Joan Laporta has secured another five-year term as president of FC Barcelona, promising a bright future for the Catalan giants after winning the club’s latest presidential election.
Laporta, 63, received just over 68 per cent of the votes and will officially begin his new mandate on July 1, the La Liga club confirmed on Sunday.
His closest rival, Victor Font, obtained nearly 30 per cent of the votes, while the remaining ballots were either void or invalid.
Laporta had temporarily stepped down from his position last month, in accordance with club regulations, to recontest the presidency. He originally returned to power in March 2021 during his current tenure.
Reacting to the election outcome, Laporta described the victory as decisive and expressed confidence about the club’s future.
He stated that the renewed mandate would make Barcelona “unstoppable,” adding that exciting years lie ahead for the club and its supporters.
The Barcelona president also highlighted the club’s democratic structure, noting that its members have the power to elect both the president and the board of directors, which he described as a unique system in world football.
Approximately 48,500 club members participated in the election, representing a turnout of 42.34 per cent. Laporta secured 32,934 votes, while Font, 53, received 14,385.
Laporta previously served as Barcelona’s president from 2003 to 2010, a successful era that saw the appointment of Pep Guardiola as head coach and the beginning of one of the club’s most dominant periods.
In his victory address, Laporta thanked members for what he called a strong display of democracy and civic engagement. He also pledged that his new administration would continue to defend the club’s interests and push for further progress.
Looking ahead, Laporta said the club would focus on strengthening the first team and completing the redevelopment of the Camp Nou.
Despite facing significant financial challenges in recent years, Barcelona reclaimed domestic dominance last season by winning a treble. The club currently leads La Liga by four points ahead of rivals Real Madrid CF.
Brazilian winger Raphinha recently scored a hat-trick in Barcelona’s 5–2 victory over Sevilla FC.
Attention now shifts to European competition, where Barcelona will face Newcastle United F.C. in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 clash on Wednesday.
Teenage star Lamine Yamal had rescued a 1–1 draw for Barcelona in the first leg at St James’ Park with a dramatic 96th-minute penalty last week.