The final presidential debate for FC Barcelona took place in an extremely tense atmosphere on TV3. Joan Laporta and Víctor Font exchanged sharp accusations, arguing about the club's future, the transfer of Erling Haaland, and the role of Leo Messi.

Sharp exchange of accusations

Joan Laporta called his rival a 'swindler' and a 'technocrat', while Víctor Font accused the incumbent president of populism and lies.

Promise to sign Haaland

Víctor Font announced the signing of Erling Haaland, calling him the 'new Beckham', which is meant to be a response to Laporta's historical promises.

Dispute over legacy and structures

The candidates disagreed on the assessment of sporting director Deco's work and the future role of Leo Messi within the club's structure.

Decisive vote of the socios

The fate of the club will be decided by 110,000 eligible voting members (socios) this coming Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Joan Laporta and Víctor Font faced off in the last, extremely tense televised debate on TV3 ahead of the FC Barcelona presidential election scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026. The club's incumbent leader, Joan Laporta, went on the offensive, using harsh epithets against his main rival and accusing him of lacking authenticity. During the exchange, the current president called Font a swindler and a lowlife, also accusing him of being a technocrat devoid of the emotions necessary to lead such an institution. The winner of the upcoming vote will take the helm of the club for a six-year term lasting until 2031. TV3 became the arena for a clash of two extremely different visions for managing the 'Pride of Catalonia'.

Víctor Font based his strategy on substantive criticism of the current board, accusing Joan Laporta of populism and governing through lies and unfulfilled promises. The opposition candidate contrasted the president's emotional style with his own detailed program, consisting of 133 specific proposals to fix the club's situation. One of the loudest points of the debate was the transfer issue, where Font used the figure of Erling Haaland as his main electoral asset. He compared the potential signing of the Norwegian striker to the famous transfer of David Beckham, thereby referencing the promise that helped Joan Laporta win his first election in 2003.

Another significant point of contention was the assessment of the current sporting structure and the future of club legends. The candidates disagreed on the role of Deco, and the potential return of Leo Messi to Barcelona's structure. Joan Laporta defended the current sporting project, invoking the legacy of Johan Cruyff and claiming the legendary Dutchman would be proud of today's team's play. Font, in turn, argued for the necessity of professionalizing the sporting department and avoiding situations where those in charge have to 'live off the club'. Presidential elections at FC Barcelona are held every six years, with club members (socios) having the right to vote. Joan Laporta served as president from 2003–2010 and again from 2021. Víctor Font already ran in the 2021 election, finishing second with nearly 30% of the vote, losing at that time precisely to Laporta.

„Eres un trilero y un barriobajero. Cruyff se lo pasaría en grande con este Barça” (You are a swindler and a lowlife. Cruyff would have a great time with this Barça) — Joan Laporta via El Periódico

FC Barcelona Presidential Election 2026: March 12 — Final televised debate between candidates on TV3; March 15 — Socios vote and announcement of the new club president

Mentioned People

  • Joan Laporta — Spanish entrepreneur, politician, and president of Barcelona from 2003–2010 and 2021–2026.
  • Víctor Font — Entrepreneur and candidate for president of FC Barcelona, who finished second in the 2021 election.
  • Deco — Former professional footballer, currently sporting director of FC Barcelona.
  • Johan Cruyff — Legendary Dutch footballer and coach, creator of Barcelona's sporting identity.
  • Erling Haaland — Norwegian striker, a transfer target mentioned by Víctor Font.
  • Lionel Messi — Argentine footballer, club legend, whose future role was a subject of the debate.