FC Barcelona welcomes America's Cup

Wednesday's match between FC Barcelona and Getafe will have a special highlight beyond football, namely the presence of America's Cup representatives on the pitch at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Two of its leading yachtsmen will perform the ceremonial kick-off just before the game as the football club, in the year of its 125th anniversary, expresses its recognition for what is considered the oldest still-contested trophy in the world, and one of the most prestigious sports competitions on the international calendar.

The special guests are Peter Burling and Silvia Mas, two of the biggest names competing in this 37th edition of the event, which began on August 22 and will continue until the end of October off the coast of Barcelona. Burling, skipper of the New Zealand team, has won the Cup twice and claimed Olympic gold in the Rio de Janeiro Games and silver in London. Silvia Mas, meanwhile, is competing for Sail Team BCN in the first-ever women's competition in America's Cup history. Mas is one of Spain's top yachtswomen, and has competed at the Tokyo Olympics and is a world champion in the 470 class.

Burling and Mas will be wearing a blaugrana jersey with "37th America's Cup" on the back, symbolising the connection between these two iconic names in the sports world, who share such values as excellence and the drive to inspire future generations.

The America's Cup dates back to 1851, and is not only considered one of the greatest sporting challenging, but is also at the forefront of technology and performance. The current champions from New Zealand team chose to defend their title in the waters of Barcelona, and set up an organisation to host what will be the most open and inclusive event in its history, and which can be followed live for free from various areas around the port and along the Catalan coastline.