Laporta’s Lucky Streak: A Barcelona Saga
Napoleon Bonaparte, the French Emperor with grand ambitions, famously said, “I’d rather have a lucky General than a good one.” This sentiment might resonate with FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta, whose tenure has been marked by a series of fortuitous events. Sunday’s Supercup Final victory over Real Madrid was perfectly timed to coincide with the fourth anniversary of Laporta’s second term as president, a role he first left in 2010. The triumph was a much-needed boost, especially as Laporta faced mounting criticism and the threat of a vote of no confidence.
Laporta’s knack for timing is uncanny, but his story of luck doesn’t end there. This 62-year-old lawyer, often described as a rascal and a rogue, has a history of defying the odds. When he first took charge 21 years ago, he discovered a young Lionel Messi in the club’s youth academy. Messi, who would go on to win 34 trophies with Barcelona, was a stroke of luck that any General would envy. At a time when Barcelona’s finances were in disarray and the club was enduring a six-year trophy drought, Messi’s emergence was a game-changer.
Fast forward to Laporta’s current term, and the club has once again struck gold with the debut of 15-year-old Lamine Yamal. Yamal’s performance against Madrid, which helped Hansi Flick secure his first trophy as manager, was nothing short of spectacular. The 17-year-old’s second goal in a Clásico came faster than both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who took eight matches and three years to achieve the same feat.
During the celebrations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Laporta was front and center, basking in the glory of the victory. The Spanish media captured images of him with a trophy in hand, surrounded by the players who had battled against the Spanish and European champions. The sense of triumph was palpable, but as always with Laporta, appearances can be deceiving.
Just days before the victory, Barcelona faced a crisis when Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor were de-registered by LaLiga due to Financial Fair Play violations. The players faced six months on the sidelines, unable to play, until Laporta persuaded the Spanish Government to intervene. This episode is a testament to Laporta’s tenacity and resourcefulness.
Laporta’s colorful past is filled with anecdotes that highlight his rebellious nature. From being expelled from a priests’ college for sharing test answers to serving time in military jail for various infractions, Laporta has always been a maverick. His journey to becoming Barcelona’s president in 2003 was marked by a clever campaign that included a promise to sign David Beckham, a move that swayed voters despite the fact that Beckham had already decided to join Real Madrid.
Throughout his tenure, Laporta has faced numerous challenges, including votes of no confidence and controversies like his support for the European Super League. Yet, he has also overseen significant successes, such as the appointment of Pep Guardiola, which led to a golden era for the club.
Laporta’s re-election campaign four years ago featured a bold move: a giant poster on a Madrid skyscraper with the slogan “Can’t wait to see you again!” It was a declaration of war that resonated with voters. Despite setbacks, Laporta’s luck seems to have turned once more, and the battle for LaLiga, La Copa, and the Champions League is heating up. As the saying goes, never underestimate a lucky General.
- Laporta’s tenure marked by fortuitous events
- Messi’s emergence was a game-changer for Barcelona
- Lamine Yamal’s debut performance was spectacular
- Laporta’s resourcefulness in resolving registration crisis
- Colorful past filled with rebellious anecdotes
Originally Written by: Graham Hunter
