he took a three-month medical leave in December 2012

It was announced in summer of 2012 that Tito Vilanova, assistant manager at FC Barcelona, would take over from Pep Guardiola as manager. Following his appointment, Barcelona went on an incredible run that saw them hold the top spot on the league table for the first 26 weeks, recording only 1 loss in 23 games. Lionel Messi scored 34 goals in this time period alone, and in mid-February they were 12 points clear of second placed Atlético Madrid. On 11 May 2013 Barcelona were crowned as the Spanish football champions for the 22nd time.[82] On 19 July, it had been announced that Vilanova will resign as Barcelona manager after his throat cancer returned, and will be receiving treatment again, after he took a three-month medical leave in December 2012.[83]
Support

Main article: Supporters of FC Barcelona
The nickname culer for a Barcelona supporter is derived from the Catalan cul (English: arse), as the spectators at the first stadium, Camp de la Indústria, sat with their culs over the stand. In Spain, about 25% of the population are said to be Barça sympathisers, second behind Real Madrid, supported by 32% of the population.[84] Throughout Europe, Barcelona is the favourite second-choice club.[85] The club's membership figures have seen a significant increase from 100,000 in the 2003–04 season to 170,000 in September 2009,[86] the sharp rise being attributed to the influence of Ronaldinho and then-president Joan Laporta's media strategy that focused on Spanish and English online media.[87][88]
In addition to membership, as of June 2010 there are 1,335 officially registered fan clubs, called penyes, around the world. The fan clubs promote Barcelona in their locality and receive beneficial offers when visiting Barcelona.[89] The club has had many prominent persons among its supporters, including Pope John Paul II, who was an honorary member, and former prime minister of Spain José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.[90][91] FC Barcelona has the second highest average attendance of European football clubs only behind Borussia Dortmund.[92][93]
Club ri