Barcelona Presidential Election: Laporta and Font Face Off in Crucial Vote

Barcelona, Spain – Today, March 15, 2026, marks a pivotal day for FC Barcelona as club members cast their votes to elect a new president. The election pits incumbent Joan Laporta against challenger Victor Font, renewing a rivalry first seen in the 2021 election. The outcome will shape the future direction of one of the world’s most iconic football clubs.

A Rematch Five Years in the Making

This election is a rematch from 2021, when Laporta secured victory with 54.28% of the vote, while Font finished as the runner-up with 29.99%. Both candidates have spent the past weeks campaigning, outlining their visions for the club’s future. The stakes are particularly high given Barcelona’s continued efforts to regain its position as a dominant force in European football. According to reports, several other candidates initially declared their intentions to run, including Marc Ciria and Xavi Vilajoana, but ultimately failed to gather the required 2,337 signatures from club members to qualify for the ballot. Laporta collected 7,226 signatures, and Font secured 4,440.

Font Urges Participation, Alleges Attempts at Disengagement

Victor Font cast his vote earlier today and addressed the media, emphasizing the importance of member participation. He stated, “It’s magnificent that there is participation, they have wanted to demobilize us and the club is more alive than ever. We sent an email yesterday informing the members where they had to vote, it wasn’t campaigning.” Font also referenced a complaint from the previous day, explaining he was “at the cinema trying to disconnect and when I left I had so many messages.” He insisted that efforts to contact members were not campaigning, but rather encouraging participation, which he believes is “good for the institution.”

Font also addressed an incident involving Sergio Busquets and Joan Laporta, claiming that Laporta “wanted to take advantage of the image of the club’s figures throughout the campaign.” Font stated that Busquets had initially intended to vote with Xavi, but was then accompanied by Alejandro Echevarría, whom Font described as “the one who does everything at the club.”

A Campaign Focused on Change

Font expressed his optimism about his campaign, stating, “Very excited. We are a unique club and days like today show us that. Very excited to see so many people, of all kinds. The day has accompanied and I am very happy. On a day like today, everything is more concentrated. People come up and give you encouragement. There are people who believe that Barça needs a change. It’s a special day. We got up with a sense of responsibility. I am satisfied with the campaign.”

Concerns Over Voting Process and Mobilization

Despite his optimism, Font raised concerns about the voting process, noting reports of long queues and a perceived lack of organization. He stated, “Now there are complaints about the queues, everything is a bit improvised.” He believes a majority of the club’s social base desires change and lamented the absence of mail-in or electronic voting options, suggesting these were deliberate attempts to suppress participation. He expressed hope for a record turnout, stating, “These elections, in the middle of the season, without mail-in or electronic voting, we have been wanted to be less mobilized, but hopefully we have a record of participation.”

Font highlighted what he perceived as strong mobilization among supporters, noting that people had traveled from as far as Cádiz and from abroad to cast their votes. He reiterated his belief that the club is “more alive than ever” and that members are motivated to vote for a “different future.”

Laporta’s Experience and Recent Successes

Joan Laporta, seeking a second consecutive term, brings a wealth of experience to the table. He previously served as Barcelona president from 2003 to 2011, overseeing a period of significant success, including the Ronaldinho era and the Pep Guardiola-led team that won two Champions League titles. His current tenure has seen the assembly of a promising squad under manager Hansi Flick, featuring young talents like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi. The Athletic reported on March 12, 2026, that the election largely centers around Laporta’s ability to potentially bring Lionel Messi back to the club, a key theme of the campaign.

What’s Next for FC Barcelona?

The results of today’s election are expected to be announced later this evening. The new president will face immediate challenges, including navigating the club’s financial situation, continuing to develop young talent, and competing for titles in La Liga and the Champions League. The election outcome will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of FC Barcelona, both on and off the pitch. The club’s members will be hoping their choice will usher in a new era of success and stability.

Barcelona’s next match is scheduled for March 22nd against Atlético Madrid in La Liga. The outcome of today’s election will likely influence the club’s strategy and approach to this crucial fixture.