Ed Sheeran's album logo to feature on Barcelona kit

Ed Sheeran said he "can hardly believe" his new album Play has been unveiled at the sponsor of Barcelona

A logo from Ed Sheeran's new album will be displayed on a limited-edition Barcelona football kit.

'Play' will be emblazoned across the blue and garnet-striped jersey, as part of a sponsorship deal, temporarily replacing the club's usual Spotify logo.

The new shirt will be worn by players at the women's match against Granada CF on 19 October and the men's El Clásico game with Real Madrid.

Sheeran becomes the first British male solo pop musician to sponsor the club's jersey, following in the footsteps of Travis Scott, Coldplay, and Drake.

"Seeing my new album Play on the Barça shirt is one of those moments I can hardly believe," said the 34-year-old, who supports Ipswich Town.

"I've loved football my whole life, so bringing my music to such an iconic stage and sharing it with fans everywhere means a lot to me."

Striker Robert Lewandowski will be one of many famous faces to pull on the Play-sponsored football shirt

The logo will appear on shirts worn by some of the game's most famous footballers, including Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski.

"Ed's songs have been part of our dressing-room playlist for a long time, so seeing his new album on our shirt for El Clásico is really special," said Lewandowski.

"Music and football unite fans in powerful ways, and I'm proud to represent that connection on the pitch."

There will only be 1,899 "match quality" shirts made, while an "even more exclusive" collection of just 22 tops will be signed by players.

Sheeran, who lives near Framlingham, in Suffolk, will also personally sign 11 of the shirts.

Manel del Río, general manager of the club, said: "We are very proud to have an artist like Ed Sheeran featured on our shirt.

"The logo change has become one of the most iconic moments of every season."

Ballon D'or winner Aitana Bonmati, who plays for FC Barcelona's women's team, wearing one of the limited edition line's Play-branded T-shirt

As well as featuring on the exclusive match-day shirts, the logo will also appear on various items of apparel, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, and scarves.

The club will also release a special edition of its match-day playlist on Spotify, curated by Sheeran.

From 23 October, the Clásico kit, featuring the Play logo, will also be available to use in the eFootball game.

"We're thrilled to bring a true football fan to such a major moment as El Clásico," said Marc Hazan, Spotify's vice-president of partnerships and marketing.

"Ed's genuine love for football and his status as one of the world's biggest artists made putting Play on the Barça shirt a natural choice."