Barca's mascot CAT: craze takes off with first official plush

"FC Barcelona's newest star isn't a rising academy talent or a record signing. It's CAT, the club's expressive yellow, blue, and claret mascot whose first official plush toy triggered a rush that even the most optimistic executives didn't see coming. The plush debuted at the Barça Immersive Tour during a hybrid presentation that mixed a live lip-sync performance, a studio-style setup, and a global broadcast aimed at reaching supporters far beyond Catalonia."

"According to the club, the plush is the result of a longer-than-expected creative and production process, driven by a commitment to make a figure that truly captured CAT's identity. The first batch, released in an exclusive presale for members at 34.99 euros, sold out almost instantly. MARCA reported that 5,000 units disappeared in just 10 minutes, a demand more typical of limited-edition sneakers than a children's toy."

"Not all the fallout has been celebratory. Some members immediately tried reselling their preorder confirmations at steep markups, drawing public frustration from board spokesperson Maria Elena Fort, who denounced listings reaching around 100 euros. The club has clarified that another presale is on the way, but for now, there is no official method to secure a new plush."

CAT, an expressive yellow, blue, and claret mascot, generated unexpectedly high demand when its first official plush launched. The plush debuted at the Barça Immersive Tour through a hybrid presentation combining a live lip-sync performance, a studio-style setup, and a global broadcast to reach supporters beyond Catalonia. The figure evolved from a 125th-anniversary creation into a growing brand asset. Production took longer than planned to capture CAT's identity, and an exclusive members' presale at 34.99 euros sold out almost immediately, with 5,000 units reportedly gone in ten minutes. Resale attempts prompted criticism, and another presale was announced. The character was designed by brothers Carles and Jordi Grangel, creators with major film credits, who described initial panic upon receiving the assignment and who are lifelong Barça fans.

Read at Barca Blaugranes