On July 2, 2026, Joan Laporta officially took office as president of FC Barcelona. Later that day, he participated in the traditional annual memorial honoring the legendary Johan Cruyff, held in Aiguafreda.
The event gathered close friends and associates of Cruyff, including Pep Guardiola, Sergi Barjuan, Jesús Mariano Angoy, Delfí Geli, Txiki Begiristain, Enric Masip, and Johan Cruyff’s widow, Danny Cruyff. The occasion featured a friendly match between the 'Amics de Johan' and FC Barcelona Veterans.
During his inauguration ceremony, Laporta emphasized the strength of the club’s sporting and economic project, called for "Barça unity," and remarked that he sees Real Madrid as "very nervous." Although initially stating he would not speak about individual players, he referred to the possibility of signing Julián Álvarez: "The offer for Julián is not unlimited," adding that "he wanted to come to Barça a long time ago."
Enric Masip, advisor to the president, shared on social media that honoring "the greatest figure of barcelonism" has become a tradition on the day of Laporta’s appointment. The visit to Aiguafreda reinforces the enduring bond between the current Barça leadership and the football, sporting, and philosophical legacy left by Johan Cruyff.
