Barcelona Presidential Election 2026 Officially Underway: Candidates and Signature Counts Revealed

Barcelona, 2026 — The club’s presidential election formally opened today after three hopefuls delivered the member endorsements required to appear on the 15 March ballot, setting up a straight fight dominated by incumbent Joan Laporta.

Laporta, who regained the presidency in 2021, rolled up to the club’s offices aboard a campaign truck emblazoned with his slogan and handed over 8,171 validated signatures. While that figure falls short of the 10,257 he amassed five years ago, it comfortably exceeds the 2,337-signature threshold and cements his place as the front-runner.

Speaking moments after the paperwork was accepted, Laporta thanked the membership for “another massive show of trust” and praised his campaign volunteers for “a flawless operation under a very different landscape.” He argued that the comparative drop in support “is not a signal of weakening backing, but rather a reflection of a general feeling that the project is on course and that many see the outcome as already secure.” He nevertheless urged a large turnout on election day “to reinforce the mandate.”

Laporta’s main challenger, Victor Font, delivered 5,140 endorsements, positioning himself as the principal alternative. Entrepreneur Marc Ciria completed the field, presenting 2,840 signatures. All three totals have been verified, confirming that members will have a full slate of candidates when voting begins.

With the official list now closed, campaigning enters its final fortnight. Candidates will spend the remaining days crisscrossing club events and media outlets to sway the electorate ahead of Sunday’s decisive vote.