Joan Laporta takes over the FC Barcelona presidency
Joan Laporta i Estruch is once again president of FC Barcelona. On 1 July 2026, he began his fourth term at the helm of the Club, following an inauguration ceremony held in a packed Auditori 1899, attended by figures from politics and sport as well as prominent figures from FC Barcelona.
The inauguration ceremony began promptly at 12.30pm CEST. Journalist Georgina Ferri served as master of ceremonies and was responsible for introducing the event and its first emotional moment: the screening of a video summarising the electoral process, from February through 15 March, the day the elections were held.
Cubells announces new Board of Directors
Next, vice president and secretary Josep Cubells i Ribé announced the dissolution of the current Board of Directors, which has led the Club from February until today, before naming the members who will make up the new Barça board as of 1 July.
Cubells then gave the floor to La Liga president Javier Tebas. The head of Spain’s top domestic league highlighted FC Barcelona’s recent achievements, both on the sporting front and in terms of infrastructure.
"Barça are on a great path and has no reason to envy other clubs," Tebas stated. He concluded his remarks by wishing President Laporta "the best of success at the head of the Club."
Rafael Yuste's turn
The floor then passed from Javier Tebas to Rafael Yuste. Having served as FC Barcelona’s president over the last five months, Yuste shared heartfelt words of affection for Joan Laporta, whom he described as "family." He then thanked the members who had stood by him on the Board of Directors, as well as everyone involved in the Club for the outstanding season experienced in 2025/26.
Reflecting on his time as president of the institution, Yuste expressed his gratitude to all the Club’s members and stated that they had put "their heart and soul into strengthening the Club’s finances, which are improving all the time." He concluded his speech by addressing President Laporta directly: “I wish you all the wisdom, courage, and perseverance that you have always brought to this Club.”
Most awaited moment, the President's speech
And so came the moment everyone had been waiting for: Joan Laporta i Estruch's turn to speak. He took to the stage of the Auditori 1899 visibly emotional and shared a heartfelt embrace with Rafael Yuste before addressing those in attendance.
The president's speech lasted approximately 45 minutes, during which he reviewed the previous term and reaffirmed his commitment to defending the Club and continuing to represent the institution in the best possible way.
Group photo and ending with the Orfeó Català
Once his speech had concluded, Laporta welcomed the members of the new Board of Directors. One by one, they took to the stage of the Auditori 1899, showing gestures of camaraderie and support toward the President. Together, they then posed for the official group photograph of the 2026-2031 term.
To conclude the inauguration of the FC Barcelona presidency, the Orfeó Català took the stage to perform the Barça anthem and the Cant de la Senyera. It was a fitting ending to an emotional event filled with Barça spirit. Joan Laporta is now president!