Case Study: How FC Barcelona Used OptaAI Studio to Build a Sponsor-Winning Content Series
The Brief:
How do you help one of the world's biggest football clubs engage fans, activate a sponsor from outside the traditional football world, and do it in a way that's simple, repeatable, authentic, and genuinely loved by fans?
The Answer:
Stanley Tools 'Best Built Goal' - FC Barcelona's season-long branded content series, powered by Opta data and delivered using Stats Perform's automated Opta Graphics platform (part of OptaAI Studio).
Turning Goal Sequences Into Storytelling Assets
FC Barcelona wanted to create a new sponsored content format that could be monetised in a meaningful way. It had to be authentic, fan-friendly, and suitable for a sponsor not traditionally associated with football.
Working with Stats Perform, Barça used Opta's "goal sequence" data to tell a story fans don't usually see - how a goal is built. Each post visualised the passes, movement, and build-up behind a standout team goal, transforming tactical detail into engaging, easy-to-digest graphics. The result was a fresh, insight-led content series posted weekly throughout the 2023/24 season that lifted engagement metrics for sponsored posts to new heights.
Stanley Tools - a brand built on precision, craft, and results - became the perfect fit. Rather than being bolted on, their identity was embedded directly into the campaign narrative. This wasn't a logo slap. It was co-branded storytelling that amplified the role of Barcelona's team in getting the ball into the net, just as Stanley Tools supports builders, caretakers and DIYers to do their best work.
"Stats Perform helped us turn Opta data into a brand-new storytelling format that fans love, and bring in a brand partner that truly fit the story, not just the sponsorship slot."
- Eric Serra Grau - Director of Digital Business and Fan Engagement, FC Barcelona
"This campaign with FC Barcelona was more than a brand moment - it reflected the freedom our tools enable, the trust they inspire, and the reputation we share for building greatness."
- Stanley Tools
The Results: Fan Value, Sponsor ROI, Club Revenue
The campaign smashed expectations. Across Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads and Stories, the "Best Built Goal" series delivered:
- 229 million+ impressions
- 10.5 million+ engagements (4.5% engagement rate)
- 104 total posts
- 23 million impressions on the highest-performing post
- Consistent Stanley branding across five platforms
Top-performing posts coincided with fixtures against Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, with content hitting 19-23 million impressions during major match weeks.
- For FC Barcelona, this unlocked new commercial inventory based on existing matchday data.
- For Stanley Tools, it offered authentic, high-frequency exposure to one of the most passionate global fanbases.
- For fans, it was a chance to see football's finer details - not just the goal, but how it was built.
What Made This Campaign a Success?
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It told a story fans wouldn't normally see: the build-up, not just the finish.
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It fit the sponsor naturally: Stanley's brand message enhanced the story rather than interrupting it.
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It was scalable and simple to deliver: automated graphics powered by Opta meant Barça's content team could create with speed and consistency.
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It was repeatable, not a one-off: a full-season asset, not a fleeting activation.
This wasn't just branded content. It was proof that data, storytelling and sponsorship can work together - at scale - when the right tools are in place.
"With Stats Perform, we turned performance data into authentic stories that deepened fan connection. It helped us tell the story of each goal in a new way, and open the door to a new kind of sponsor."
Eric Serra Grau - Director of Digital Business and Fan Engagement, FC Barcelona
More than just numbers
These numbers represent more than just reach and scalability. Each number reflects the consistency, quality and relevance of the campaign, with each post delivering to three audiences simultaneously; club, sponsor and most importantly, fan.
‘Best Built Goal’ serves as a template for how football clubs can unlock sponsor-ready storytelling with existing data, and how brands outside the mould of ‘traditional sports sponsor’ can find a meaningful and authentic way to connect with global fans.
“With Stats Perform, we turned performance data into authentic stories that deepened fan connection. It helped us tell the story of each goal in a new way, and open the door to a new kind of sponsor.”
Eric Serra Grau – Director of Digital Business and Fan Engagement, FC Barcelona
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Your guide to smarter sponsor activations
Created by the team at the Opta Content Agency and powered by Opta data, this free resource includes 90 ready-to-use sponsorship activation ideas - all linked to actual Opta data points.
Whether you're a club, league or federation looking to grow your sponsorable inventory, or a brand or agency searching for new ways to align with sport in an authentic way, the ideas inside are designed to help you:
- Inspire your next proposal or pitch
- Help you tap into storytelling moments across live, pre-, and post-game coverage
- Insert fresh ideas into your sponsor pitches
- Approach new brands, from construction and consumer goods to personal care and finance
