The Barcelona board elections will be held sometime between March and May 2026, and the situation has been heating up in recent days. The latest dramatic development comes from Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez.
The former Barça coach appeared on Monday at Victor Font’s press conference announcing his candidacy for the Barcelona presidency, expressing his support for changing Joan Laporta’s leadership at Camp Nou.
The relationship between Xavi and Laporta was particularly strained towards the end of their tenure. The president persuaded the coach to stay on for another year, then surprised him with a dismissal, a decision Xavi apparently cannot forget.
In the presence of several prominent Barcelona figures, Xavi appeared and asserted that Font is the most deserving candidate to lead Barça and win the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, the candidate issued statements condemning Laporta’s handling of the coach’s dismissal.
In practical terms, Xavi’s move against Laporta is the second blow that could undermine his re-election bid in 2026, following Lionel Messi’s appearance at Camp Nou without direct contact with the Barcelona board. This was also a message from the Argentine star about the need for change and a reminder that he hasn’t forgotten how he was forced out by the current administration.
Font stressed that Barcelona doesn’t deserve such an outcome, calling for conditions that allow every talented player to contribute to the club.
Font enjoys significant support from Barcelona fans, as well as prominent figures in Catalan circles such as former president of the Economic Committee, Jaume Guardiola, and former executives Evarist Murza and Álex Barbani, in addition to influential figures in the world of sports like Jordi Bertomeu (Euroleague) and Manel Arroyo (Dorna).
