FC Barcelona announced the start of its electoral process today, setting the presidential vote for March 15. Ahead of that contest, 63‑year‑old Joan Laporta has stepped down as president so he can stand in the elections and, if elected, return to the position next month. On the eve of his resignation he spoke at length to the club’s media, taking stock of his five‑year term and explaining his reasons for seeking another mandate.
Laporta provided a detailed assessment of recent years, describing his overall verdict as positive. He said collective efforts restored the matchday atmosphere and brought fans back, and that the institution and team now reflect what Barcelona stands for today. The return to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou is a milestone, though the third tier remains unfinished and the final stages of the project are still underway. He acknowledged that implementing the stadium project was difficult, including unforeseen problems and the need to move some work to Montjuïc, which made the return to the new venue complex.
Among the highlights Laporta listed were the economic recovery, restored institutional order and prestige, the work on Camp Nou, and refocusing La Masia as a cornerstone. On the sporting side he pointed to the appointment of Hansi Flick and the blend of homegrown talent with international signings as a successful formula, crediting sporting director Deco for key contributions and for partnerships formed with Flick.
Laporta went into detail about the financial situation the club faced when he returned, describing an economic, sporting and institutional crisis. To recover, he said Barca had to renegotiate debt, activate financial levers and improve revenues. The club has posted two seasons of positive sporting results and secured record sponsorship deals, helped by agreements with Nike and other partners as well as international e‑commerce growth.
He highlighted Deco’s role in cutting the wage bill, which was reduced from 98% to 54% of ordinary income, a change Laporta described as fundamental to the turnaround. He added that Barca now meets UEFA’s recommended standards while maintaining competitiveness; the squad has been rejuvenated and increased in market value, achievements he attributes largely to Deco and the difficult choices made with the support of club members.
Laporta also discussed negotiations over commercial partnerships with Nike and Spotify, saying the board had to act decisively to prevent collapse and that choices were based not only on financial offers but on fit with the club’s identity. He stressed that keeping certain players who provide memorable moments and have potential for global recognition was an important objective, achieved despite interest from other clubs.
Reflecting on regrets, he said most decisions were taken to defend Barcelona and that he does not regret them overall; the regrets he mentioned concern those measures that affected individuals, such as dismissing a coach or not renewing a player’s contract. He also reported improved relations with LaLiga and the Spanish Football Federation after earlier disputes, characterising the current dialogue as fluid and constant.
On his motivation heading into the elections he said he feels a strong spirit and wants to explain what has been done and how he would finish the work if re‑elected. He values direct contact with supporters and believes there is much left to do, which he intends to set out during the campaign.
Article published on 09/02/2026. Laporta’s interview with club media occurred shortly before his resignation and the formal start of the electoral process leading to the March 15 vote.
