In the high-stakes theater of Catalan sports and politics, Joan Laporta is the ultimate protagonist. The FC Barcelona president finds himself at the height of a dramatic re-election campaign, having officially resigned his post on February 10, 2026, to trigger the electoral process.
Joan Laporta: Net Worth and Business Background
While he leads a billion-dollar sports empire, Laporta’s personal wealth is more modest than the corporate titans he often battles.
Estimated Net Worth (2026): Pegged at approximately $100 million – $150 million.
Source of Wealth: Unlike his rival Florentino Pérez, Laporta is not a construction magnate. His wealth stems from his successful career as a high-profile lawyer and founder of the firm Laporta & Arbós Advocats Associats.
Presidential Salary: Per the FC Barcelona statutes, the role of President is unpaid.
Laporta and his board members serve the club as a "service of passion," relying on their external business and legal ventures for income.
The Complex Relationship with Lionel Messi
The bond between Laporta and Messi is the most scrutinized relationship in football history.
The History: Laporta signed Messi’s first professional contract when the player was 16.
For years, they enjoyed a "father-son" dynamic. The Fracture: The relationship soured significantly in August 2021, when Laporta announced the club could not renew Messi’s contract due to financial constraints.
Current Status (2026): Laporta recently admitted the relationship remains "frosty" and "sad," revealing they have only spoken once since 2021.
However, he has confirmed plans to erect a statue of Messi at the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou and organize a massive tribute match in late 2026.
Joan Laporta and Florentino Pérez: Rivals or Allies?
The relationship between the presidents of Barcelona and Real Madrid is a study in "frenemies."
Institutional "Broken" Ties: In January 2026, Laporta publicly stated that relations with Real Madrid are "completely broken" due to the Caso Negreira and Madrid's legal interference.
The Super League Bond: Despite the public spat, the two remain aligned on the European Super League project, viewing it as a necessary financial shield against "state-owned" clubs.
Personal Rapport: Following Barcelona's Supercopa triumph in January 2026, the two shared a cordial, protocol-mandated greeting, with Pérez congratulating Laporta behind the scenes.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
| Was he a footballer? | No. Laporta was never a professional footballer. He is a trained lawyer with a background in business and politics. |
| Why did he leave in 2010? | He reached the two-term limit mandated by the club's rules at the time. |
| Who is the CEO? | As of early 2026, the executive structure is led by the Board, with Rafael Yuste serving as First Vice President. (Note: The CEO position has seen high turnover since Ferran Reverter’s exit). |
| Who is the best president? | Many fans consider Laporta the "GOAT" president for delivering the 2009 Sextuple and the 2025/26 resurgence under Hansi Flick. |
Personal Life: Wife and Children
Spouse: Laporta was formerly married to Constanza Echevarría.
They are currently divorced. Children: He has three sons: Pol, Guillem, and Jan.
His eldest son, Pol Laporta, followed his father’s passion for the game, playing as an attacking midfielder at the semi-professional level.