Barcelona Lands in Japan After 10,000km Flight: €5M Earned per Match, Yamal the Star of the Show

[Barça Asia Tour | 2025 Preseason]
On the morning of July 26 (local time), La Liga giants FC Barcelona landed at Kansai International Airport in Osaka, officially kicking off their 2025 Asia Tour. Their first stop: a high-profile friendly against J-League club Vissel Kobe.

The match was nearly canceled after one of the co-organizers, Japan’s YASUDA Group, failed to fulfill their contractual obligations. On July 23, Barcelona officially announced the cancellation of the Japan leg. However, within 48 hours, Japanese corporation Rakuten stepped in with a last-minute €5 million payment, allowing the match to proceed as planned.

On July 25, Barça’s 30-man squad departed from Barcelona, with new signings Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford (on loan from Manchester United) included. Star players like Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, and Raphinha are all part of the traveling team. Sporting Director Deco remained in Spain to handle transfers and squad adjustments.

After a 12-hour, 10,350 km flight, the team arrived in Osaka, then continued to Kobe by bus, where they checked into the Portopia Hotel. Fans were already gathered outside the hotel—especially eager to meet 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, whose #10 and #19 jerseys were spotted everywhere.

At 7:00 PM local time, Barcelona will hold their first training session and a 15-minute press conference. Their first preseason match kicks off on July 27 at Misaki Park Stadium against Vissel Kobe, marking their first game of the 2025/26 campaign.

After Japan, Barcelona will continue their Asia Tour in South Korea, facing FC Seoul and Daegu FC. These three friendlies are expected to generate €15 million in total revenue for the club.

After the tour, Barça returns home for the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 10, where they’ll face Como, coached by former club legend Cesc Fàbregas. The new La Liga season begins on August 17, with Barcelona aiming to defend their league title.