The first 2026 FC Barcelona presidential election debate took place on March 9, 2026, featuring a heated clash between the two candidates, Joan Laporta and Víctor Font, ahead of the March 15 vote. The debate, organized by Grupo Godó, was marked by intense exchanges over the club’s sporting and financial direction.

Joan Laporta, the incumbent president, defended his record, emphasizing financial recovery, a competitive team under Hansi Flick, and youth development, citing the decision to reject a €250 million offer for Lamine Yamal as a point of pride. He criticized Font’s lack of charisma and warned that Font’s proposed changes to the sporting structure—replacing Deco with a trio of executives (Planchart, Puig, Cos)—would destabilize the club. Laporta claimed Flick depends on Deco and that removing him would risk the team’s success.

Víctor Font countered by advocating for a more professionalized, transparent sporting model, arguing that a collective leadership would better support Flick than a single sporting director. He accused Laporta of damaging the club’s relationship with Lionel Messi, calling the offer of a statue and testimonial match insufficient compared to his own plan for an honorary presidency and active role for Messi. Font also highlighted rising debt—from €1 billion to €2.5 billion—and promised up to a 75% reduction in season ticket prices under certain conditions.

Font made a veiled accusation: “I don’t carry Barça in my wallet,” implying Laporta benefits personally from the club. Laporta fired back, accusing Font of lying about transfer losses and lacking connection with grassroots fans. The debate ended with both delivering closing statements—Laporta touting stability and renewal, Font pushing for a “Barça for everyone” versus what he called Laporta’s elitist model.

A second and final debate is scheduled for March 11, 2026. Recent polling shows Laporta leading with 58.66% support among club members, compared to Font’s 20.33%, though the race remains active amid legal complaints against Laporta involving alleged financial misconduct, which he denies as “slander.”