5 min
Carl Hughes, a passionate Welsh fan of FC Barcelona, has added two exclusive jewels from the Etern Spotify Camp Nou collection to his personal collection of Barça memorabilia. In this interview, he shares his connection to the club, the emotional value these Brilianto diamonds hold for him, and how wearing a piece created from the stadium's grass makes him feel even more connected to the history and spirit of FC Barcelona.
Passion for Football
Carl, have you always loved football? Where does that passion come from?
I played a lot of football as a child, and over time I came to love this sport deeply. I ended up being part of two teams: my school team and my local team, Colwyn Bay. I even tried out for the county selection.
A Barça Fan Since the Terry Venables Era
What led a Welshman to become an FC Barcelona fan?
I became a Barça fan in the early 1980s, when Terry Venables was appointed as the team's manager.
I chose Barça because I was fascinated by its history and the way it brought in tremendous players. I really liked that. I also felt it was a very special club because of the dedication shown by everyone connected to it.
Do you follow any Welsh teams, or have you always been a Barça fan?
I don't usually follow local football. For me, it's about following the best football, and that's why I'm a Barcelona fan. I deeply admire the club for all the effort behind everything it does.
Discovering Barça's Most Exclusive Jewels
How did you discover these special jewellery collections from the club?
The first time I heard about these diamonds was on the FC Barcelona website. The piece that caught my attention the most was the club crest badge with the diamond in the centre.
Jewels from the Etern Spotify Camp Nou Collection
You've bought two pieces from the Etern Spotify Camp Nou collection, haven't you?
Yes, I bought one in the VIP area of the Olympic Stadium and another in the official Barça shop on La Rambla in Barcelona.
What did those moments mean to you?
Both purchases were truly special moments that I'll never forget. I bought each piece at a different event so that each memory would be unique.
The diamond with the FC Barcelona crest [Etern Spotify Camp Nou Crest Badge, 0.10 carats] I bought in the VIP Estrella Damm Lounge, when I attended the Champions League match between Barça and Bayern Munich.
The Spotify Camp Nou stadium diamond [Etern Spotify Camp Nou Badge 1957, 0.10 carats] I bought in the official Barça shop on La Rambla, just before the match against Borussia Dortmund. The shop manager handed it to me.
The diamonds in these pieces have been carefully created from the grass of the iconic Etern Spotify Camp Nou stadium. What does it mean to you to wear something so symbolic?
The fact that the diamonds have been created from the grass of Spotify Camp Nou seems like a beautiful idea to me. It's a true joy to feel that you're part of the club's history.
It's a wonderful concept, and the fact that each piece is a limited edition makes it even more special.
An Unforgettable Evening Before El Clásico
You met the Brilianto team at a VIP event the night before the Barça–Madrid match last May. What was that experience like?
It was a truly special experience. I was invited to the Spotify Camp Nou shop the night before El Clásico, as part of a private event. The club made me feel truly valued and respected, and that meant a lot to me.
That same night I also met Mery and Àlex from the Brilianto team, and meeting them made the experience even more memorable. I already had the two pieces at that point—the crest and the stadium—but that night I was also able to see the new 125th Anniversary FC Barcelona collection up close, which was truly exciting.
What caught your attention the most about the collection?
What really caught my attention was the badge with the FC Barcelona crest and a diamond in the centre. I also loved learning that the diamond had been created with carbon from the grass of Spotify Camp Nou. That connection to the stadium gives it very special meaning.
From Messi's Jersey to Spotify Camp Nou Diamonds
Do you have other Barça products? What else is part of your collection?
Yes, I have a huge collection of FC Barcelona products, which includes everything from jerseys signed by Lionel Messi to signed boots. But I would say that the Brilianto pieces are by far the most special items in my collection.
Why Brilianto Diamonds Are Different
What makes Brilianto pieces stand out compared to other fan merchandise?
Each piece is a limited and exclusive edition. They are presented with great care, and receiving one is truly a special moment.
Jewels That Tell a Story
What would you say to another fan about why these types of jewels have value?
I would say that these jewels have real meaning. It's not just about how they look, but about the connection to the club. You're holding something created from Camp Nou itself, and that makes them truly unique.
What would you ask Brilianto to create, if everything were possible? It could be inspired by FC Barcelona or any other club in the world.
If I could ask Brilianto to create another special piece, I would love to see an FC Barcelona ring or a bracelet with diamonds. Something that lets you carry the essence of the club with you always.