Softfootball reports that FC Barcelona will now play their La Liga fixture against Villarreal in Miami on December 20, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium, after UEFA finally gave the green light. The match, which was originally meant to be Villarreal’s home game, will be the first-ever official La Liga tie held outside of Spain a move many see as bold and others a little controversial.
This is the latest development around the club following Joan Laporta’s address to the club, announcing a profit in Barcelona’s finances. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) gave its approval back in August, while La Liga president Javier Tebas hailed it as a “historic step” — one that would bring Spanish football closer to fans across the world.
Reacting to the news, Barcelona president Joan Laporta also welcomed the idea, as announced by the club on its official website. Laporta went on to highlight Barça’s growing footprint in the United States, pointing out the club’s North American office move from New York to Miami.
The president made those remarks during the Cruyff Foundation Open Day at La Mar Bella Municipal Sports Complex in Barcelona — an annual event that honors the late Johan Cruyff’s legacy. Since 2004, the foundation (in partnership with the FC Barcelona Foundation) has promoted inclusive sports for children with disabilities, keeping Cruyff’s dream of football for everyone alive.
He Said:
La Liga was very keen for this match to take place in Miami, and we’ll go and play wherever La Liga tells us to, as it’s the body that governs the competition. The United States is a market we’ve been developing and consolidating. Our office has moved from New York to Miami, and this match will bring us closer to our fans and sponsors.
On the pitch, though, it hasn’t been all sunshine. Barcelona have stumbled a bit lately, losing 1-2 to PSG at home in the Champions League and 4-1 to Sevilla in La Liga before the break. Laporta didn’t shy away from admitting it. Still, he voiced his full confidence in Hansi Flick, saying that the team just needs to regain rhythm and hunger.
He Said:
“We didn’t get the results or performances we wanted,” he said, pointing out the impact of injuries.We’re a very competitive side when we put in the work,” Laporta added with optimism.
Interestingly, Barcelona has been finding creative ways to navigate their financial hiccups, and this is the latest of a series at Barcelona.
