Barcelona's Presidential Race Heats Up: Five Contenders Square Off for the Camp Nou Throne
With Barcelona elections set for spring 2025, five challengers are positioning themselves to either topple Joan Laporta or see him secure another term.
The battle for Barcelona’s presidency is taking shape with five contenders already jockeying for position, even before official dates are announced.
The Election Timeline
Barça’s presidential elections are expected to take place between March 15 and June 15, 2025, with April being the likely month. Once officially announced, pre-candidates will have 40 days to collect the required signatures to become official candidates.
The last vote occurred on March 17, 2021, when members chose between Joan Laporta, Víctor Font, and Toni Freixa. Now, a new chapter begins with familiar and fresh faces entering the arena.
The Current Contenders
Joan Laporta: The Incumbent
Laporta officially announced his bid for re-election on May 16 after Barcelona secured the La Liga title. The current president wants another five years to complete his economic, social, and sporting roadmap that began in 2021.
He’s timing his run perfectly:
- The team is performing brilliantly under Hansi Flick
- The partially-reopened Spotify Camp Nou has been a success
- He’s ramped up his public appearances and Madrid-baiting rhetoric
Laporta’s in a proper purple patch right now, which makes him the man to beat.
Víctor Font: The Persistent Challenger
Font, who ran in 2021 with his “Sí al Futur” platform, has returned with a new project called “Nosaltres” (We). Launched on November 18, this initiative aims to unite various Barcelona member platforms to create a broad coalition against Laporta.
Font’s campaign focuses on five objectives including returning prominence to club members and building an honestly managed Barça. Notably, Xavi Hernández attended Font’s campaign launch – a bit of a Bobby Dazzler for his chances.
Xavier Vilajoana: The Experienced Hand
Former director Vilajoana confirmed his candidacy on November 27. After failing to make the cut in 2021, he’s back with his “Veus del Barça” (Voices of Barça) initiative, touring Catalonia to gather member opinions.
Vilajoana emphasizes his comprehensive knowledge of the club as a former player, director, and fan, promising to “put members and fans back at the center of the club” and professionalizing operations.
Marc Ciria: The Economic Reformer
Ciria publicly announced his candidacy on December 16 with “Moviment 42” under the slogan “It’s time to restart.” The economist made waves by claiming Lionel Messi’s return is essential for Barcelona’s financial recovery.
His program focuses on preserving the ownership model, recapturing the “més que un club” spirit, and achieving economic competitiveness against state-owned clubs. Ciria previously worked with Laporta’s 2015 campaign.
Joan Camprubí: The Legacy Candidate
Camprubí announced his intention to run in October 2023 with “Som un Clam” (We Are One Cry). He brings serious Barcelona DNA as the grandson of former president Agustí Montal Costa (1969-1977) and great-grandson of Agustí Montal Galobart (1954-1962).
He’s recently advocated for creating a unified, broad-based candidacy to challenge Laporta – suggesting potential consolidation among challengers before the final vote.