Joan Laporta has been reaffirmed as the president of FC Barcelona, securing his position for the next five years after a decisive victory over challenger Victor Font in Sunday’s club elections. The 63-year-old lawyer, known for his dynamic leadership and previous tenure during one of Barcelona’s most celebrated eras, will officially resume his role in July 2026. This election marks Laporta’s second consecutive win against Font, whom he also defeated in the 2021 race, underscoring his enduring influence within the club’s membership.
The voting turnout saw approximately 42 percent of eligible club members casting their ballots, amounting to 48,480 votes in total. Laporta emerged victorious with a commanding 68.18 percent share, while Font garnered 29.78 percent. The overwhelming support reflects the members’ confidence in Laporta’s vision for the club’s future. Upon hearing the results, Laporta expressed his gratitude and determination, stating that the outcome filled him with immense strength and optimism for the challenging yet exciting years ahead.
One of the key priorities Laporta highlighted is the ongoing renovation of the iconic Camp Nou stadium. Initially scheduled for completion in 2026, the project has been delayed and is now expected to finish by 2027. The revamped stadium is seen as a crucial element in Barcelona’s strategy to boost revenue and modernize its infrastructure. Laporta emphasized the collective responsibility of the club’s members to protect and defend Barcelona’s legacy against external pressures and criticisms, reaffirming his commitment to unity within the club.
In addition to infrastructural developments, Laporta paid tribute to the current coaching staff and sporting director, particularly Hansi Flick and Deco, who played instrumental roles in securing a domestic treble last season. Their contributions have been vital in restoring Barcelona’s competitive edge both domestically and in Europe. Laporta’s previous presidency, spanning from 2003 to 2010, is often remembered as a golden period for the club, highlighted by the historic treble win in 2009 under Pep Guardiola’s management.
The election day was marked by enthusiastic participation from several first-team players and club legends. Following a thrilling 5-2 victory over Sevilla, players including coach Hansi Flick cast their votes alongside Laporta. Notable figures such as former midfielder Sergio Busquets, three-time women’s Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, and club icon Xavi Hernandez also took part in the democratic process. Voting stations were conveniently set up not only at Camp Nou but also in other Catalan cities like Girona, Tarragona, and Lleida, as well as in Andorra, facilitating broader member participation.
Laporta’s celebration began well before the official count was announced, with jubilant scenes of him dancing alongside players after the emphatic win at Camp Nou. His leadership since 2021 has been marked by efforts to stabilize the club’s precarious financial situation, which included controversial decisions such as selling future television rights and partial stakes in the club. These measures enabled Barcelona to invest in high-profile signings like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha during the summer of 2022, contributing to subsequent La Liga titles in 2023 and 2025, and a return to the Champions League semi-finals last season.
Despite these successes, Laporta’s tenure has not been without criticism. His involvement in the ill-fated European Super League project, in collaboration with Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez, drew significant backlash and ultimately led to Barcelona’s withdrawal from the initiative earlier this year. Nevertheless, his first presidency remains fondly remembered for ushering in a period of unprecedented success, including the emergence of Lionel Messi as the club’s greatest player and the arrival of Brazilian legend Ronaldinho.
Victor Font, the defeated candidate, acknowledged the need for modernization in the club’s electoral process. He advocated for reforms such as mail-in voting to enable members residing far from Catalonia to participate more easily. Font expressed disappointment over the relatively low turnout, emphasizing that greater member involvement would strengthen the club’s democratic foundation and overall unity moving forward.
