Xavi shows support to Laporta’s rival Victor Font in Barcelona presidency elections | OneFootball

In a major development, AS reports that former Barcelona player and manager Xavi Hernandez seems set to back Victor Font against Joan Laporta in the upcoming presidential elections.

Earlier today, Font announced the launch of the project to contest for the presidency of Barcelona in the 2026 elections, and Xavi’s presence at the event held at Fira de Barcelona was one of the most discussed moments.

It is worth remembering that Xavi also played a significant role in the previous elections. At first, his name was closely linked to Font.

But he later distanced himself before the campaign officially began, stating that he considered himself “an asset of the club”, and therefore did not wish to appear aligned with any specific candidacy.

That decision effectively opened the door for Laporta to appoint him as Ronald Koeman’s replacement on the bench.

It is clear that several things have changed ahead of these new elections. One is that Xavi now officially supports a candidate. By attending the presentation of Font’s project, he made his position explicit and his opposition to the current president equally clear.

Xavi to support Laporta’s opponent in presidential elections. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Xavi’s relationship with Laporta ended in a difficult and tense manner, following his dismissal as manager in 2024, which came only weeks after he had been convinced to stay at the club by the president.

Xavi’s entry into the electoral scene underlines the deep division that currently exists within Barcelona’s community, split into two opposing blocs: one led by Laporta and the other by Font.

Alongside Xavi, several other prominent figures from the Barcelona environment publicly declared their support for Font on Monday.

They included former president of the club’s Economic Commission Jaume Guardiola, former board member Evarist Murta, Fluidra president Eloi Planes, former Espai Barça executive Álex Barbany, former head of security Ferran López, and ex-technology director Juanma Tabero.

Meanwhile, former head of sporting operations Jordi Munoz, former board member for supporters’ clubs Toni Rovira, former players Juli Lopez, Jordi Roura, Nando Pujalte, Pierre Oriola and Ramon Alfonseda, were also present at the event.