FC Barcelona and KONAMI announced today that they are renewing their relationship with a new Global Partnership agreement, whereby the digital entertainment firm behind the Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) series of videogames will be continuing its association with the Club for the next four years.

The announcement of the extended agreement coincides with the worldwide presentation of the latest edition of the game, eFootball PES 2020, which will have Leo Messi as its cover star. The Argentinian is featuring on the cover of the new standard version, thus following on from his team-mates Luis Suárez and Philippe Coutinho, who appeared on the previous two editions. Meanwhile, former Barça star Ronaldinho will be appearing on the front of the Legend Edition, which includes an exclusive 3D scanned version of the Brazilian. Both versions will be officially launched on September 10 in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and on September 12 in Japan.

As a result of this agreement, KONAMI will also be releasing a special Barça edition of eFootball PES 2020, which will be available at the Barça Official Store at Camp Nou in September. A new feature is that, for the first time, Barça fans will be able to decide the cover, and will get to vote on different choices in FC Barcelona's website.

Also as a result of the deal, KONAMI advertising will appear both inside and outside of the Camp Nou, and the company will have access to the players, will benefit from visibility on match days and is granted exclusive rights to recreate the Barça stadium in its eFootball PES 2020 titles. KONAMI will also be FC Barcelona’s Official eSports Football Video Gaming Partner, which includes possible collaborations in the organisation of future e-sports events.

Statement by Josep Pont, FC Barcelona Board Member responsible for the Commercial Area

“We are delighted to be able to renew our partnership with KONAMI. Our relationship began three years ago and this new agreement as Global Partners is testament to our shared journey, with clear commitment to the quest for excellence and to such common values as effort, teamwork and respect. It also reinforces our commitment to connecting with fans all around through the e-sports universe”

Statement by Jonas Lygaard, Senior Director Brand & Business Development de Konami Digital Entertainment B.V.

“FC Barcelona has been a loyal and a trusted partner for our company for the last three years and we are thrilled to have them by our side as we launch our most ambitious title yet in the PES series – eFootball PES 2020. FC Barcelona shares our own ambition for eFootball and together, we shall take sport to new heights”.