Proven experience or new ideas? Barca chooses its president

FC Barcelona has officially entered a state of emergency. The election race for the new president of the Catalan giant has been reduced to two names: Joan Laporta and Victor Font. Although it seemed that a third candidate, Marc Ciria, might complicate things, he fell short by just 90 valid signatures (collecting 2,247 out of the required 2,337). Now the stage is clear for a direct clash of titans set for March 15.

Laporta enters the campaign as the overwhelming favorite. Out of 8,169 submitted signatures, as many as 7,226 were declared valid. On the other side, the leader of the “Nosaltres” movement, Victor Font, gathered 4,440 valid signatures of support. The difference is clear, but the campaign is only just beginning — and in Barcelona, ten days can feel like an eternity.

Laporta is the symbol of the most successful era in the club’s history. However, his return to the throne is accompanied by shadows from the past that his critics, led by Font, constantly highlight. Still, Laporta’s arguments are strong.

He is the man who appointed Pep Guardiola, restored faith in La Masia, and won a series of trophies across all competitions. His main asset is charisma and the belief that only with him does Barcelona command immense respect from rivals.

Laporta presents himself as the protector of the dressing room — someone who understands the mentality of star players. Although the club is in debt, he promises a rapid recovery through aggressive marketing and by restoring the brand to the top.

Of course, there is another side to the story. During his previous mandates, he was often criticized for his autocratic way of running the club and for questionable contracts that surfaced only years later. His open support for Catalan independence has frequently polarized fans around the world, turning the club into a political instrument. Critics also accuse him of using financial levers in recent years — selling what they call the club’s “family silver” (TV rights and club assets) to cover short-term losses.

And who is Victor Font, the man who has been waiting years for this moment?

His campaign is based on the idea that Barcelona can no longer be run like a family business or through informal backroom deals, but rather as a modern corporation. Font wants these elections to be a vote “FOR or AGAINST” Laporta’s style of management.

He offers precise plans, digital transformation, and a completely new sporting structure. His main argument is reminding the club’s socios (members) of the chaos that followed Laporta’s first departure, claiming the club must never again become hostage to a single individual.

Barca’s financial burden has been lifted, and along with Alvarez, Haaland is the new target

Font built his career in telecommunications, media, and technology (TMT). He is the co-founder and former long-time CEO of Delta Partners, a global consulting and investment firm headquartered in Dubai. Delta Partners became a world leader in advising top executives in the telecommunications industry.

Font is not focused only on consulting; he is deeply involved in Catalan society and sports technology. He is one of the founders of the influential Catalan newspaper ARA. He also co-founded the football analytics software company Kognia Sport Intelligence, where he works closely with Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez.

Victor Font did not enter the Barcelona story overnight. He has been working on his project “Si al futur” (Yes to the future) for more than a decade. Back in 2015 he considered running for president, but stepped back because he felt the project was not mature enough. In the 2021 elections he finished second (behind Laporta) with more than 16,000 votes.

Laporta publishes book, "How We Saved Barca": I prepared contract for Messi and waited for weeks

The campaign has officially begun and will last until March 13. Heated debates are expected, particularly about the costs of renovating Camp Nou — a project that has created significant debt for the club — as well as the future of the sporting project under Hansi Flick.