FC Barcelona — and most notably, president Joan Laporta — are deeply appreciative of the recent actions taken by Hiroshi Mikitani, the CEO of Rakuten and chairman of Vissel Kobe. His timely support and diplomatic approach have not only solved an urgent financial hurdle for the club but have also rekindled hope for a renewed long-term partnership between the two parties.
As Barça prepared for their much-anticipated preseason tour to Japan, financial delays nearly jeopardized the entire operation. At the heart of the solution stood Mikitani, who personally stepped in to facilitate an advance payment of €4 million to the club. This swift and generous gesture ensured that the tour would proceed without disruption and highlighted his deep-rooted respect and affection for Barcelona.
Mikitani’s contribution goes far beyond a financial lifeline. It reflects a strong personal commitment to the values of the club and a desire to reinvest in the relationship that began years ago when Rakuten served as Barça’s main shirt sponsor (2017–2022). Under his leadership, Rakuten became one of the most visible global brands associated with Barça’s modern identity. While their official sponsorship ended in 2022, the goodwill between both entities never truly vanished.
Now, that goodwill appears ready to evolve into something new. A formal meeting is being planned between Barcelona’s top executives and Mikitani to explore ways to restore and redefine their partnership — not just commercially, but strategically. Mikitani reportedly wants Rakuten to regain its place as a key collaborator with the club, possibly through sponsorship, digital innovation, or future joint ventures involving Vissel Kobe and Rakuten’s global business network.
Barcelona, on their part, see Mikitani not only as a businessman but as a gentleman — someone who has acted with class, transparency, and loyalty. His behavior throughout the process has earned admiration at the highest levels of the club. Laporta and his board are especially impressed with his willingness to help without public fanfare, reinforcing their belief that a future collaboration would be based on mutual respect and shared vision.
Strategically, Barça also understands the importance of Asia — and Japan in particular — as a market for global growth. With a fanbase in the region that continues to expand and with players like Takefusa Kubo gaining popularity, rebuilding bridges with influential local figures like Mikitani is vital. His connections, not just in sports but across tech, retail, and media, could help Barça tap into lucrative new opportunities.
In short, Mikitani’s recent actions may have started with solving a financial issue, but they have potentially opened the door to a broader, more meaningful reengagement between Rakuten and FC Barcelona — one that could shape the club’s global strategy in the coming years.