Yesterday, Barcelona celebrated the delivery of the 50-year membership badge to CharlyRexach, one of the club's most emblematic figures. The event, which took place at the Auditori1899, was attended by the first vice president RafaelYuste, the vice president AntonioEscudero and the director JosepIgnasiMacià, who led the ceremony together with the photographer XavierBosch. A total of 80 badges were awarded, among which that of the 100-year-old AdelaMarcos stood out, who received her medal surrounded by family and friends from PenyaMeritxell.
Rexach, who had already been a member of the club for half a century, did not receive his badge during the pandemic, when Barça accumulated several distinctions to distribute. Yesterday afternoon, the former player and coach was honored with the gold medal and received an emotional recognition from Yuste, who reminded him of his position in the “conder of the room”, a nod to his time as a winger. “Charly, you are very great,” commented the vice president, while the audience applauded enthusiastically.
The video that accompanied the ceremony showed Rexach in both his playing and coaching careers, highlighting the club's achievements over the past 50 years. His historic role was remembered as the only Barça player who was a member in 1978, which allowed him to participate in the club's first democratic elections after Franco's death. At that time, he was the only footballer who could vote, an anecdote that Rexach himself described with humor, pointing out the pressures of the candidates and his own “clique” at that time.
During the delivery, several members congratulated Rexach for his phrase “Running is for cowards,” which has gained popularity among fans. The gesture from the Barça community, which includes players, coaches and long-term members, underlines the importance of loyalty and commitment to the club. With the presentation of the badges, Barcelona reinforces its tradition of recognizing those who have contributed to its history, while preparing for the upcoming challenges of the season.