Barcelona finally return home, and even though the new Spotify Camp Nou remains under construction, Joan Laporta has made it clear that this moment marks something historic.
For years, the president has promised supporters that the rebuilt Camp Nou will become the best stadium across all five continents.
While that full vision is still a little way off, Laporta believes the club has reached an important stage where fans can start to see the future take shape.
When asked about the current progress and whether Barcelona are close to making that bold claim publicly, Laporta did not hide the reality.
“Well… the stadium is still under construction. Today, we will see the 1957 stadium,” he said in an interview with Catalunya Radio.
Laporta added that the supporters will finally be able to experience the lower stands again.
“The lower stands are ready, and work on the north stand is continuing, so people will see the main stand, the south stand, and the side stand.”
Barcelona have been granted a “preliminary use” licence, allowing fans into designated areas for matches.
According to Laporta, “We have a ‘preliminary use’ license, which allows us to open these areas.”
The next phase
Spotify Camp Nou, FC Barcelona stadium
Barcelona will return to Spotify Camp Nou today. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Laporta further confirmed that construction will continue at full speed once this initial reopening is completed.
“We will continue. So it’s a stadium that’s still under construction, as you rightly said, and everything is progressing at a very good pace.”
One of the most visible advancements is the third tier, which is becoming a solid concrete structure. Laporta revealed that the next official approval, known as “C1”, is the key target.
“If there are no unforeseen circumstances and everything continues at the same pace, we will get the ‘C1’ approval, which is the license to open the north stand.”
If all goes as planned, Barcelona expect to reach a capacity of 62,000 spectators by the end of this year, a major step forward. Laporta added,
“This will be the next phase, before the end of 2025, that is the plan if no obstacles arise. The third grandstand will be completed by the end of 2026.”
Symbolism in the ceremonial kick-off
There has been curiosity about who will take part in the ceremonial events before kick-off.
Many expected Laporta himself to take on the symbolic role, but he dismissed that idea immediately.
“No, no, it won’t be me. You can be sure it won’t be me, because this is a project we have all built together.”
The club wanted the moment to reflect its history and its people.
“The pre-match events will, of course, be collective, but the honorary kick-off will be taken by someone representing the Barcelona fans.”
The honour will be given to one of the club’s oldest members, something Laporta views with pride.
“There’s nothing mysterious about it. It’s a simple, traditional honorary kick-off, but it’s loaded with symbolism because it will be taken by one of the club’s oldest members.”
He confirmed the person chosen is among the most senior socios, even giving a small clue.
“Exactly. You’ve almost figured it out. It wasn’t a big secret. ‘It could be a woman like “Anchilina,” but it won’t be her, Anchilina, member number 7,931, aged 90.’”
A historic return home
Spotify Camp Nou, FC Barcelona stadium
It will be a historic day for Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
For Laporta, this is unquestionably a historic event. “These are feelings of a historic day, because we are returning home, and this is a historic event, because we are now in a new stadium.”
He expects a wave of nostalgia mixed with excitement as fans step into the rebuilt Camp Nou for the first time.
“There will be these feelings, feelings that will take us back to the past, that will bring back legendary moments.”
Laporta stressed the importance of supporters arriving early and following all instructions due to the ongoing work around the stadium. He also admitted he feels a special pressure.
“I have to tell you that I have this feeling that we have to win today.”
Full completion: End of 2026, not 2027
Finally, Laporta cleared up confusion surrounding the completion date.
“Fully completed, full capacity, will be at the end of 2026. The roof will take three to three and a half months to install.”
The club is studying the best moment to install the roof without disrupting the season. Still, Laporta remains confident.
“I expect full capacity, barring any unforeseen circumstances, to be achieved by the end of 2026.”