What is the meaning of Cules in English and football, the nickname of the fans of FC Barcelona
Each team is bestowed with a nickname, but have you ever wondered about its origins? Join us as we delve into the roots of the Catalan team’s moniker.
The supporters of the Spanish giants have long been referred to as โculers,โ unlike Real Madrid fans who are known as โMadridistas,โ a moniker derived from their clubโs name.
But where did the term โculesโ originate for Barcelona fans?
Why are FC Barcelona fans called Cules and meaning explained in football
The origin of the name traces back to the early 20th century when Barcelona played their matches at the modest Calle de la Industria, a stadium with a capacity of only 6,000.
Despite its simplicity, Barcelona already boasted a significant fan base that surpassed the stadiumโs limits. With just a basic wall and a two-tiered stand, fans would perch on the walls to catch a glimpse of their team in action.
GOOD MORNING CULES โค๏ธโ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/9R0MRIN0lA
— BarรงaTimes (@BarcaTimes) January 26, 2024
Cules Term Meaning
As these fans leaned against the walls, passersby could only see their backsides. The Catalan word โcul,โ meaning โbacksideโ in English, gave rise to the nickname โculersโ for Barcelona supporters.
English author Phil Ball vividly described the scene, noting, โall you could see was row upon row of bums.โ In 1922, Barcelona moved to the larger Les Corts stadium, initially accommodating 20,000 and later expanded to hold 60,000.
The iconic Camp Nou, Europeโs largest stadium, opened in 1957. Despite the grandeur of Camp Nou, the nickname โculersโ endures, harkening back to the humble beginnings of the club.
Other Nicknames
Apart from โculers,โ Barcelona fans are sometimes referred to as โBarcelonistes,โ although this term is less common. Other nicknames include Blaugranes or Azulgranes, roughly translating to โthe blue and garnets,โ reflecting the clubโs colors.
The official motto, โMes Que Un Club,โ Catalan for โmore than a club,โ was coined by former club president Narcis de Carreras in 1968. This slogan symbolizes Barcelonaโs identity as more than just a football team, embodying something sacred and revered.
The clubโs official website proudly declares, โWe are more than a team of great stars, we are more than a stadium full of dreams, we are more than the goals weโve scored and more than the trophies that weโve won throughout our history.โ
โMes Que Un Clubโ has become synonymous with Barcelona, encapsulating the clubโs profound significance beyond the realm of football.