Laporta re-elected Barcelona president for fourth term

Joan Laporta vowed Barcelona will be “unstoppable” after he was re-elected club president for a further five years.

Winning just over 68% of the vote, he will begin his second-consecutive term – and fourth overall – from 1 July, the La Liga club announced on Sunday.

His opponent, Victor Font tallied almost 30% with the remaining votes void or invalid.

Having taken office in March 2021, Laporta stepped down last month in line with club statutes in order to seek re-election.

The 63-year-old described the result as “resounding”, adding “it gives us great strength”.

“It makes us unstoppable,” he said. “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, who first led Barcelona between 2003-10 and oversaw the appointment of Pep Guardiola as manager, thanked the members who voted, saying the process was a “celebration of democracy and civic spirit”.

He pledged that his new term would see officials and fans “defend Barca against everything and everyone”.

His victory speech also saw him promise to strengthen the first team and complete the redevelopment of the Nou Camp stadium.

Almost 48,500 votes were cast – a turnout of 42.34% – with Laporta securing 32,934 and 53-year-old Font receiving 14,385.

The Catalan club have battled significant financial issues in recent years, but claimed a domestic treble last season.

They now lead rivals Real Madrid by four points at the top of La Liga, with Raphinha scoring a hat-trick in a 5-2 win over struggling Sevilla on Sunday.

This Wednesday will see them face Newcastle United in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

A 96th-minute penalty by Lamine Yamal rescued a 1-1 draw for Barcelona at St James’ Park last week.

Laporta secured re-election largely because of the progress Barcelona have made on the pitch in recent years.

The domestic treble Hansi Flick won in his first season at the club, as well as other subsequent trophies, have helped restore the club’s competitive reputation and convinced many members the current sporting project was moving in the right direction.

Laporta’s support was also shaped by the difficult situation he inherited when he returned to the presidency in 2021. Barcelona were dealing with serious financial problems and an imbalanced squad after the tenure of Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Economic damage caused by the Covid pandemic deepened the crisis, leaving the club with significant debt. Over time, many members have come to believe Laporta has at least begun to steady the club during a challenging period.

Another important factor was the emergence of several young talents during Laporta’s presidency. Players such as Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Bernal and Fermin Lopez have established themselves in the first team, reinforcing confidence in the club’s long-term sporting direction.

Laporta also benefited from visible support within the club – with the coach, staff and a number of first-team players openly backing his leadership, projecting a sense of unity behind the current project.

Finally, the opposition campaign also struggled to gain momentum. Laporta’s main rival Font found it difficult to convince members a change of leadership was necessary. Many voters ultimately opted for continuity rather than risking a shift away from a project that has recently delivered results.

Laporta’s re-election signals a clear vote of confidence from Barcelona’s members in the direction the club have taken over the past few years.

Despite financial controversies, ultimately his leadership has delivered tangible results on the pitch which gained him the backing of both key staff and the squad.