On the eve of FC Barcelona's presidential election, scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, Samuel Eto'o, President of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), has publicly expressed his support for Joan Laporta.
In a statement released on his social media, the former Barça striker called on the socios to vote for Laporta, calling him "My President for life". Eto'o, who played for FC Barcelona from 2004 to 2009, stressed the importance of this election for the club's future.
"I am a living witness to the extraordinary history you helped write at this legendary club," Eto'o wrote. He added: "Vote for Joan Laporta. My President for life". This message of support comes as Laporta is seeking another term against Víctor Font.
Eto'o's support is not insignificant. He was recruited by FC Barcelona in 2004, when Laporta was president of the club. Under Laporta's presidency, Eto'o won two Champions Leagues with Barça, in 2006 and 2009. This period is considered one of the most glorious in the history of the Catalan club.
Joan Laporta was elected president of FC Barcelona in 2021, succeeding Josep Maria Bartomeu. His first term as head of the club ran from 2003 to 2010, a period marked by many sporting successes, including several Spanish league titles and two Champions Leagues. Laporta faces significant financial challenges, including debt of over 1 billion euros.
The elections at FC Barcelona are a major event for the socios, the club members who have the right to vote. More than 100,000 socios are called to vote to elect the club's next president. The election will take place on March 15, 2026, and the results are expected to be announced the same evening.
The message from Samuel Eto'o, an emblematic figure of Cameroonian football and former star player of FC Barcelona, could influence the vote of the socios. His support for Joan Laporta highlights the latter's role in the club's past successes and strengthens his position with the Blaugrana supporters. The final decision now rests with the club members, who will have to choose the president who, in their opinion, is best able to meet the challenges facing FC Barcelona.
In addition to Joan Laporta, Víctor Font is also a candidate for the presidency of the club. The two men have presented different projects for the future of FC Barcelona, and the socios will have to choose the one that seems most convincing to them. The 2026 election is therefore a crucial moment for the future of the Catalan club.
Polling stations will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Spanish time. The official inauguration of the new president is scheduled for July 1, 2026.
