Joan Laporta begins the new era at Barcelona: 'We have an inspiring team'
Joan Laporta has officially begun a third term as president of Barcelona after being sworn in, carrying a message of unity, financial stability, La Masia, and the end of Spotify Camp Nou.
Joan Laporta has officially begun his third term as president of Barcelona after taking the oath that cemented his landslide victory in this year's election. Laporta got 67.93% of the vote in the election held on March 15, far from Victor Font's 29.67%, and will hold the helm again in the coming years. He previously led the club from 2003 to 2010 and returned again from 2021 to 2026 before starting this new phase.
The inauguration was attended by key figures of the current Barça project, including coach Hansi Flick, sporting director Deco, and officials of the new board. Laporta will remain as president, Rafa Yuste as first vice-president, while Elena Fort, Ferran Olive, Joan Sole, and Antonio Escudero are also vice-presidents. Josep Cubells remained secretary and Tito Castro treasurer.
Laporta thanked for the trust given to him and also acknowledged the relationship he had with La Liga president Javier Tebas. According to him, the stadium project is being promoted a lot and it is expected to be the best in the world—it will provide a lot of income and help for the 'fair play' approval of La Liga which will stabilize the financial foundation of the club.
He also pointed to the role of Barcelona members in the reversal of confidence. According to Laporta, in the midst of difficult years full of profound changes and severe trials, they did not give up—faced attacks from rivals, stood up against challengers, and overcame obstacles. He is confident that the next few years will be exciting and will confirm a more stable Barça, with the completion of the Spotify Camp Nou redevelopment as the central project of the long-term plan.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PcFpVqpyu8NZTX6RaheDfw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyMDA7aD04MDA7Y2Y9d2VicA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/barca_universal_articles_732/f3bc8f46923c7ffc94dc3221e9999e75" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>Laporta particularly praised Hansi Flick for the impact he has shown since taking over as coach. He said, the full support of the Culers was palpable and the group became whole under Flick—seeds to be planted that will take root in the years to come, along with a reminder not to let go of discipline and standards.
The president reiterated the importance of La Masia as the backbone of the club's sporting model. According to him, La Masia brought Barcelona back to the level of excellence and proved that the path to success is rooted in the club's own youth and identity.
On commercial matters, Laporta emphasized that Barcelona's income is growing, reaching over €1.1 billion, including historic agreements with Nike and Spotify. He also pointed to an increase in Forbes' forecast of the club's value—from $4.8 billion in 2021 to $5.7 billion in the most recent report.
In closing, Laporta called for unity and stability: there is an inspiring team led by Flick and Deco, there are sections in the club that continue at the expected level, and the best stadium is coming. "We will have more success through stability. We will continue to be more than a club." He added that Barcelona will remain respected and loved—"Long live Barça and long live Catalonia."
