Joan Laporta, the newly elected president of FC Barcelona returning to office on July 1, 2026, and Rafael Yuste, serving as acting president until June 30, jointly celebrated the club’s 13th Handball Champions League title, marking Barcelona’s 50th European Cup across all professional sports sections.
On social media, Laporta congratulated: “Congratulations on winning an epic, unforgettable, glorious Champions League! Congratulations to Antonio Carlos Ortega, the coaching staff, players, and all responsible for the handball section on the 13th European Cup of Barça handball, the club’s 50th counting all professional teams! The best handball team in history, the best multisport club in the world.”
Rafael Yuste told the media: “This team has an enormous hunger for titles and never gives up. I believe the secret lies in their ability to not surrender in adversity, in addition to being a truly close-knit family. These three things — a great coach, a great team, and a great crowd — enable competition at the highest level and always aspiring to everything.” He also highlighted the symbolic value of reaching 50 European trophies, counting 22 in roller hockey, 13 in handball, 5 in men’s football, 4 in women’s football, 4 in futsal, and 2 in basketball.
On financial matters, Yuste declined to detail potential investment moves in the handball section due to the ongoing club’s annual accounts closing process and compliance with La Liga’s financial fair play rules: “It would be very irresponsible to answer that question now, as we are closing the club’s numbers. We need to see how all sections are positioned.”
Regarding the head coach Carlos Ortega, whose contract runs through 2027, Yuste confirmed the club’s support: “Carlos, like Hansi Flick, is deeply rooted in Barcelona and happy here. I am convinced he can continue as long as he wants.”
