Early on Sunday morning, Hansi Flick received a call from his mother informing him that his father, Hansi Sr., had passed away overnight at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness. That same day, Barcelona were set to clinch the La Liga title in the first clásico at the renovated Camp Nou. Flick, uncertain how to proceed, ultimately decided to share the news with his players. 'I thought: should I hide it or should I speak with my team, because for me it is like a family?' he said. 'I said OK, I want to get the information to my players, and what they did is unbelievable. I will never forget this moment.'
None of them will forget it either. Barcelona's players arrived at the Torre Melina hotel on the Diagonal at midday, where the man many consider a father figure told them about his own father. Hours later, they celebrated a title that was his as well. For the first time in 94 years, the clásico decided La Liga, though 'decided' hardly captures Barcelona's dominance all season. Their 2-0 victory over Real Madrid was incontestable, with Madrid players retreating swiftly, relieved it was over. Fireworks exploded, a sardana formed in the centre circle, and a stage was set up with giant letters spelling 'CHAMPIONS'. The league and federation presidents handed over the trophy on the night it was won, a rarity in the competition. Flick began a brief speech with 'Bona nit, culers' before switching to English, and Ronald Araújo led a lap of honour. Pau Cubarsí took the megaphone, Raphinha took the drum, and Marc Casadó carried a giant Catalan flag. They gave Flick the bumps, throwing him in the air.
Mostly, though, they held him close. This was already Flick's league, and the way it closed made it more so, laden with symbolism. He arrived in summer 2024 during a period of economic weakness, a bold risk that Joan Laporta embraced. Dani Olmo couldn't be registered, but Flick brought fun, enthusiasm, identity, and intensity to Barcelona's football. They won the league convincingly, but Flick suspected the second year would be harder, and early 2025-26 proved him right. 'At the start we went through a moment we didn't want to,' Raphinha admitted.
Barcelona were the youngest team in the league, with an average age of 24.25, led by teenager Lamine Yamal, who faced pressure and personality shifts. After a 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano in August, Flick warned that 'ego kills success.' Iñigo Martínez had left, Fermín López nearly did, and there was only one significant signing: goalkeeper Joan García. They played home games at three different grounds, including the training ground. Injuries and age issues plagued the squad: Raphinha started just 17 league games, Robert Lewandowski 14, Pedri 22, and Gavi barely played in two years. Lamine Yamal missed seven games and played through pubalgia, later writing about his 'internal abyss.' The first clásico in October hurt, with Vinícius Júnior taunting Lamine Yamal.
That night, Real Madrid won 2-1, but Vinícius headed straight down the tunnel after being substituted, revealing fault lines that deepened. Barcelona, by contrast, grew stronger. After the Rayo match, Flick stressed teamwork. Araújo took a mental health break, and after beating Alavés, Raphinha comforted a distraught Flick on the bench. 'We know as players we can be better,' Raphinha said, promising improvement. The Brazilian kept his word.
By the time of the second clásico, Barcelona were 11 points clear. Real Madrid had collapsed into crisis, while Barcelona won 22 of 24 games. The title was theirs. 'We knew we had to give a bit extra for him,' Martín said. 'At the beginning of the day we just thought about winning for Hansi and his family,' Ferran Torres added. Camp Nou observed a minute's silence and chanted Flick's name. When Marcus Rashford scored, he went to his manager; when Torres scored, so did he. Barcelona finished 14 points clear with three games left, on course for 100 points.
'Winning two titles in a row is not normal,' Flick said. 'It's normal for Flick,' Rashford countered. 'He wins everywhere he goes. But to do it with such a young squad is not so easy.' At full-time, Laporta embraced Flick, crying. Flick gazed up at the sky, eyes glistening in the fireworks. 'He knows how to get the best from these kids,' said interim president Rafa Yuste. 'We dedicate this to him,' Pedri said. 'This is for Hansi and his family,' Cubarsí added. 'He is a father to me,' Gavi said. 'Football gives you family and for me he's a father,' Raphinha said. On the pitch, players queued for photos with the cup, while Flick made his way inside. 'I'm going to tell you something because it's not normal,' he said, revealing the morning's call.
'I am really proud of everyone,' Flick said. 'For me, it is really a family and I appreciate it. As a coach it is always tough: you have to manage players and they have their own goals. But in the end it is about mentality and attitude and the team shows that in every training. In the beginning of the season I spoke about egos but I always felt we would come on the top level because I could see training. The most important thing is how they play for each other: it is unbelievable. And the people in Barcelona are really kind to us. This is really the thing I appreciate a lot.' Asked if he had ever felt as much love, Flick said, 'No, never. It is amazing. I am really happy, thanks. This is why I am feeling in the right place, the right time. It was a hard day, but I am proud. You can feel the connection we have and this is the most important thing in football and in life: that you are connected, that everyone feels part of this family. And this is... yeah... It is difficult today to speak about all these things but I am very happy. I appreciate it a lot. Thanks. I will never forget this day, ever.'
