Barcelona’s women’s team is preparing to welcome fans this weekend as they host Montpellier HSC at Estadi Johan Cruyff for the Joan Gamper Trophy. The blaugranes will introduce the squad to the home crowd ahead of a friendly that signals the start of the season in a positive tone.
The Barça Femení side will face Montpellier in the Joan Gamper Trophy, giving supporters an early glimpse of the lineup while the French visitors bring top talent to the Catalan venue. This fixture serves as a traditional season curtain-raiser and a showcase for the club’s women’s football program at the storied ground named after Johan Cruyff.
Fans can follow the friendly clash between Barcelona and Montpellier during the Joan Gamper Trophy, a match celebrated for its festive atmosphere and competitive edge as teams test themselves against high-caliber opposition.
For the third time in its history, Barça Femení participates in the Joan Gamper Trophy, using the event to present the squad to supporters. The kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. against Montpellier Hérault SC at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, a venue that will host players who recently featured in the Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand.
Several Barça stars — Paredes, Batlle, Aitana, Mariona, Alexia, Codina, María Pérez, Salma Paralluelo, and Cata Coll — are with Spain at the World Cup, aiming for the crown against England on Sunday. They will rejoin Barça after their national-team duties, returning to contribute to the club’s ambitious project for the season ahead.
The reigning champions, who hold the Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and domestic titles, continue to generate excitement for the 2023/24 campaign. The squad was recently honored with the Gold Medal of Honor by the Parliament of Catalonia, underscoring the leadership of manager Giráldez and the team’s impact on regional and international levels.
Two years ago, Barça Women staged their Joan Gamper Trophy debut at the Johan Cruyff Stadium in a joint edition with the men’s team, facing Juventus’ female and male squads in a memorable doubles match. Last year’s opponent was Montpellier as well, continuing a tradition of spirited encounters between the clubs.
A dynamic and international pre-season is on the agenda this year, with the first team balancing commitments with World Cup duties. The squad is preparing for international tours that align with a demanding schedule ahead of the domestic season.
As preparation continues, the women’s team is set for a preseason tour in Mexico, featuring notable clashes against regional rivals and Cup holders. The August 29 match with Club América Femenil will test against the 2023 Liga MX Clausura champions, while the September 1 meeting with Tigres Femenil will pit Barça against a five-time Liga MX champion and current Campeón de Campeones. Upon returning from the Americas, the league campaign is expected to begin the weekend of September 9, signaling a busy and promising start to the new season.