Laporta Landslide Victory, Gavi's Emotional Return & Raphinha's Hat-Trick Heroics - March 16, 2026
Joan Laporta secures historic re-election with 68% of votes while Gavi makes emotional comeback after 203 days. Raphinha's hat-trick leads Barça to 5-2 victory over Sevilla as the chase for 100 points continues.
Laporta's Historic Third Presidential Victory
Joan Laporta has made history by securing his third presidential mandate at FC Barcelona with a landslide victory that leaves no room for doubt. The Catalan businessman captured 68.18% of the vote (32,934 votes) in Sunday's elections, completely overwhelming rival Víctor Font, who managed just 29.78% (14,385 votes).
"This result is overwhelming and gives us so much strength that it makes us unstoppable," declared an euphoric Laporta in his victory speech. The president celebrated long into the night at Barcelona's famous 'Luz de Gas' nightclub, even receiving mariachis who serenaded him with the club's anthem "Cant del Barça."
Sports journalist David Sánchez analyzed the victory for Radio MARCA, stating: "Laporta swept to victory because barcelonismo believes again." The triumph marks a historic hat-trick in the polls for Laporta, continuing the tradition that sitting Barcelona presidents always win re-election when they seek it.
Gavi's Emotional Comeback After 203 Days
The headlines weren't only political on Sunday. On the pitch, the footballing world witnessed one of the most emotional moments of the season as Gavi made his long-awaited return after 203 days sidelined with a knee injury requiring surgery last September.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who wore the captain's armband during his appearance in the 5-2 victory over Sevilla, was visibly emotional. "It has been the most painful process," Gavi admitted after the match. "Barcelona is happy" headlined Diario AS, capturing the collective joy of the fanbase at seeing their beloved canterano back on the field.
In a touching gesture, Raphinha had planned a special celebration with Ronald Araujo dedicated to Gavi, showing the tight bond within Hansi Flick's squad.
Raphinha's Hat-Trick and the Century Dream
Raphinha stole the show with a magnificent hat-trick against Sevilla, his third of the season under Flick's management. The Brazilian has rediscovered his most lethal form at the crucial stage of the season, just three days before a pivotal Champions League encounter.
"Raphinha returns at the key moment of the season," celebrated Marca. His performance is part of a broader trend that has seen Barcelona become "the team of hat-tricks" this campaign, with Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, and now Raphinha all achieving the feat.
The 5-2 victory keeps Barcelona's incredible dream alive: reaching 100 points in La Liga, a feat only achieved twice in history by Mourinho's Real Madrid (2011/12) and Tito Vilanova's Barcelona (2012/13). Flick's team also extended their four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table.
Flick himself was full of praise for João Cancelo's performance: "His signing was the right choice," the German coach stated, while also closing in on Pep Guardiola's historical records at the club.
Laporta's Challenges Ahead
Despite the electoral euphoria, Laporta faces significant challenges. Chief among them is conquering the Champions League, returning to the 1:1 financial rule to enable major signings (particularly a new number 9), completing the Spotify Camp Nou to boost revenues, and winning the 'Caso Negreira' legal battle.
As one analyst noted, these are the reasons barcelonismo has once again placed its faith in Laporta's hands.
