The Night of the 5: Laporta Secures 5-Year Mandate, Barça Scores 'Manita' Against Sevilla

Double celebration this weekend at FC Barcelona. Joan Laporta was triumphantly re-elected president with 68% of the votes for a mandate that will end in 2031, while Hansi Flick's team dominated against Sevilla (5-2) in a match marked by Raphinha's hat-trick and the promising debut of young Xavi Espart this Sunday, March 15, 2026, in La Liga.

The Election: A Democratic Consecration and Clear Ambitions

Joan Laporta begins his third term at the helm of Barça, a final presidential journey as he will not be able to seek a third consecutive term in 2031, in accordance with the club's statutes. He will officially take office on July 1st, with Rafa Yuste serving as interim until then.

His unfortunate opponent, Victor Font, elegantly conceded defeat, congratulating Laporta on his «undeniable victory» and offering his team's services to the club, despite criticisms of certain aspects of the outgoing administration's record.

Former president Bartomeu, present to vote, hailed a «celebration of democracy,» recalling the uniqueness of a club owned by its members. Amidst this chorus of support, a familiar voice resonated strongly: that of Samuel Eto'o. The former Cameroonian striker publicly called for a vote for Laporta, calling him «president for life,» «brother,» and «friend,» a vibrant testimony from a living club legend.

With a mandate running until 2031, Laporta unveiled his roadmap, reported by Mundo Deportivo. The six major objectives are clear:

1. Economic recovery: regaining the 1:1 rule to breathe on the transfer market.

2. Squad reinforcement: recruiting a world-class striker and a central defender.

3. Completion of Spotify Camp Nou: providing a setting worthy of the club's legend.

4. Sporting stability: maintaining confidence in Hansi Flick.

5. Marquee signing: finalizing the arrival of Marcus Rashford to excite the fans.

6. Tribute to Messi: organizing a special match and erecting a statue for the Argentine legend.

An Offensive Display and Promising Youngsters

On the pitch, Flick's team perfectly complemented this institutional euphoria by inflicting a 5-2 defeat on Sevilla. A success that allows Barça to maintain 70 points, with the wild hope, fostered by Flick, of reaching 100 points by winning the last ten matches, a very rare feat in La Liga history.

The man of the match was undoubtedly Raphinha, author of a crucial hat-trick. Haitian journalist Kimberly Pierre highlights the importance of this performance for a player who was going through a more delicate period. A hat-trick that allows him to «regain confidence after several poor matches».

The match was also marked by the promising debut of young full-back Xavi Espart. In his first start, the defender delivered an almost perfect performance: 88% successful passes, 5 interceptions, 4 recoveries, and constant presence in duels. A performance that confirms the club's confidence in its Masia.