Tom Brady vs. Barcelona: Two of sports’ biggest names collide for the first time
The NFL legend’s English soccer venture takes center stage as Birmingham City welcomes one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Preseason often throws up some bizarre matchups, and this Friday is no exception as Birmingham City take on Barcelona at St. Andrew’s, the Blues’ home stadium, not to be confused with St. Andrews, the home of golf.
Birmingham’s profile around the globe has risen in recent years after NFL legend Tom Brady became a minority owner of the club in July 2023.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion was brought on board to “apply his extensive leadership experience and expertise across several components of the club, including working alongside the sports science department to advise on health, nutrition, wellness, and recovery systems and programs,” according to a Birmingham City statement at the time.
Chris Davies, the club’s current head coach, has formed a close bond with Brady and has described the New England Patriots icon as “a world-class consultant” who “cares a lot and listens and tries to give helpful advice.”
Tom Brady’s Birmingham City on the rise
Birmingham were relegated from the EFL Championship, England’s second tier, to League One, the third division, at the end of Brady’s first season with the club. They responded immediately by winning promotion the following year, setting a points record in a 46-game season.
In 2025-26, they finished 10th in the 24-team Championship, fueling hopes of a promotion push in the upcoming campaign.
As part of their preparations for the new Championship season, which begins on Aug. 14, Birmingham host Barcelona, who are spending part of their preseason at St. George’s Park, the English Football Association’s national training center.
Which Barcelona players will feature?
Due to their participation in the latter stages of the World Cup, many of Barça’s top stars, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Pau Cubarsí, are still enjoying time off and therefore will not feature against Birmingham.
However, summer signing Karim Adeyemi could make his debut, while Wojciech Szczesny, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde, Marc Casadó, and Marc Bernal are among the first-team players expected to be involved alongside several younger prospects.
Birmingham City vs. Barcelona: Kickoff time, how to watch in the U.S.
The preseason friendly between Birmingham City and Barcelona will be played today, Friday, July 31, at St. Andrew’s, with kickoff scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT.
U.S. viewers can watch Birmingham City vs. Barcelona on beIN Sports Connect, which is also available through fubo, Sling, and Fanatiz. The match will also be streamed on Barça Play, which requires a subscription.
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