The president appeals to institutional stability, economic consolidation, the completion of Espai Barça and sporting ambition as the pillars of the new mandate
Barcelona, 17 February 2026.– Joan Laporta has officially announced his candidacy for re-election under the slogan “Defensem el Barça” with the aim of continuing the project launched in 2021 and completing the Club’s economic, institutional and sporting recovery. Laporta described this spirit as the guiding principle of the current project: love and dedication to Barça, collective pride and commitment to the Club’s identity. “Loving Barça means defending Barça,” he stated, summarising the core message of his candidacy.
A project of continuity and consolidation
Laporta argued that the Club is “objectively and indisputably better” than it was five years ago, thanks to management that has rescued the institution from a critical financial situation, restored its institutional credibility and returned it to the forefront. In this regard, he stressed that sound management “is not the result of chance,” but of constant work, bold decisions and the commitment of a board and executive team that has placed the badge above any other interest.
The “Defensem el Barça” candidacy is presented as a proposal for consolidation and growth, built around five main objectives:
- Reinforce institutional and economic stability.
- Complete the Espai Barça project, with the new Spotify Camp Nou as its central piece.
- Consolidate a modern, high-level governance model.
- Maintain sporting ambition across all sections.
- Guarantee that the Club remains owned by its members.
Economic recovery and structural growth
In economic terms, the president highlighted the reduction of debt, the growth of recurring revenues and the achievement of historic records in sponsorship and merchandising as key measures of his mandate, driven by a financial strength based on operational excellence and economic discipline “that did not previously exist.” In this context, Laporta emphasised, among other measures, the new contract with Nike, the consolidation of the partnership with Spotify and the international expansion of the digital and e-commerce business.
One of the major assets of his term has been the construction of the new Spotify Camp Nou. According to Laporta, “the return to the renovated stadium will place Barça in an optimal position to continue reducing debt and increasing structural revenues.” He defended that “economic consolidation is not an end in itself, but the foundation for sustaining sporting and institutional excellence in the long term.”
Sporting ambition with a distinct identity
In sporting matters, Laporta underlined the creation of a competitive project based on the “symbiosis” between young talent developed at La Masia and high-level players from other footballing backgrounds. He highlighted the harmony within the dressing room and the work of the coaching staff and sporting management, as well as the consolidation of a squad with both present strength and future potential. He also expressed his conviction that the team will win this season’s La Liga title.
He also stressed the international leadership of the women’s football team, with continued appearances in European finals and top-level individual awards, as well as the excellence of the Club’s multi-sport model, with professional sections continuing to expand a unique trophy haul. “We defend Barça in order to enjoy the successes of our athletes,” he said, positioning competitive ambition as an inseparable part of the project.
Defending the model and identity
One of the central themes of his speech was the defence of the Club’s institutional independence. Laporta warned against those who would like a Barça that is “cornered, subdued and dominated, or controlled from outside,” or “lacking experience,” and reaffirmed the need to preserve its autonomy and democratic character. The candidacy is also presented as a defence of a club model rooted in Catalonia, open to the world and committed to sustainability, diversity, inclusion and solidarity. “We are more than a club because we are committed to democracy, freedom, our language and our culture,” he stressed.
Laporta insisted that FC Barcelona cannot be analysed solely through business criteria, but is an institution with a social and emotional dimension that requires sensitivity and responsibility in its management.
The candidate also emphasised that during his mandate a fundamental principle has been preserved: that FC Barcelona remains an entity owned by its members. In this regard, he underlined that the measures adopted to address the economic situation have not fallen directly on the members, avoiding the need for them to bear the cost of the inherited situation.
A call for stability and exemplary elections
The president expressed his gratitude to the members for their support and trust during one of the most complex periods in the Club’s recent history. He acknowledged that these have been years of “difficult decisions,” but assured that the most challenging phase has passed and that the future is “exciting.”
Finally, Laporta called for participation and democratic respect during the electoral process, urging that the elections be exemplary and worthy of the institution. “What matters is proposing the best for Barça, with debate and disagreement, but with respect,” he concluded.
Under the slogan “Defensem el Barça”, the candidacy led by Joan Laporta presents itself as a proposal of continuity, stability and ambition to consolidate a strong, sustainable, competitive Barça that remains true to its essence.