Joan Laporta re-elected as Barcelona president in landslide: How many votes did he get?

In a historic show of support, Joan Laporta has been re-elected president of FC Barcelona, extending his mandate until 2031. The Catalan lawyer secured 68.18% of the vote (32,934 of 48,480 ballots cast), finishing roughly 39 percentage points ahead of rival Víctor Font.

Laporta’s victory marks a significant rise from his 54.28% share in the 2021 election and represents the highest percentage ever achieved by a Barça president. Font, who obtained 29.99% in 2021, remained virtually unchanged at 29.78% (14,385 votes).

Laporta’s message clearly resonated with the Barcelona membership. He ran on a successful sporting project led by coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, a young and homegrown squad, signs of economic recovery pending full compliance with LaLiga’s 1:1 financial rule and the ongoing reconstruction of the Spotify Camp Nou. The stadium has already reopened two stands with a provisional capacity of about 62,000, while the third tier and roof remain under construction. Plans for the new Palau arena will follow.

Laporta, once the disruptive outsider of 2003 and the emotional candidate of 2021 (“We love Barça”), now embodies continuity at age 63. His project nearly derailed in 2024 with a trophyless season under Xavi Hernández, compounded by delays in the stadium return and severe Financial Fair Play issues. The crisis peaked on New Year’s Eve when LaLiga temporarily deregistered Dani Olmo. A potential vote of no confidence loomed, but intervention by Spain’s sports authorities forced Olmo’s reinstatement. Soon after, Barça captured the Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey and LaLiga title, restoring optimism and proving decisive in the election outcome.

Laporta’s tenure is not without controversy. Critics point to the troubled Barça Vision project, sponsorship deals such as the agreement with Congo, large commissions linked to the renewal with Nike and the awarding of major construction contracts. Yet none of these issues dented his popularity among members.

Stars aligned for Laporta’s re-election bid

Laporta ran an energetic and highly visible campaign. Early on he leaned into spectacle — appearances in rural fairs, markets and social events — before adopting a more combative tone in debates, sharply attacking Font’s proposals. On election day he arrived early, mingled with fans and posed with prominent club figures such as Aitana Bonmatí, Sergio Busquets and Deco. Later he joined players at the stadium, where chants of “President, president!” rang out from stars like Gavi, Ronald Araújo and Olmo.

For Víctor Font, the result is a severe setback after more than a decade building alternative platforms such as Sí al Futur and Nosaltres. Despite presenting detailed proposals — including ambitious plans involving Lionel Messi — his campaign never gained decisive traction.

Laporta’s victory consolidates his dominance in Barça politics. If he completes the full term, he will have spent 17 years in the presidency, the role he has long described as the one he loves most.

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