Xavi Backs Victor Font as Barcelona’s 2026 Presidential Race Intensifies

Key Takeaways:

• Xavi endorsed Victor Font during Font’s campaign launch event on Monday ahead of the 2026 Barcelona presidential elections
• The relationship between Xavi and current president Joan Laporta deteriorated following Barcelona’s poor performances and Xavi’s eventual dismissal at the end of the 2023-24 season
• Hansi Flick’s side are set to play their first match at Camp Nou in over two years against Athletic Club on Saturday

Xavi’s Public Alignment With Font’s Candidacy

Xavi Hernandez has formally declared his support for Victor Font in advance of Barcelona’s 2026 presidential elections. Xavi made his endorsement public at Font’s campaign event, where he appeared alongside several high-profile figures. After distancing himself from Font’s project during the 2021 election due to his potential candidacy as Ronald Koeman’s successor, Xavi has now pledged his backing to Font for 2025, signifying a renewed partnership.

❗️ Xavi joins the campaign for the Barça elections.

The former Barça coach supported Víctor Font's official launch with his presence.

[@sport] pic.twitter.com/h1CMHNIwgJ

— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) November 17, 2025

The upcoming elections, scheduled for between March and May 2026, have already begun to spark political activity around the club. On Monday, Font, widely considered a major challenger to Joan Laporta, officially kicked off his campaign. Xavi’s participation and explicit support has drawn considerable attention and could prove influential as the race develops.

Their partnership dates back to the 2021 election, when Font shaped his campaign around Xavi as the emblematic figure poised to reshape the sporting structure at Barcelona. At that time, Xavi opted not to involve himself directly, mindful of a potential managerial appointment. Now, free from coaching responsibilities and without conflicts of interest, Xavi’s endorsement significantly strengthens Font’s position as the electoral contest gains steam.

Broad-Based Support for Font’s Campaign

Alongside Xavi, a number of prominent members of the Barcelona community have also expressed support for Font’s project. This includes Jaume Guardiola, former Economic Commission president, as well as ex-club executives Evarist Murta and Alex Barbany. Industry leaders such as Jordi Bertomeu from Euroleague and Manel Arroyo of Dorna have also backed Font’s candidacy. Former players Juli Lopez, Jordi Roura, and ex-coach Joan Vila have thrown their support behind Font, complemented by endorsements from diverse Barcelona supporter groups.

Breakdown of Xavi’s Relationship With Joan Laporta

Xavi, who featured in 524 matches and netted 66 goals for Barcelona, returned as manager under Joan Laporta’s presidency, following his tenure at Qatari club Al Sadd. Taking over in the middle of the 2021-22 season, Xavi guided the team to second place in La Liga, despite an early exit from the Champions League during the group stage. His efforts the following year yielded Barcelona’s first La Liga title in four years and saw the team lift the Supercopa de Espana, though European competition remained challenging.

The relationship between Xavi and Laporta soured following successive cup defeats – a 4–1 loss to Real Madrid and a 4–2 reverse against Athletic Club. A subsequent 5-3 defeat to Villarreal prompted Xavi to offer his resignation amid speculation he would be dismissed. Laporta initially persuaded him to remain, but ultimately, Xavi was relieved of his duties following the 2023-24 campaign. Nevertheless, Laporta has maintained that there are no lingering grievances in his relationship with Xavi.

Font’s Criticism of the Current Administration

Font has renewed scrutiny of Laporta’s leadership, accusing the club of lacking transparency with its financial disclosures and specifically citing €80 million (£67m/$87m) in undisclosed losses. He commented: “Last year’s closing reflected losses of €90 million. We asked for a restatement because there were overvalued assets, and we were ignored. This year’s accounts hide 80 million euros more in losses that are restatements in last year’s accounts, and this hasn’t been mentioned; the Assembly isn’t aware of it. There’s a lack of transparency.”

Font also criticised the decision to award the Camp Nou redevelopment project to Limak, stating: “We were told they would act quickly and with a smaller budget, but that’s not the case. Another deception. On Sunday, Joan Laporta will have to explain why Limak was selected despite internal reports that advised against it.”

The Road Ahead: Laporta Versus Font

Laporta’s administration has drawn increasing scrutiny due to ongoing financial and registration challenges, as well as unfulfilled pledges dating back to his 2021 election. The continued delays in the Camp Nou project and mounting supporter disquiet have boosted Font’s platform. With the club’s presidential election fast approaching next year, Barcelona supporters will soon determine whether Laporta maintains his position or Font is granted the opportunity to steer in a new direction.

Upcoming Fixture: Barcelona’s Return to Camp Nou

On Saturday, Hansi Flick’s squad are scheduled to play their first game at the refurbished Camp Nou in over two years, facing off against Athletic Club in a highly anticipated encounter.