Laporta Kembali Terpilih Menjadi Presiden Barcelona
Barcelona – Joan Laporta has been re-elected as president of FC Barcelona, securing a modern term through 2031. The veteran administrator decisively defeated challenger Víctor Font in Sunday’s election, continuing a leadership tenure that began in 2003 and resumed in 2021.
According to reports on Monday, March 16, 2026, Laporta garnered 68 percent of the votes cast by club members. Font received 30 percent, with the remaining votes declared blank or invalid, as reported by ESPN and other sources. This marks Laporta’s fourth term leading the storied Catalan club.
A Landslide Victory Built on Recent Success
The election saw a turnout of 42.34%, with 48,480 of the 114,504 eligible socios (club members) participating in the vote. Current coach Hansi Flick and several players, including Dani Olmo and Pau Cubarsí, were among those who cast their ballots. The strong showing of support from within the club underscores the confidence placed in Laporta’s direction.
The outcome was widely anticipated, with Laporta consistently favored throughout the campaign. Recent on-field success, particularly under the guidance of coach Flick, significantly bolstered his standing. The support of the majority of the playing squad also proved crucial. It’s a testament to the current positive trajectory of the club, a stark contrast to some of the challenges faced in previous years.
Font, despite advocating for a fresh approach, failed to convince enough members to embrace his vision. This is the second time Font has been defeated by Laporta, having also lost to him in the 2021 presidential election. His platform of change, whereas appealing to some, ultimately didn’t resonate enough to overcome Laporta’s established position and perceived stability.
Laporta’s Vision for the Future
“This is a fantastic victory. It gives us a lot of strength, and it makes us unstoppable. The upcoming years will be thrilling, I am sure they will be some of the best of our lives,” Laporta stated following the announcement of the results. His remarks signal a continuation of the current strategy, emphasizing both sporting ambition and financial stability.
He continued, expressing gratitude to the club and its members. “I can only thank Barça, as a club. An institution where all its members can choose who represents them. This is wonderful and unique in the world.” Laporta’s words highlight the democratic nature of the club and the importance of member involvement in its governance.
Addressing the campaign itself, Laporta emphasized the divisive rhetoric employed by his opponent. “In this election, the opposing candidate came with an idea of confrontation between all Barça fans. Today, the members have chosen us because, together, we will defend Barça against anyone and anything. This victory is proof of the support for the function we have been doing for years.” This suggests a commitment to unity and a rejection of internal conflict within the club.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Laporta’s re-election comes at a pivotal moment for Barcelona. While the team is enjoying success on the pitch, financial challenges remain. The club continues to navigate the complexities of LaLiga’s financial fair play regulations, and maintaining a competitive squad while adhering to these rules will be a key priority. The “Negreira case,” involving payments to a former referee official, continues to cast a shadow over the club, and Laporta will need to address ongoing scrutiny and ensure transparency.
Víctor Font, in the lead-up to the election, had criticized Laporta’s handling of the Negreira case, accusing him of twisting words and harming Barcelona’s reputation. Font argued that the club’s members were the real victims and that addressing the malpractice was crucial to preserving the club’s identity. Laporta, however, dismissed these claims as a smear campaign orchestrated by rivals, particularly Real Madrid supporters.
The next few years will undoubtedly be crucial for Barcelona. With a renewed mandate from the club’s members, Laporta will be tasked with building on the current momentum, navigating financial hurdles, and restoring the club’s reputation. The success of his second term will depend on his ability to balance sporting ambition with financial prudence and maintain the unwavering support of the culés – the passionate fans of FC Barcelona.
Barcelona’s next fixture is against Atlético Madrid on March 22, 2026, at Spotify Camp Nou. The match will be a crucial test for Flick’s side as they continue their pursuit of the LaLiga title.
