Joan Laporta has officially begun his third term as Barcelona president after being sworn into office following his emphatic election victory earlier this year.
The veteran administrator secured 67.93% of the vote in the presidential elections held on March 15, comfortably ahead of Victor Font, who received 29.67%.
With no opposition remaining, Joan Laporta, the Barcelona president, enters another chapter at the helm of the Catalan giants, having previously led the club between 2003 and 2010 before returning for a second spell from 2021 to 2026.
The ceremony marked the start of what Laporta hopes will be another successful era for the club both on and off the pitch.
Laporta begins third term as Barcelona president
The inauguration ceremony featured several key figures from the current Barcelona project, including Hansi Flick, Barcelona sporting director Deco and the executives who will form part of the new board structure.
Laporta will continue as president while Rafa Yuste remains first vice-president. Elena Fort, Ferran Olive, Joan Sole and Antonio Escudero have also been appointed as vice-presidents, with Josep Cubells retaining his role as secretary and Tito Castro serving as treasurer.
Addressing those in attendance, Laporta reflected on the trust placed in his leadership.
“Thank you to everyone here. Thank you to President Tebas. I already consider you a friend. We are making a real effort with the stadium, and it will be the best in the world.
“It will generate a lot of revenue so that the La Liga committee can grant us ‘fair play’ approval, allowing us to consolidate our financial strength.”
The Joan Laporta speech also touched on the support he has received from Barcelona members over recent years.
“I want to tell you that we are back here thanks to the will of the Barça members.
“They renewed their trust in us, and I want to congratulate all the members who participated. It was an admirable democratic day, just like Barça. For the last five years, you have been loyal to the club,” he added.
Laporta praises Flick and highlights Camp Nou ambitions
Laporta used the occasion to discuss the challenges Barcelona have faced during his previous years in office.
“Being president is a great honour and a great responsibility. This period has not been easy. We had to manage profound changes and navigated extreme situations.
“We did not give up because we had support. We fought off attacks from rivals and stood up to the insolent. We overcame all obstacles and we are back.
“There are some who have not accepted that Barça has established itself as a respected club and a beloved institution. I am convinced that the coming years will be exciting.
“A strong Barça will be consolidated, and the Spotify Camp Nou will be completed.”
The Spotify Camp Nou redevelopment remains one of the cornerstones of Laporta’s long-term vision.
He also reserved special praise for Hansi Flick, recognising the impact the German coach has had since taking charge.
“Hansi Flick, we are very proud of what you are doing. In the coming years, the seeds we have planted will take root. We cannot let our guard down.”
Later in the speech, he added, “Hansi, the fans were fully behind you.
“You’ve formed a tight-knit unit that has resonated with the Culers. We’ve experienced it with great enthusiasm.”
La Masia and financial stability
Laporta reiterated that La Masia continues to play a crucial role in the club’s sporting model.
“La Masia is one of our club’s greatest assets. La Masia has brought us back to excellence. Many of the things we’ve said have come true. They’ve set us on the path to success.”
The Barcelona president also highlighted the club’s growing commercial strength.
“It’s a club that generates more than 1.1 billion euros, with historic agreements like Nike and Spotify.
“Forbes said that Barça was valued at 4.8 billion dollars in 2021; in the latest report, it’s already 5.7 billion.”
As he concluded his address, Laporta called for unity and stability moving forward.
“We have a team that inspires with Flick and Deco, we have sections that maintain the level of excellence we demand and give hope to Barça fans.
“We will have the best stadium and we will continue to be ‘more than a club.’
“With stability, we will achieve even more. Barça will be respected and esteemed. Thank you very much. Long live Barça and long live Catalonia,” he concluded.
Source: AS
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