Joan Laporta was re-elected as Barcelona president last night and vowed the upcoming years will be “the best of our lives”.
Laporta won a landslide election on Sunday, claiming around two thirds of the 48,480 votes cast by the Barca members to see off Victor Font and return as head of a club he has already served as president for 12 years across two spells.
Afterwards, he said: “First of all, I want to dedicate a few words of gratitude to this wonderful club we have. It’s great to see that members can still choose who represents us. This passion is a joy, it makes the club special, so thanks to Barça and all the members that voted today in a display of democracy.”
Laporta’s campaign had threatened to be derailed by Xavi last week after the club’s former coach claimed the 63-year-old had personally vetoed a move to bring Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou in 2023.
But it made little difference at the ballot box.
“The result itself is conclusive and it gives us a lot of strength – so much strength that it will make us unstoppable,” Laporta added. “We will keep defending Barcelona against everything and everyone. The upcoming years will be thrilling. They will be the best of our lives.”
On-field success is the hallmark of Laporta reign
Laporta’s first spell in charge – between 2003 and 2010 – saw him appoint Pep Guardiola as coach, a move that preceded an era of huge success. He returned in 2020 and was tasked with improving a dire financial situation as well as a rebuild of the Camp Nou.
There has been plenty of silverware on the field too with two La Liga titles for the men’s team and three successive Champions League crowns for the women.
Barca’s 5-2 defeat of Sevilla yesterday saw them maintain their four-point lead over arch-rivals Real Madrid at the top of the men’s La Liga table.