Gerard Pique: From Football Icon to Innovative Entrepreneur

Despite approximately 90% of voters supporting independence, the autonomous community in northeastern Spain remained part of the nation, as the government refused to acknowledge the referendum results. For Gerard Pique, who identifies as both a proud Catalan and Spaniard, this was a disheartening outcome.

In the lead-up to the referendum, Pique actively campaigned to encourage voter turnout, emerging as a prominent figure within the Catalan independence movement. However, the aftermath of the referendum took an immediate toll on his reputation.

During a public training session for the Spanish national team in preparation for a World Cup qualifying match against Albania in early October 2017, the then-Barcelona star faced boos and insults from some spectators. Signs reading ‘Pique, get out’ were displayed, and after about 20 minutes, the session had to be halted due to the hostile atmosphere.

The day before, Pique had tearfully offered his resignation to coach Julen Lopetegui, who declined the offer. Following the disrupted training session, Pique addressed the media, advocating for unity while dismissing thoughts of an early retirement from the national team.

“I’ve been playing for Spain for almost 10 years now. I’m not going to disappear through the back door,” stated the then-30-year-old, while refraining from taking a public stance on Catalonia’s independence. “As footballers, we are global figures; we cannot take sides. In this challenging political climate, dialogue is the only path forward, otherwise tensions will escalate. Who cares how I react? I am entitled to my opinion. Many support independence, and many do not.”

Pique frequently found himself caught between two worlds within the national team. The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid added complexity to his relationships, particularly with players from the Spanish capital.

“Every victory against Real Madrid is symbolic,” Pique remarked after a Clasico victory in March 2019, implicitly referencing the political rivalries intertwined with club loyalties. His relationship with Sergio Ramos, a legend associated with Real Madrid, reflected a blend of tension and collaboration. “I defend my colors, Pique defends his. When we represent the same cause, we come together. But don’t expect me to hug him after a Clasico,” Ramos noted about their dynamic.

Despite any personal differences, Pique and Ramos celebrated major successes together, forming a crucial part of Spain’s defense during their triumphs in the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship, marking a pinnacle in Spanish football.

At the club level, Pique, a product of Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy, left the team at 17 to join Manchester United. After a brief and challenging stint at Old Trafford, he returned to Barcelona in 2008, becoming a cornerstone of their successful era under Pep Guardiola.

Pique blended resolute defending with elegance on the ball, embodying the ideal attributes of a Spanish center-back. However, alongside his on-field achievements, his personal life also garnered media attention. During the 2010 World Cup, he initiated a relationship with singer Shakira, whom he met during the filming of the tournament’s official song, ‘Waka Waka.’ Their relationship lasted 11 years and produced two children before their separation in 2022, which was marred by public disputes.

Following his retirement from professional football at the end of 2022, Pique had previously stepped away from the national team after Spain’s disappointing performance in the 2018 World Cup. He did, however, play in a friendly match for the Catalan national team in March 2019 against Venezuela.

As his football career concluded, Pique became increasingly engaged in entrepreneurial ventures. Through his investment company, Kosmos, he reimagined the Davis Cup, although his efforts met with challenges leading to the project’s discontinuation in 2023. He continues to advocate for innovation within tennis, highlighting the need for reform in the sport.

Pique also launched the Kings League in 2022, a new football format aimed at attracting younger fans by incorporating elements from various sports. The league has rapidly expanded from its Spanish inception, with plans for international growth, including the United States.

Not only is Pique an innovator, but he remains involved in traditional football as the owner of FC Andorra, with ambitions for the club to reach the Champions League. His investment has already led to promotion from the fifth tier to the second tier of Spanish football.

An incident in early October highlighted his passion for the club when he confronted a referee after a 2-1 defeat, expressing his dissatisfaction emphatically. Pique’s willingness to take a stand illustrates his unwavering commitment to his post-playing career and the projects he passionately pursues.