Joan Laporta facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joan Laporta
Laporta in 2025
38th and 41st President of FC Barcelona
In office 7 March 2021 – 9 February 2026
Preceded by	Josep Maria Bartomeu Carles Tusquets (interim)
Succeeded by	Rafa Yuste (interim)
In office 15 June 2003 – 30 June 2010
Preceded by	Joan Gaspart Enric Reyna (interim)
Succeeded by	Sandro Rosell
Member of the Catalan Parliament
In office 29 November 2010 – 17 December 2012
Constituency	Barcelona
Member of the Barcelona City Council
In office 1 July 2011 – 13 June 2013
Personal details
Born	Joan Laporta i Estruch (1962-06-29) 29 June 1962 (age 63) Barcelona, Spain
Political party	Partit per la Independència (1996–1999) Democràcia Catalana [ca; es] (2010–2015)
Spouse	Constanza Echevarría
Children	3
Alma mater	University of Barcelona
Profession	Lawyer

Joan Laporta i Estruch (born 29 June 1962) is a Spanish businessman, lawyer, and a well-known figure in the world of football. He has served as the president of FC Barcelona during two important periods: first from 2003 to 2010, and then again from 2021. He was recently re-elected as the club's president on March 15, 2026.

Laporta is a trained lawyer who studied at the University of Barcelona. He also has his own law firm. Beyond sports, he has been involved in politics, serving as a member of the Parliament of Catalonia from 2010 to 2012.

During his first time as president, FC Barcelona achieved amazing success. In 2009, the club won six major trophies in just 12 months, setting a new record! As of 2025, the club's sports teams have won over 101 official trophies under his leadership.

Joan Laporta's Journey at FC Barcelona

Laporta's connection with Barcelona began when he led a group called "Elefant Blau" (which means "Blue Elephant"). This group wanted to see changes at the club and challenged the leadership of a former president in 1998.

First Time as Club President (2003–2010)

Starting as President: The 2003 Elections

In the 2003 elections, Laporta was not expected to win. However, his energetic campaign helped him gain support. He won against a popular candidate, partly because he promised to bring famous player David Beckham to Barcelona. Even though Beckham didn't join, Laporta quickly became a popular figure.

His first season, 2003–04, was a turning point for the club. Fans and players were feeling down because Barcelona hadn't won many trophies since 1999. They wanted to see the club succeed like their rivals, Real Madrid.

New Coach and Star Players

Laporta brought in new talent, including the football superstar Ronaldinho and a new coach, Frank Rijkaard. This marked a fresh start for the club. Laporta also worked to make the Camp Nou stadium a safer place for everyone. He faced challenges from some fan groups but was determined to improve the atmosphere.

The 2003–04 season started slowly, but Laporta asked fans for patience. The club gradually replaced older players with new stars like Deco, Samuel Eto'o, and Edmílson. They also relied on talented home-grown players such as Carles Puyol, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Víctor Valdés. This new team quickly found its rhythm, finishing second in 2003–04 and then winning La Liga titles in 2004–05 and 2005–06.

The club's financial situation also improved, with a large debt starting to shrink. A major highlight was winning the UEFA Champions League on 17 May 2006, which was only the second time in the club's history.

A Special Shirt Sponsor

Barcelona had a long tradition of not having sponsors on their shirts. In 2006, Laporta made a unique agreement with UNICEF. The club decided to donate €1.5 million to UNICEF, and in return, the UNICEF logo appeared on their shirts. This showed the club's commitment to social causes.

Re-election and Challenges

After some discussions about when his first term officially ended, new elections were called for 2006. However, Laporta was re-elected for another four years without needing a vote, as no other candidate gathered enough support.

In 2008, some club members were unhappy with the team's results and Laporta's leadership. They called for a "vote of no confidence" to challenge his position. While many voted against him, the number wasn't enough to force new elections, and Laporta remained president.

The Pep Guardiola Era

Following these challenges, Laporta made a big decision: he appointed Pep Guardiola as the new head coach. Guardiola was a former Barcelona captain but had little coaching experience, only leading the B team before. Despite a shaky start, Barcelona went on to have an incredible season. They won the "treble" – La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. They also added the Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup titles that year. Laporta's first presidency ended in 2010, and Sandro Rosell took over.

Second Time as Club President (2021–2026)

Returning to Lead the Club

In November 2020, Laporta announced he would run for president again. He officially entered the race in January 2021 and was a strong favorite. On March 7, 2021, Laporta won the election with 54.28% of the votes, becoming president once more. He took over after Josep Maria Bartomeu had resigned.

After his election, Laporta immediately began to reorganize the club. He brought in new leaders for the executive and sports departments. His time as president saw big changes to the team, including the departure of star player Lionel Messi due to financial difficulties. However, he also brought in important new players like Sergio Agüero, Memphis Depay, and later Robert Lewandowski, Jules Koundé, and Raphinha.

New Coaches and Success

Under Laporta's leadership, former player Xavi Hernández became the first-team coach in November 2021. Xavi helped bring stability and led the team to win the 2022–23 La Liga title. Later, Hansi Flick was appointed head coach, and he guided the club to win two major domestic trophies in the 2024–25 season. Laporta also secured major sponsorships with companies like Spotify and Nike and oversaw funding for important projects like the new Camp Nou stadium.

On February 9, 2026, Laporta stepped down as president to run for re-election, as allowed by the club's rules. This was a strategic move to seek a new term. Rafa Yuste was appointed as interim president during this time.

Re-election and Third Term (2026–Present)

On March 15, 2026, Joan Laporta was re-elected as Barcelona president. He won with 68% of the votes, starting his third term leading the club.

Laporta's Political Activities

Joan Laporta has also been active in politics for a long time. In 1996, he joined the Partit per la Independència (Independence Party).

Laporta has openly supported Catalan independence from Spain. Many people see FC Barcelona as a symbol of Catalonia, and Laporta often highlighted this connection.

After his first term as president of FC Barcelona, Laporta formed his own political party called Democràcia Catalana (Catalan Democracy). In 2010, his party joined with other groups to form a platform called Catalan Solidarity for Independence, and Laporta became its president.

In the Catalan elections held on November 28, 2010, this new party won four seats in the 135-member Catalan Parliament. Laporta was elected to represent the Barcelona Province. He later left the party in 2011.

Personal Life

Joan Laporta was married to Constanza Echevarría. They have three sons named Pol, Guillem, and Jan. His son Pol is also a footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder.

Trophies Won by Club During Presidency

Football

Barcelona:

• La Liga:
  • 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2022–23, 2024–25
• Copa del Rey:
  • 2008–09, 2020–21, 2024–25
• Supercopa de España:
  • 2005, 2006, 2009, 2023, 2025, 2026
• UEFA Champions League:
  • 2005–06, 2008–09
• UEFA Super Cup:
  • 2009
• FIFA Club World Cup:
  • 2009

Barcelona Femení:

• Primera División (women):
  • 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25
• Copa de la Reina de Fútbol:
  • 2020–21, 2021–22, 2023–24
• Supercopa de España Femenina:
  • 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25
• UEFA Women's Champions League:
  • 2020–21, 2022–23, 2023–24

Futsal

Barcelona Futsal:

• Primera División:
  • 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23
• Copa del Rey de Futsal:
  • 2022–23
• Copa de España (LNFS):
  • 2022
• Supercopa de España:
  • 2022, 2023
• UEFA Futsal Champions League:
  • 2021–22

Basketball

Barcelona Basketball:

• Liga ACB:
  • 2003–04, 2008–09, 2020–21, 2022–23
• Copa del Rey de Baloncesto:
  • 2007, 2010, 2021, 2022
• Supercopa de España de Baloncesto:
  • 2004, 2009
• EuroLeague:
  • 2009–10

Handball

Barcelona Handbol:

• Liga ASOBAL:
  • 2005–06, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25
• Copa del Rey de Balonmano:
  • 2003–04, 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25
• Copa ASOBAL:
  • 2009–10, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23
• Supercopa ASOBAL:
  • 2003–04, 2006–07, 2008–09, 2020–21, 2021–22
• Supercopa Ibérica:
  • 2022, 2023
• EHF Champions League:
  • 2004–05, 2020–21, 2021–22
• European Super Cup:
  • 2003–04

Roller hockey

Barcelona Roller Hockey:

• OK Liga:
  • 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2020–21, 2022–23
• Copa del Rey de Hockey Patines:
  • 2005, 2007, 2022, 2023
• Supercopa de España de Hockey Patines:
  • 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2022, 2023
• Champions League:
  • 2003–04, 2004–05, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2009–10, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2017–18
• WSE Cup:
  • 2005–06
• Continental Cup:
  • 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2015, 2018
• CERH Ciudad de Vigo Tournament:
  • 2004, 2007
• Intercontinental Cup:
  • 2005, 2008, 2018, 2023

Ice hockey

Barcelona Ice Hockey:

• Liga Nacional de Hockey Hielo Spanish Champion:
  • 2008–09, 2020–21, 2021–22

See also

In Spanish: Joan Laporta para niños