Vilajoana: Barcelona’s Next Star Must Come From La Masia

Barcelona presidential candidate Xavi Vilajoana has launched a fierce critique of current president Joan Laporta, insisting that the club’s future depends on producing the next world-class star from La Masia, not on pursuing costly transfers like Erling Haaland.

Vilajoana Targets La Masia as Barcelona’s Great Hope

Barcelona’s upcoming presidential elections are already igniting passionate debate over the club’s direction. This week, Xavi Vilajoana, who has served Barcelona for over two decades as both a player and a board member, officially announced his candidacy. In his campaign launch, Vilajoana didn’t hold back, directly challenging Laporta’s management style and priorities.

“Our Erling Haaland isn’t at Manchester City – he’s at La Masia,” Vilajoana declared. He emphasized that Barcelona’s identity and long-term success depend on investing in the famed youth academy. Vilajoana criticized Laporta for slashing La Masia’s budget by 37%, warning that such cuts undermine the club’s greatest asset. Instead of splashing out on headline stars, Vilajoana promised to channel resources into nurturing homegrown talent, aiming to deliver the next generation of world-class players.

Laporta’s Leadership Under Fire Ahead of Elections

The focus on youth development comes amid growing scrutiny of Laporta’s second term. With the next elections expected in April 2026, Laporta maintains that his leadership has steered Barcelona through challenging times and that the “brave, courageous, and controversial decisions” taken have helped put the club back on track. However, critics like Vilajoana and rival candidate Victor Font accuse him of financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency, especially concerning an alleged €80 million in hidden losses.

Vilajoana’s campaign slogan, “Ready to recover our Barca,” signals a desire to restore member influence and club identity. He pledges to freeze season ticket prices until the Camp Nou renovation is complete, increase sponsorship revenue by 30%, and strengthen all sections of the club, including women’s sports.

Barcelona’s Identity Crisis: Members and Transparency

Vilajoana’s vision centers on re-engaging club members, whom he sees as sidelined by Laporta’s “improvisational” leadership. “You can’t run the club behind the backs of its members, its owners,” he said. He also promised strict accountability, stating that any illegal actions discovered by an auditor would be reported and responsible parties held to account.

With other candidates like Victor Font and Joan Camprubi Montal also in the running, this election is set to be a referendum on the club’s identity and future direction.

Messi’s Shadow and the Legacy Question

Adding further intrigue, reports indicate that club legend Lionel Messi may play a role in the elections—though he is unlikely to support Laporta, whose actions are widely viewed as responsible for Messi’s 2021 departure. Vilajoana was clear: “If [Messi] hasn’t been with us for four years, it’s [Laporta’s] fault. Messi is an asset of the club. No one can appropriate the club’s assets.”

Barcelona’s Path Forward: Invest in the Future

Looking ahead, Vilajoana and other critics argue that only by prioritizing La Masia and embracing transparency can Barcelona regain its status at the pinnacle of world football. As pressure mounts on Laporta, especially if the team fails to secure major silverware before elections, the direction set in the coming years will be decisive.

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Opinion: A Return to Roots is Crucial for Barcelona’s Revival

Barcelona’s greatest eras were built on the foundation of La Masia, not on big-money signings. Vilajoana’s insistence on nurturing homegrown talent isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a pragmatic vision for long-term stability. If the club can recommit to its roots and put members at the heart of decision-making, Barcelona could once again set the standard for the world’s game.