Who Is the Owner of Barcelona?

By Alice Nichols

Barcelona is one of the most popular football clubs in the world. The team has a rich history and a loyal fan base.

But have you ever wondered who owns Barcelona? In this article, we will take a closer look at the ownership structure of the Catalan club.

The Ownership Structure of Barcelona

Barcelona is owned by its supporters. The club operates as a democratic organization, with more than 144,000 members having the right to vote on key decisions that affect the future of the club.

The Role of FC Barcelona Supporters

The supporters of Barcelona are known as “socios.” They have a say in everything from choosing the president of the club to approving major transfers. This unique ownership structure is one of the reasons why Barcelona is considered one of the most democratic football clubs in the world.

Who Is Currently in Charge?

The current president of Barcelona is Joan Laporta. He was elected in March 2021, beating out Victor Font and Toni Freixa for the position. This is Laporta’s second stint as president, having previously held the role from 2003 to 2010.

Previous Owners

Before becoming a supporter-owned club, Barcelona had several owners throughout its history. In 1899, Joan Gamper founded the club and became its first president. He also played for the team and helped establish it as one of Spain’s top football clubs.

In 1925, Josep Sunyol took over as president and helped modernize the club’s operations. However, his tenure was cut short by political turmoil in Spain during the 1930s.

During Francisco Franco’s dictatorship (1939-1975), Barcelona was forced to change its name to Club de Fútbol Barcelona and remove references to Catalonia from its crest. After Franco’s death, democracy was restored in Spain, and Barcelona returned to its original name and crest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Barcelona is owned by its supporters, who have a say in major decisions regarding the club’s future. This unique ownership structure has helped make Barcelona one of the most democratic football clubs in the world. The current president is Joan Laporta, who was elected in March 2021.