After securing re-election as president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta granted an interview to Diario Sport in the early hours of March 16, where he outlined the ambitions for his new term.
Laporta expressed optimism about the club’s future, stating that the coming years could represent a golden period for Barcelona. His priorities include building a stronger squad, competing for major trophies, and completing the construction of the club’s new stadium. He also praised the team’s progress and the success of the club’s youth academy, while thanking supporters for their continued backing and expressing confidence in both the sporting and financial development of the club.
The 63-year-old endured a long election day that began early in the morning and ended with his victory being confirmed. Despite the demanding schedule, he remained at Camp Nou late into the night to speak with several media outlets. Around 3 a.m., he held an exclusive interview at the 1899 Auditorium shortly after being officially declared the re-elected president.
Reflecting on the day, Laporta said, “Very good, very happy, and full of gratitude. Thank you to all the Barcelona members who voted for us, and thank you to all the Barcelona fans, because this is a democratic event and a celebration of the spirit of Barcelona.”
Looking ahead, he added, “I especially want to say to those who support us, the next five years will be the best years of our lives. We will have a top team, continue to win, which is what all Barcelona fans are most looking forward to, and the team will bring us countless honors. This is our primary goal. In addition, we will have a stadium that can accommodate 105,000 people, 105,000 Barcelona fans cheering for the team, it will be wonderful to witness this scene, and it is also the guarantee of our club’s future.”
Laporta also spoke about the team’s recent match in which Raphinha scored a hat-trick while João Cancelo and Dani Olmo found the net.
He remarked, “You’re smart, aren’t you? Yes, sometimes there is such a destiny. But the most important thing is that Barcelona won. Cancelo was fouled by the opponent, and the referee awarded us an undisputed penalty, which Raphinha scored with a Panenka-style shot. Then he had the courage to take another penalty and score.”
Laporta continued to praise the team’s performance, highlighting the goals from Cancelo and Olmo and the impressive teamwork involved in the build-up. He admitted he would have preferred an even bigger margin of victory but still considered the 5-2 result satisfying.
Discussing the campaign that led to his victory, he explained that internal polling had shown strong support despite what he believed was inconsistent media coverage. He also described how campaign events held in various cities attracted large crowds of Barcelona supporters.
Looking toward the next phase of his presidency, Laporta outlined key objectives, including strengthening the squad under the leadership of Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, winning titles, and completing the renovation of the stadium to ensure the club’s long-term financial stability.
On a personal note, Laporta revealed he had spoken with his mother after the result and reflected on the influence of his late father, saying the day reminded him of family support.
He also highlighted the progress of the club’s youth system, noting the emergence of young talents such as Pau Cubarsí, Marc Bernal, and Lamine Yamal, as well as praising players including Robert Lewandowski, Fermín López, and others who have contributed to the team’s performances.
Concluding the interview with a celebratory message, Laporta raised a toast to supporters, declaring: “To all of you, to all Barcelona fans: Visca el Barça!”