Barcelona’s political landscape has been shifting rapidly in recent weeks, with senior figures around the club openly preparing for what is expected to be the most heated presidential race in years.
Tension within the Barca community has intensified as various factions begin to position themselves ahead of the 2026 elections, with discussions behind the scenes becoming increasingly animated.
Support bases aligned with different visions for the club’s future have started to mobilise, and several influential personalities are now quietly aligning themselves with preferred candidates.
The build-up has coincided with growing scrutiny of the current regime, with supporters eager to understand who will shape Barca’s next chapter both on and off the pitch.
And as anticipation continues to swell across Catalonia, a major development has emerged that has already sent shockwaves through the fanbase.
In a dramatic twist, AS reports that club legend and former manager Xavi Hernandez is preparing to support Victor Font against Joan Laporta in the upcoming Barcelona presidential elections.
Font officially launched his 2026 campaign earlier today at Fira de Barcelona, but it was Xavi’s unexpected presence at the event that dominated conversation.
His decision marks a significant departure from his stance during the previous elections, when he initially appeared aligned with Font before stepping back and insisting he was “an asset of the club” who did not wish to publicly back any single candidate.
That neutrality ultimately helped Laporta bring him back to the Camp Nou as Ronald Koeman’s successor, a move that once symbolised unity but has since unravelled.
Now, however, circumstances have changed radically.
Xavi’s relationship with Laporta deteriorated sharply following his dismissal in 2024, a decision that came only weeks after the president persuaded him to remain in charge.
By attending Font’s presentation, the former midfielder has now made his opposition to Laporta unmistakably clear, officially entering the political arena he once tried to avoid.
His involvement highlights the deep division currently gripping Barcelona, with the community split into two strong blocs: Laporta’s supporters and those rallying behind Font.
Xavi was far from the only influential attendee, as several notable figures publicly declared their support for Font during Monday’s event.
The list included former Economic Commission president Jaume Guardiola, ex-board member Evarist Murta, Fluidra president Eloi Planes, former Espai Barça executive Álex Barbany, former head of security Ferran López and ex-technology director Juanma Tabero.
Also present were former head of sporting operations Jordi Muñoz, ex-supporters’ clubs board member Toni Rovira, and several former players including Juli López, Jordi Roura, Nando Pujalte, Pierre Oriola and Ramon Alfonseda.
With Xavi now openly backing Laporta’s main rival, Barcelona’s presidential race has erupted into one of the most explosive battles in the club’s modern history.
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