Joan Laporta has promised that FC Barcelona will become “unstoppable” after winning re-election as the club’s president for another five-year term.
Laporta secured more than 68 percent of the votes in the election, defeating his challenger Victor Font, who received close to 30 percent. The remaining ballots were either void or invalid. His new mandate will officially begin on July 1.
The 63-year-old had stepped down last month in accordance with club regulations in order to contest the election again after initially returning to the presidency in March 2021.
Describing the outcome as a “resounding” victory, Laporta said the strong support from members gives the club renewed confidence for the future.
“It makes us unstoppable. No-one will stop us. Exciting years lie ahead. They will be the best of our lives,” he said.
Laporta first served as Barcelona president between 2003 and 2010, a period during which he appointed Pep Guardiola as head coach, helping usher in one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.
Thanking club members who participated in the vote, Laporta described the election as a celebration of democracy within the Catalan club and pledged that the leadership and supporters would continue to defend Barcelona’s interests.
He also promised to strengthen the first team and push forward with the redevelopment of the iconic Camp Nou stadium.
Nearly 48,500 members took part in the election, representing a turnout of 42.34 percent. Laporta received 32,934 votes, while Font secured 14,385.
Despite financial challenges in recent years, Barcelona claimed a domestic treble last season and currently sit four points ahead of rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
In their most recent league match, Raphinha scored a hat-trick in a 5–2 victory over Sevilla FC.
Barcelona are now preparing for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 clash against Newcastle United after a dramatic 1–1 draw in the first leg at St James’ Park, where Lamine Yamal scored a 96th-minute penalty to rescue a point for the Spanish side.
