Barcelona has officially fulfilled its long-standing financial obligations stemming from the economic crisis of 2020. The club has completed the final installment of the deferred wages agreed upon with players and staff during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Culemania, the final payment amounting to €16 million (approximately IDR 302.5 billion)—has now been transferred. This marks the end of a prolonged financial chapter for the Blaugrana, offering a sense of closure ahead of the new season.
The wage deferral arrangement was a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. To avert financial collapse, the club’s management at the time negotiated with players and staff to postpone a significant portion of salaries and bonuses.
The staggered repayment plan began in December 2021 and was finalized in June 2025. This resolution stands as a significant milestone for the club as it seeks to rebuild both on and off the pitch.
Barcelona's financial struggles worsened during the tenure of former president Josep Maria Bartomeu. The pandemic further exacerbated an already fragile economic situation.
By the end of 2020, the club had reached an agreement to defer 42.9% of base salaries and all performance-related bonuses. Payments were scheduled over eight phases spanning more than three years.
However, four players Marc-André ter Stegen, Frenkie de Jong, Gerard Piqué, and Clément Lenglet were not part of the agreement, as their contracts had been renewed prior to the implementation of the wage deferral plan.
Lionel Messi was the most impacted, with a total of €47.6 million (approximately IDR 899.9 billion) in deferred wages, including a final installment of €5.96 million (approximately IDR 112.7 billion).
Following Messi, Samuel Umtiti had €9.9 million (around IDR 187.2 billion) in deferred wages, Sergio Busquets €8.2 million (IDR 155.1 billion), and Antoine Griezmann €8 million (IDR 151.3 billion).
Former head coach Ronald Koeman also received nearly €6 million (around IDR 113.5 billion). Interestingly, he has since reconciled with club president Joan Laporta during an official team event.
In addition to these high-profile figures, several other players such as Ousmane Dembélé, Miralem Pjanić, and Sergi Roberto were also on the deferral list, each with over €5 million in postponed earnings.
Others, including Neto, Sergiño Dest, Martin Braithwaite, and Junior Firpo, also signed the agreement based on the terms of their contracts at the time.
Even younger players such as Ansu Fati, Pedri, Ronald Araújo, and Riqui Puig accepted deferrals albeit below €1 million (approximately IDR 18.9 billion). Their solidarity played a meaningful role in ensuring the club’s financial survival.
