Who Is Barcelona Owned By?

By Robert Palmer

Barcelona is one of the most successful and popular football clubs in the world. Based in Catalonia, Spain, it has a rich history and a passionate fan base.

But who is Barcelona owned by? Let’s take a closer look.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that Barcelona is owned by its members, who are known as socios. These socios have the power to elect the president and board of directors every six years. The president then has the responsibility of running the club on behalf of the members.

Currently, Barcelona’s president is Joan Laporta, who won the election in March 2021. Laporta previously served as president from 2003 to 2010 and oversaw one of Barcelona’s most successful periods on and off the field.

Under Laporta’s leadership, Barcelona won numerous titles including four La Liga titles, two Champions League trophies, and two Club World Cup titles. Off the field, Laporta implemented a financial plan that reduced the club’s debt while also investing in new facilities such as the famous La Masia academy.

But while Laporta is currently at the helm of Barcelona, he is not the owner of the club. As mentioned earlier, it is owned by its socios who have ultimate control over its future direction.

One interesting aspect of Barcelona’s ownership structure is that it operates under a system known as “more than a club.” This philosophy emphasizes that Barcelona represents more than just a football team – it represents Catalan culture and values such as social responsibility and democracy.

This approach has led to some unique initiatives such as making UNICEF their shirt sponsor instead of a corporate entity in 2006. It also led to their involvement in political issues such as supporting Catalonia’s right to self-determination.

In conclusion, while Joan Laporta is currently serving as president of Barcelona, he does not own the club. It is owned by its members or socios who elect their leaders every six years. This unique ownership structure aligns with Barcelona’s philosophy of being “more than a club” and emphasizes the importance of community and social responsibility in football.