What in the World - Why the DRC is sponsoring FC Barcelona

Download Why the DRC is sponsoring FC Barcelona

If you’re a Barca fan, you might want to look out for a small change to the players’ kits that’s coming soon. The Democratic Republic of Congo has struck a four-year sponsorship deal with FC Barcelona, that will see “DR Congo - Heart of Africa" emblazoned on the back of their training shirts from the start of next season. The deal reportedly cost the country around 50 million dollars and includes a training camp in Spain for 50 young Congolese players, according to the Sports Minister. But it’s also faced criticism at home and abroad, as the DRC continues to struggle with poverty and political instability.

BBC journalist Emery Makumeno joins us from Kinshasa to explain the reasons the country has given for making the deal and the issues its own football league is facing. BBC sports journalist Daniel Austin explains how sports sponsorship works and what it reveals about money, image, and influence in sport. And we hear from football fans in the DRC, who share what they think of the deal.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Friday, 8th August 2025.

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