Everything you need to know about upcoming Barcelona presidential elections: Candidates, crucial date and more | OneFootball

The board of directors of FC Barcelona have set the date for the club’s next presidential elections. 

As confirmed, Barcelona members will head to the polls on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in a vote that will decide who leads the club for the next five years.

The timing of the elections is notable, as it comes in the middle of the season, a factor that has already generated debate among the candidates. 

The formal campaign period is expected to begin in early February and will run for several weeks before the final vote.

The current president, Joan Laporta, will seek re-election. 

Laporta’s campaign is expected to focus on what he describes as financial stabilisation, institutional recovery and the progress of the Espai Barça project, which remains central to his vision for the club’s future.

Joan Laporta’s opponents

Laporta will face strong opposition, starting with Victor Font, the candidate who finished second in the previous elections. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nosaltres Barça (@nosaltresfcb)

Font, an entrepreneur and technology executive, represents the main reformist option and continues to advocate for a modern, transparent and member-driven Barcelona, built on long-term sporting planning.

Ahead of his scheduled press conference, Font reacted critically to the chosen date, suggesting it favours the current president. He was quoted by AS, stating,

“It’s obvious they call the elections when it suits Laporta. But we expected it and it doesn’t surprise us. We are prepared.”

Font also underlined the importance of the vote, describing it as “very important elections for the future of Barcelona.”

Another candidate, Xavier Vilajoana, also shared his reaction. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Xavier Vilajoana (@xaviervilajoana)

A former footballer and sports executive, Vilajoana’s platform centres on club stability, traditional Barça values and a strong commitment to La Masia. 

Following the official announcement, he emphasised his readiness for the race, stating,

“My team and I have been working for some time now, so we’re ready when the time comes.”

The fourth confirmed candidate is Marc Ciria, a sports economist and consultant whose campaign focuses on revenue growth, debt control and bold financial restructuring. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marc Ciria (@marcciria42)

Ciria was also critical of the timing, arguing that a different moment would have been more appropriate. He said,

“The best date would be when the first teams are no longer in official competition, but we accept the rules of the game. 

“We knew it would happen and that Laporta would choose a moment convenient for his interests.”

With the election taking place during a competitive phase of the season, the coming weeks promise intense political debate alongside sporting pressure.