#Germany #Berlin #Midea #FC Barcelona #Carles Puyol

Carles Puyol: A Sports Legend at IFA 2026

In a significant event at the IFA 2026, the legendary FC Barcelona player Carles Puyol graced the Midea booth, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the five-year partnership between Midea and FC Barcelona. Puyol, known for his extraordinary leadership and commitment to excellence, engaged with fans and consumers alike, bridging the gap between sports and technology.

Puyol’s visit showcased Midea's ambition to deepen its relationship with European consumers, emphasizing the core values shared between the company and the famed football club. Together, they aspire to bring world-class performance and innovation into everyday life. During his time at the booth, Puyol delivered an inspiring talk focused on leadership, standards, and the importance of teamwork. He reminisced about the emotional moment when he passed the captain’s armband to his teammate Éric Abidal, inviting him to lift the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2011. Puyol stated that leadership is about lifting others, setting an example, and striving for high standards until the very end of a challenge.

"World-class performance never solely relies on individual talent; it stems from hard work, continuous improvement, and trust within the team," Puyol remarked. He noted that these values resonate profoundly not only in football but also in Midea's commitment to excellence in their products and services. Lewis Fu, the president of Midea International, joined Puyol at the event, presenting a personalized FC Barcelona jersey to hallmark their significant collaboration. Fu highlighted the shared dedication to world-class performance between Midea and FC Barcelona, emphasizing that a similar disciplined approach to technology is essential to making daily life easier for consumers.

At the Midea SMART MASTER area, Puyol explored cutting-edge home technology, including the innovative Comfort Agent and Health Agent, which truly encapsulate the idea of a home that understands its inhabitants. Before leaving, a service robot delightfully delivered popcorn, embodying a blend of cutting-edge technology and user-friendly experiences. Adding a fun twist, Puyol also participated in the football challenge, "Kick Like a Star," engaging fans and visitors in a truly immersive experience.

This event was particularly meaningful as it marked the beginning of the first season of collaboration between Midea and FC Barcelona, launched on July 1, 2026. As the main sponsor and official appliance partner of the club, Midea’s logo proudly adorns the sleeves of both the match and training jerseys for the players, solidifying their partnership in a very public way.

Puyol's presence at IFA 2026 not only brought the partnership to the forefront but also illustrated Midea's goal to simplify the consumer experience through advanced technology. As part of a larger mission, Midea aims to elevate the home experience through their innovative products and technology, while also illustrating the strong linkage between sportsmanship and quality performance in the business world.

About Midea Group

Founded in 1968, Midea Group stands at the forefront of the global appliance industry, recognized as one of the world’s largest manufacturers of home appliances. Holding a position on the Fortune Global 500, ranked 231 in 2026, Midea is committed to diversifying its operations across seven high-growth pillars to drive future expansions: Smart Home, Industrial Technologies, Building Technologies, KUKA, New Energies, Midea Healthcare, and ANNTO Logistics. Their ongoing collaboration with FC Barcelona represents not just a commercial partnership but a shared vision for innovation and excellence in enhancing the consumer’s living experience.