Joan Laporta Discovers His Odds in High-Stakes Barcelona Presidential Race
Joan Laporta's campaign to secure Barcelona's presidency for a third time received momentum from the preliminary election results.
Each potential candidate must submit a minimum of 2,337 signatures from club members to qualify for the March 15 elections. Candidates typically use this stage to demonstrate early strength by significantly surpassing the required minimum. Laporta successfully submitted 8,169 signatures, clearly leading all other candidates. Víctor Font placed second with 5,144 signatures while Marc Ciria provided 2,844.
Xavier Vilajoana, Daniel Juan and William Maddock, who managed to collect only nine signatures, fell short of the requirement, confirming that Barcelona's forthcoming election will feature three main contenders.
Joan Laporta's Dominance Dwindles
Joan Laporta's Dominance Dwindles
2026 Candidate | Signatures Submitted | % Total Signatures Submitted |
|---|---|---|
Joan Laporta | 8,169 | 45.8% |
Víctor Font | 5,144 | 28.8% |
Marc Ciria | 2,844 | 15.9% |
Xavi Vilajoana | 1,593 | 8.9% |
Daniel Juan | 84 | 0.5% |
William Maddock | 9 | 0.1% |
Data via ESPN.
Although Laporta collected more signatures than his competitors, his total reflects a decline from the 2021 election he won. The recently departed president, who stepped down in February to qualify for March's elections, secured support from 10,272 club members five years ago, substantially more than the 8,169 he gathered this time.
Font, conversely, has grown his support base over the past five years, improving his count from 4,713 to 5,144.
Laporta attempted to minimize the reduction. "This isn't about losing confidence," he stated. "Collecting signatures is always challenging. We value them more highly than in 2021 when there was greater urgency due to the club's crisis. That situation doesn't exist now, where sometimes we assume success is guaranteed."
How Does This Bode for Joan Laporta?
How Does This Bode for Joan Laporta?
2021 Candidate | % Signatures Presented | % Final Election Vote |
|---|---|---|
Joan Laporta | 50.5% | 54.3% |
Víctor Font | 23.2% | 30% |
Toni Freixa | 13.9% | 8.6% |
Emili Rosaud | 12.4% | 0% |
Stats per Barcelona.
Historical data indicates Laporta should feel optimistic about his chances. The 2021 election results closely mirrored the signature distribution from the preliminary stage—which is logical. Why would supporters endorse a candidate they won't vote for on election day?
Beyond fan support, Laporta seemingly has Barcelona's squad behind him as well.
Barcelona Dressing Room Choose Their President—Report
Barcelona Dressing Room Choose Their President—Report
Laporta made the tough choice to dismiss club legend Xavi Hernández following a disappointing 2023–24 season and entrust Hansi Flick, a coach with no prior Barcelona ties. This gamble paid off with a domestic treble last season and earned the German manager's loyalty.
Flick and most of his squad reportedly back Laporta's candidacy, according to Mundo Deportivo. Sporting director Deco is also believed to favor the incumbent—unsurprising given Font has publicly stated he would replace the former Portugal midfielder if elected.
Crucially, Barcelona Femení star Aitana Bonmatí is also reportedly supporting Laporta's bid. The president frequently appears alongside the club's dominant women's team, though the women's program finances have faced criticism.
The reigning Spanish champions and European finalists lost 17 players last summer, with Laia Aleixandri as their sole permanent addition. Fortunately for Barça, the remaining players still rank among the world's elite, keeping them competitive domestically and internationally. However, their budget was cut in 2025 despite generating the highest revenues among European women's clubs that year.