Nou façade this season featuring Leo Messi, Gerard Piqué, Frenkie De Jong, Marc-André Ter Stegen and Antoine Griezmann. But there is something very special about this mural. The pictures of the players are a montage of photos sent by fans from all around the world, part of an idea called The Big Picture devised by the club in association with Rakuten.

In an atypical season, marked by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, with games having to be played behind closed doors, Barça fans can now feel a little bit closer to their team and become part of the Camp Nou thanks to this 47.7 metre wide and 9.6 metre high mural.

The Big Picture was announced last July 20 when FC Barcelona and Rakuten invited fans to use the website created for the campaign to share photos of themselves cheering on the team to help make up this unique photomosaic. 

Fans can also view the final composition through a special link and people who sent in photos can even find themselves in the mosaic by following a link sent to each contributor, where they can access a personalised video that automatically zooms into the specific area where their photo is located.

Additionally, using an augmented reality system, fans that are able to visit the Camp Nou in person can work out exactly where their photos are with their smartphones. They simply have to scan a QR code that they’ll find on a special sign in the middle of the forecourt and use the augmented reality technology to find the picture by scanning the wall with their phones.

The Camp Nou, including the Museum, Barça Store and Barcelona Supporter Services Office (OAB), as well as the outdoor area around the forecourt, are all open to the general public, even though games are being played behind closed doors because of Covid-19. By ensuring everyone observes the instructions issued by the health authorities, and following three months of closure, the club was able to open its doors once again last June 12.

Statement by Oriol Tomàs, Vicepresident of the Commercial Area at FC Barcelona 

“Being able to run projects like these together with Rakuten is a further example that our relationship is much more than a sponsorship deal. It is a partnership that is grounded on a series of shared values like optimism, professionalism and teamwork, and a shared dedication to getting the club closer to its fans around the world. This commitment is even more relevant at a time like this that is so marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has had such a major impact on the organisation of the competition”.  

Statement by Rahul Kadavakolu, Director of Global Branding, Rakuten Inc: 

“We are committed to delivering world-class fan experiences powered by cutting-edge innovation. This is a way to bring Barca’s global fanbase to the club’s iconic home ground during a time when many fans are unable to attend professional sporting events in person. By combining technology and a passion for sports we can transcend borders and barriers in truly amazing ways.”