Jokic and Barça: A Story of Love and Hate in the Champions League

The triple MVP of the NBA, Nikola Jokic, relives old wounds and lost opportunities with the Blaugrana club, marked by bittersweet endings and a frustrated signing.

Nikola Jokic's relationship with the Barcelona Football Club is, to say the least, peculiar. A connection that seems to have been born between disappointment and admiration, tinged with Barça and marked by the highest club competition in Europe: the Champions League. The Serbian star of the Denver Nuggets, known for his genius on the basketball court, has proven to be a passionate soccer fan, with a special weakness for Arsenal.

His love affair with the London team dates back to his childhood. Young Nikola, just 11 years old, saw Juliano Belletti's goal in the 2006 Champions League final break the hearts of Arsenal fans, including his own. That night, FC Barcelona raised its second 'Orejona', a bittersweet memory for the future MVP who admired Thierry Henry, a 'gunner' legend.

Twenty years later, fate crossed Arsenal and Jokic again in a Champions League final. This time, the Serbian was in the stadium, vibrating like another fan with Kai Havertz's goal that put Mikel Arteta's team ahead. The hope of seeing Arsenal champion floated in the air, and Jokic, infected by emotion, shared it.

However, history, capricious, had other plans. Ousmane Dembélé, a former Barça player, equalized the score, and the penalty shootout ruled. Luis Enrique's team won the victory, leaving Nikola Jokic with a new bitter taste in a Champions League final, a scenario that seems to have marked him.

Jokic was not the only well-known face of elite sport present in this vibrant final. Along with him, Giannis Antetokounmpo, another NBA star, shared the expectation of a night of football with a strong culé DNA on the benches, with Mikel Arteta and Luis Enrique leading their respective teams.

But Jokic's connection with Barça goes beyond being a spectator. A little over a decade ago, the Catalan club was about to incorporate the Serbian center into its ranks. In 2014, when he was only 19 years old and playing for Mega Belgrade, a Barça delegation came to watch him. However, fate played a trick: Jokic had a discreet performance that crucial day.

That performance below what was expected made FC Barcelona postpone its decision. A period of time that the Denver Nuggets knew how to take advantage of. Those from Colorado burst onto the scene and selected Jokic 41st overall in the 2014 draft, just two weeks before Luis Enrique was announced as the new coach of Barça's first soccer team.

Nikola Jokic himself recalled this episode in an interview with MD during the last All-Star. “I just had one bad game and they said 'ok, we're just going to postpone it' and it never happened again. You know, it happens. But, to be honest, I'm glad it didn't go there, although they are incredible, probably one of the best teams in Europe, one of the biggest teams in Europe. But I think I made my own way,” the player confessed.

These statements, although they recognize the prestige of Barça, reveal a certain indifference, even subtle criticism, when expressing their satisfaction at not having joined one of the European giants. Some words that, without a doubt, did not go unnoticed in the Blaugrana environment.

Jokic's connection with Arsenal is not just limited to his fans. The ownership of the Denver Nuggets falls to Stanley Kroenke, who is also the owner of the English club. This duality of ownership unites the Serbian even more with the Gunners.

Kroenke, a mogul with an enviable sports portfolio, owns a plethora of teams in various disciplines and leagues: the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL, the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL, the Colorado Rapids of the MLS and the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League. With all of them, he has achieved glory, winning titles in each of the competitions they compete in.

Even Arsenal's women's team has tasted success, becoming European champions last season after beating Barça itself in the Champions League final. An achievement that contrasts with the thorn in the side of the men's team in the highest continental competition.

The men's Arsenal, despite being crowned Premier League champions after a 22-year drought, continues to yearn for the 'Orejona'. An elusive competition for the Gunners, who see how history repeats itself in bittersweet endings. Ironically, Thierry Henry, Jokic's youth idol and for whom he became an Arsenal fan, achieved that long-awaited Champions League in 2009, but he did it precisely with Barça, the club that was about to sign the Serbian center.

The last Champions League final, with Mikel Arteta, formerly of Barça, leading Arsenal and Luis Enrique, also with a culé past, leading the rival team, perfectly encapsulates Nikola Jokic's complex relationship with the Catalan club. A story of missed opportunities, emotional endings and a fan that transcends the basketball courts to enter the exciting world of football.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When did Nikola Jokic become a fan of Arsenal?
Nikola Jokic became a fan of Arsenal in his childhood, around the age of 11, inspired by Thierry Henry.
Which Champions League final particularly disappointed you?
The 2006 Champions League final, where Belletti's goal gave Barça the title, was an early disappointment. More recently, the final where Luis Enrique's team beat Arsenal also left a bittersweet taste.
Was Nikola Jokic close to signing for Barça?
Yes, FC Barcelona was on the verge of signing Nikola Jokic in 2014, but a poor performance during a scouting visit and the subsequent intervention of the Denver Nuggets thwarted the transfer.
Why does Jokic say he is happy not to have signed for Barça?
Jokic expressed that, although Barça is a great club, he is happy to have followed his own path, suggesting that his development in the NBA has been the right one for him.
Who owns the Denver Nuggets and Arsenal?
The owner of both teams is Stanley Kroenke.
What other teams does Stanley Kroenke own?
Stanley Kroenke also owns the Los Angeles Rams (NFL), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Rapids (MLS) and Colorado Mammoth (National Lacrosse League).
Has Arsenal men won the Champions League?
No, despite their success in the Premier League, the Arsenal men are yet to win the Champions League.
Which Jokic idol won the Champions League with Barça?
Thierry Henry, Jokic's idol and Arsenal legend, won the Champions League with FC Barcelona in 2009.
What relationship does Luis Enrique have with Barça?
Luis Enrique has been a player and coach of FC Barcelona.
What relationship does Mikel Arteta have with Barça?
Mikel Arteta was a FC Barcelona player.