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Joan Laporta has once again secured the trust of the members of FC Barcelona
after winning the club’s presidential election in a landslide victory. The result
confirms Laporta will remain president for another five years, continuing a
leadership era that has already played a major role in rebuilding one of the most
famous football clubs in the world.
The election attracted significant attention across the football world because
Barcelona is not owned by private investors or corporations. Instead, it is run by its
members, known as socios. These members vote to choose the president and
influence the direction of the club. This democratic structure makes Barcelona
unique among elite European football clubs.
Laporta defeated challenger Victor Font by a wide margin, winning the majority of
votes cast by club members. His victory signals strong support for the direction the
club has taken over the past few years, both on and off the pitch.
This election represents more than just a political victory. It is a reflection of
Barcelona’s recovery from financial struggles, the resurgence of its football teams,
and the faith members have in Laporta’s long-term vision for the club.
A Clear and Convincing Election Result
The presidential election ended with a decisive outcome. Laporta received 32,934
votes out of 48,480 ballots cast, while Victor Font received 14,385 votes. A small
number of votes were left blank or declared invalid.
Overall, Laporta secured about 68 percent of the vote, compared with around 30
percent for Font. The remaining ballots were either void or blank.
More than 114,000 Barcelona members were eligible to vote, and the final turnout
reached 42.34 percent. While not all members participated, the number of votes
cast still represented a strong democratic process within the club.
Voting took place in several locations, including the iconic stadium Spotify Camp
Nou. Additional voting stations were also available in Tarragona, Girona, Lleida and
Andorra to allow members living outside Barcelona to participate.
The election day coincided with a successful day on the pitch for Barcelona, as the
team celebrated a 5-2 victory over Sevilla FC in La Liga.
Laporta’s Reaction After Winning the Election
After the result was confirmed, Laporta addressed supporters and members with an
emotional speech. He began by thanking Barcelona’s members for participating in
the vote and expressing gratitude for the trust they placed in him.
Laporta highlighted the importance of democracy within the club. He emphasized
that Barcelona is one of the few major football institutions where supporters have
the power to choose their leaders directly.
According to Laporta, this democratic system makes Barcelona special and unique
in world football. The president described the election as a celebration of the
club’s identity and its connection to its members.
He also expressed optimism about the future. Laporta promised that the coming
years would be exciting for Barcelona fans and said the club will continue to
defend its values, identity and ambitions on the global stage.
A Familiar Rivalry with Victor Font
This election marked the second time Laporta and Victor Font faced each other in a
presidential race.
The same two candidates competed in the 2021 election, which Laporta also won
by a comfortable margin. That earlier election took place during one of the most
difficult periods in Barcelona’s modern history.
The club was dealing with severe financial problems and the emotional departure
of its greatest player, Lionel Messi.
Font hoped to convince members that the club needed a new direction and a fresh
leadership team. He presented himself as a candidate focused on modern
management and long-term financial stability.
However, Laporta’s experience and the club’s recent sporting success made it
difficult for Font to gain enough support from voters.
Laporta’s History with Barcelona
Laporta’s relationship with Barcelona goes back many years. His first term as
president began in 2003 and lasted until 2010.
That period is widely considered one of the most successful eras in the club’s
history. During those years, Barcelona became one of the most dominant teams in
world football.
Laporta played a crucial role in appointing legendary coach Pep Guardiola, who led
the team to historic achievements. Under Guardiola’s leadership, Barcelona won
multiple major trophies and introduced a style of football that influenced the
global game.
The team’s success included the famous 2009 season, when Barcelona won the
Champions League, La Liga and the Copa del Rey in the same year.
Many supporters still remember that era as the golden age of the club.
The Difficult Situation in 2021
When Laporta returned to power in 2021, the situation was very different from the
golden years of the past.
Barcelona was facing one of the worst financial crises in its history. The club had
accumulated huge debts and was struggling to comply with financial regulations.
The COVID-19 pandemic had also reduced income from ticket sales, tourism and
stadium events.
Laporta’s leadership team had to make difficult decisions to stabilize the club’s
finances. These included restructuring contracts, reducing spending and finding
new sources of revenue.
One of the most controversial financial strategies involved selling portions of the
club’s future revenues to investors in exchange for immediate funds. These moves
became known in football discussions as the “financial levers.”
While critics argued these decisions could create long-term risks, Laporta insisted
they were necessary to save the club from deeper financial trouble.
Sporting Success Under Hansi Flick
Another important factor behind Laporta’s election victory has been the success of
the team on the field.
Barcelona has enjoyed a strong period under head coach Hansi Flick. The German
manager has helped the team return to winning form and compete again among
Europe’s elite clubs.
Under Flick’s leadership, Barcelona won a domestic treble that included La Liga, the
Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. The team also reached the Champions
League semifinal, its best European performance in several years.
These achievements convinced many members that the current sporting project is
working and deserves continuity.
A New Generation of Young Stars
Barcelona’s success in recent seasons has also been supported by the emergence
of several talented young players.
The club’s famous youth academy has once again produced players capable of
competing at the highest level.
Young talents such as Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí have become key figures in
the first team despite their young age.
Other promising players, including Fermín López, have also played important roles
in the team’s success.
These players symbolize the revival of Barcelona’s traditional philosophy of
developing talent from within the club.
Many supporters believe Laporta deserves credit for creating the right environment
for these young players to succeed.
Support from Players and Staff
The election also demonstrated strong support for Laporta from within the club
itself.
Several players and staff members who are also club members took part in the
voting process.
Coach Hansi Flick described the election day as a special moment and expressed
his appreciation for Barcelona’s democratic structure.
Players such as Pedri, Raphinha and Dani Olmo also cast their votes after finishing
their match duties.
Their participation reflected the deep connection between the team and the club’s
membership system.
The Camp Nou Renovation Project
One of the most ambitious projects during Laporta’s presidency is the renovation
of the stadium.
The redevelopment of Spotify Camp Nou is part of a larger project designed to
modernize the club’s facilities and increase long-term revenue.
The new stadium will include improved seating areas, hospitality zones and
modern technology to enhance the matchday experience.
Recent progress has allowed the first two tiers of the stadium to reopen, increasing
the available capacity to more than 60,000 spectators while construction
continues on the remaining sections.
Although the project has experienced delays, it remains one of the most important
developments in the club’s future.
Challenges That Still Remain
Despite the positive momentum, Barcelona still faces several challenges in the
coming years.
Financial stability remains a priority. The club must continue to reduce its debt and
ensure long-term sustainability.
Competing at the highest level in Europe will also be a major objective. Barcelona
aims to return to winning the Champions League and re-establish itself as the
dominant force it once was.
At the same time, the club must continue developing young players and
maintaining the identity that has made Barcelona famous around the world.
What Laporta’s Victory Means for the Future
Laporta’s re-election ensures continuity for Barcelona’s current project.
The president is expected to continue working closely with coach Hansi Flick and
the club’s sporting department to strengthen the team.
Supporters hope that stability in leadership will allow the club to build on its recent
success and compete for major trophies consistently.
Completing the Camp Nou renovation and improving the club’s financial situation
will also be central goals of Laporta’s new term.
The landslide re-election of Joan Laporta as president of FC Barcelona represents a
strong vote of confidence from the club’s members.
After years of financial struggles and uncertainty, Barcelona now appears to be
moving toward a more stable and competitive future.
With sporting success returning, young players emerging and major infrastructure
projects underway, Laporta begins his new term with significant momentum.
The next five years will determine whether Barcelona can fully restore its position
among the greatest clubs in world football. If the current progress continues, the
club could be entering another exciting chapter in its long and legendary history.
