16th March 2026
March 16 – FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has vowed the club will be “unstoppable” after being re-elected – a victory that will see him lead the Catalan giants for another five-year term.
Laporta won just over 68% of the vote in elections confirmed on Sunday, comfortably ahead of challenger Víctor Font, who was closer to the 30% mark. The remaining ballots were declared void or invalid.
The result means Laporta will begin his second consecutive mandate – and fourth overall – at the start of July, continuing a presidency that first began with his return to office in March 2021 with the club in financial disarray.
The club say that almost 48,500 members cast ballots in the election, representing a turnout of 42.34%. Laporta received a landslide 32,934 votes compared to Font’s 14,385.
The 63-year-old stepped aside from the role last month in line with club statutes to stand again, and described the scale of the victory as a clear mandate from the membership.
“It makes us unstoppable,” Laporta said after the result was confirmed. “No-one will stop us. Exciting years lie ahead. They will be the best of our lives.
“This is a wonderful club, where the members elect their president and their board of directors. A club unique in the world, truly extraordinary.”
Laporta also praised the voting process itself, calling it “a celebration of democracy and civic spirit” before thanking the club’s members for their support.
His speech included a pledge that the club’s leadership and supporters would “defend Barça against everything and everyone”, while also outlining priorities for the new term – strengthening the first team and completing the redevelopment of the Spotify Camp Nou.
Laporta previously served as Barcelona president between 2003 and 2010, a period that included the appointment of Pep Guardiola and one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.
His latest mandate comes after several turbulent financial years for Barcelona, though the club has stabilised significantly on the pitch. They claimed a domestic treble last season and currently sit four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga following a 5–2 win over Sevilla, in which Raphinha scored a hat-trick.
With their boardroom situation now secured, Barcelona will now turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League, where they face Newcastle United in the second leg of their last-16 tie this week.
The first leg ended 1-1 after a dramatic 96th-minute penalty from Lamine Yamal rescued a draw for Barcelona at St James’ Park.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [moc.l1773670408labto1773670408ofdlr1773670408owedi1773670408sni@g1773670408niwe.1773670408yrrah1773670408](javascript:;).