As the presidential elections at FC Barcelona draw closer, political tension within the club is reaching a boiling point. With the highly anticipated vote scheduled for March 15, the race to lead the Catalan giants into their next chapter has intensified — and now, fresh reports suggest the locker room itself may already have chosen its preferred candidate.
According to journalist Victor Navarro, a significant majority of Barcelona’s first-team squad is in favor of Joan Laporta returning as club president. The report claims that several players have even signed ballots supporting Laporta, demonstrating clear internal backing for his leadership.
A Strong Bond with the Squad
Laporta’s relationship with the dressing room has reportedly been a key factor in earning this support. During his tenure, he built close ties with players and positioned himself not just as an executive figure, but as a visible and emotionally invested leader. His second spell at the helm was marked by efforts to stabilize the club financially while maintaining competitive ambitions on the pitch.
For many within the squad, continuity appears to be a priority. Players who have experienced administrative turbulence in recent years may view Laporta as a symbol of stability and institutional direction.
Rivals Face an Uphill Battle
Laporta is not alone in the race. He is competing against candidates such as Victor Font, Marc Ciria, and Xavi Vilajoana. Each contender has presented visions for the club’s sporting and financial future, but current indicators suggest Laporta holds a significant advantage.
A recent survey conducted by Mundo Deportivo among 300 club members reinforced that perception. The poll showed Laporta leading comfortably with 58.66% support. Victor Font followed with 20.33%, while Ciria and Vilajoana trailed behind with 7.33% and 1.33%, respectively.
Although surveys do not determine final outcomes, the margin reflects strong momentum behind the former president.
Support Beyond the Dressing Room
The backing for Laporta extends beyond players. Head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco were recently seen attending the presentation of Laporta’s book, “Així hem salvat el Barça” (“This is how we saved Barça”). Their presence at the event has been interpreted by many as a public show of alignment with his leadership.
While neither has issued formal endorsements, appearances of this nature in the weeks leading up to an election rarely go unnoticed.
What This Means for Barcelona’s Future
Presidential elections at Barcelona carry enormous weight. Unlike many clubs owned by private investors or corporations, Barcelona operates under a member-owned structure, meaning socios ultimately decide who leads the institution.
If Laporta secures victory, it would signal member approval of his management strategy, including financial restructuring efforts and long-term sporting planning. On the other hand, a surprise result could reshape the club’s hierarchy and potentially alter its project moving forward.
For now, however, signs point toward a strong internal consensus — and the locker room’s backing may prove to be a powerful symbolic factor as voting day approaches.
With March 15 fast approaching, all eyes remain fixed on Camp Nou’s political battlefield. One thing is certain: Barcelona’s future leadership is not just being debated in boardrooms — it’s being felt inside the dressing room as well.