Barça salary cap drops €112m, doubled by Madrid
FC Barcelona’s official salary cap for the 2025/26 season has been sharply reduced by €112.3 million to €351.3 million, according to La Liga’s latest financial report released in September 2025. This marks a significant decline from the €463.6 million limit set in February 2025. In stark contrast, La Liga champions Real Madrid have seen their salary cap rise modestly to €761.2 million, more than double Barcelona’s allowance.
The reduction stems mainly from La Liga withholding validation of €100 million in projected revenue linked to the “VIP boxes” sales at Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium. While the club had previously counted on this income to increase its spending power, the current auditors did not endorse the revenue, forcing La Liga to adjust Barça’s salary limit downward. This adjustment has placed Barcelona in a financially restrained position going into the new season, restricting their ability to register higher-paid players despite recent transfer market activities.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, continue to operate with unprecedented financial flexibility, backing an expanded wage bill that supports high-profile acquisitions across the summer. Their enhanced cap reflects robust revenue generation and prudent financial management, enabling manager Carlo Ancelotti to maintain a competitive squad depth unmatched in the league.
Barcelona’s drop in salary cap directly affects their squad planning and transfer strategy, as spending limits dictate the aggregate wages the club can allocate across the first team, coaching staff, and youth players. The shortfall has compelled Barça to employ creative methods for registering new signings, highlighting ongoing financial challenges despite the club’s prestigious stature.
This considerable gap in salary caps accentuates the widening economic divide between the two Spanish giants. For Barcelona, the salary cap reduction underlines the club’s continued efforts to stabilize finances and return to sustainable growth, while Real Madrid’s elevated cap signals sustained dominance in league and market positioning.
The disparity also shapes the competitive dynamics of La Liga, as Barcelona must navigate stringent budget constraints while trying to build a squad capable of challenging Real Madrid’s supremacy. For players and management alike, this season will test the club’s resilience and adaptability amid financial headwinds.
In summary, Barcelona faces a critical phase balancing fiscal responsibility with sporting ambition as La Liga’s salary cap mechanism highlights the structural challenges confronting the club, contrasted against Real Madrid’s commanding financial status. This divergence is pivotal for shaping the Spanish league landscape and the fortunes of both clubs going forward.