Touching display of sportsmanship as Barcelona youth soccer team consoles crying opponents

Barcelona’s youth soccer team served up a touching display of sportsmanship and class moments after winning the U-12 Junior Soccer World Challenge Sunday.

Barcelona’s under-12 “Infantil B” side defeated Japanese team Omiya Ardija 1-0 in the championship game, played in front of a partisan Japanese crowd in Tokyo, Japan.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

As the final whistle blew and the Barcelona youth stormed the pitch in celebration, many Omiya Ardija players began sobbing with the realization of having lost so close a contest in front of their home crowd.

Within moments, the Barca players noticed their opponent’s distress and came over to offer hugs, handshakes, and words of encouragement.

Sixteen youth soccer teams from around the world competed in the tournament, including the youth clubs from Barcelona and Manchester City.