Joan Laporta has secured a decisive re-election as president of FC Barcelona for the next five years, capturing an impressive 66.6% of the votes cast in the club’s presidential election held on March 15, 2026. This strong showing comes from exit polls and initial reports released shortly after polling stations closed, confirming his clear dominance over his main challenger, Víctor Font, who received around 30.9% of the support.
The election day saw a turnout of 42.34% among the eligible club members (socis), with a total of approximately 48,480 votes recorded from a census of 114,504. While this participation rate marks one of the lower figures in the club’s recent electoral history—lower than the 50.42% seen in 2021—it still produced a resounding mandate for Laporta. His performance improves significantly on his 2021 victory, where he earned 54.28% in a three-candidate race.
Laporta, who first led the club from 2003 to 2010 and returned in 2021 after the turbulent Bartomeu era, triggered the election process by resigning in February 2026 as required by club statutes to seek another term. Campaigning under the banner “Defensem el Barça,” he emphasized his achievements in stabilizing the club’s finances, navigating economic challenges, advancing the Espai Barça project, and delivering competitive success on the pitch in recent seasons.
His leadership has been credited with steering Barcelona through a difficult post-pandemic period marked by debt reduction efforts, key player registrations, and competitive results including recent trophies.
Facing him was Víctor Font, a longtime rival who finished second in 2021 with nearly 30% of the vote. Leading the “Nosaltres” platform, Font criticized Laporta’s management—particularly on economic transparency, certain strategic decisions, and relations with fan groups—and promised a major overhaul in the sporting structure, along with nostalgic appeals like potential returns of figures associated with past glories. Despite a more focused campaign this time, Font fell well short of mounting a serious threat.
With this victory, Laporta extends his influence at the helm until 2031, adding to his already substantial legacy across multiple non-consecutive mandates. The result reflects continued confidence from the membership in his vision amid ongoing projects like the Camp Nou redevelopment and efforts to maintain Barcelona’s competitiveness in La Liga and Europe.
Celebrations among supporters and the current squad quickly followed the projections, underscoring the broad backing for his continued presidency as the club looks ahead to the next chapter.