Roger Hampel
Credit: FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Human Mobile Devices (HMD), Europe’s largest smartphone manufacturer. This multi-year agreement positions HMD as a Global Partner, Official Mobile Phones Partner, and Smart Phones Partner of the club, encompassing not only the men’s and women’s football teams but also the club’s other professional sports sections.
A Partnership Rooted in Innovation and Sustainability Human Mobile Devices FC Barcelona
Human Mobile Devices (HMD) is known for its innovative approach in the tech industry, particularly in creating feature phones that help reduce screen time by eliminating social media, as well as developing repairable smartphones that combine style with user-friendly repair options. Founded in 2016, HMD has rapidly expanded its presence to over 200 countries, selling an impressive 400 million units by 2023.
This partnership with FC Barcelona marks a significant step for both organizations, aligning their shared values of innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. The deal includes rights of association with all of FC Barcelona’s professional sports teams and grants HMD access to the club’s athletes for creating exclusive graphic and audiovisual content. Additionally, HMD’s brand will be prominently featured on match days and across FC Barcelona’s digital platforms, ensuring widespread visibility.
Human Mobile Devices: A Leader in Sustainability
HMD stands out not only for its technological innovation but also for its commitment to sustainability. The company has been awarded the prestigious Platinum Ecovadis rating for three consecutive years, a feat unmatched by any other smartphone manufacturer. This top-tier sustainability rating reflects HMD’s dedication to creating products that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
Lars Silberbauer, Chief Marketing Officer of HMD, emphasized the synergy between the two organizations: “When it comes to creativity and innovation in sport, you simply cannot look past FC Barcelona. The club has always championed fresh thinking, beauty, and flair, and we have the same mindset when it comes to technology. Just like FC Barcelona brings people together – it’s more than a club – we’re the same. Every device we make is designed to enhance people’s lives and build connectivity.”
Silberbauer, a long-time fan of FC Barcelona, expressed his excitement about the partnership, recalling his admiration for the club since Michael Laudrup’s tenure in 1989. He highlighted HMD’s commitment to supporting FC Barcelona and its global fanbase, the "culers," as they embark on this exciting journey together.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Juli Guiu, Vice-President of the FC Barcelona Marketing Area, shared his thoughts on the partnership: “Reimagining the future and working for the next generation of fans and players is part of what defines FC Barcelona’s culture, so partnering with a company that embraces this vision like HMD is a natural move for us. In addition, as sustainability is one of the main pillars of the club’s strategic plan, we are looking forward to building synergies between two organizations that prioritize the care of future generations.”
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