Joan Laporta (foto: Getty Images)
Joan Laporta launches his Barcelona re-election campaign and announces a book detailing five turbulent years, including Messi’s exit and the Camp Nou renovation.
Joan Laporta has officially launched his campaign to return as president of Barcelona, announcing that he will publish a book recounting the most turbulent chapters of his recent mandate.
The club elections are scheduled for 15 March 2026. Laporta stepped down last week in order to formalise his candidacy and immediately began collecting the required member signatures.
He will open his campaign headquarters on Tuesday, with key policy proposals expected to follow in the coming days.
A book as a political statement
Laporta’s first major campaign move will come on 23 February, when he presents a book titled “This is how we saved Barca”, written in collaboration with Josep Maria Fonalleras.
The publication revisits five years at the helm of the Catalan club, a period marked by financial instability, institutional pressure and sporting transition.
Among the most sensitive chapters is the departure of Lionel Messi in 2021, a moment that reshaped Barcelona’s modern history. Laporta also addresses the dispute with La Liga over Financial Fair Play regulations and the strict player registration limits that affected squad planning.
From crisis management to rebuilding
The book reportedly details the appointment of Hansi Flick and the renewed emphasis on youth development through La Masia, as Barcelona sought to rebuild their sporting identity while navigating financial constraints.
A dedicated section focuses on the renovation of Camp Nou, one of the largest infrastructure projects in the club’s history. The stadium redevelopment remains central to Barcelona’s long-term economic strategy and is expected to feature prominently in Laporta’s re-election platform.
By framing his presidency as a rescue mission, Laporta appears intent on defending his record and shaping the narrative ahead of what promises to be a closely watched election campaign.