FC Barcelona members headed to the polls on Sunday to elect the club’s next president, with 114,504 registered socios eligible to vote in one of the most significant governance events in the club’s history. Marc‑André ter Stegen, however, was left unable to cast his ballot after an unexpected administrative issue.
Only officially registered club members, known as socios, are permitted to vote in the presidential election, a unique democratic structure that allows fans to directly determine the leadership of the Catalan giants. Voting began at 9 a.m. local time and runs until 9 p.m., with polling stations set up across Catalonia and Andorra to encourage participation.
The election pits incumbent president Joan Laporta against challenger Víctor Font, who previously finished second in the last presidential race. The winner will take charge of the club’s strategic direction, financial management, and sporting project for the coming years.
Barcelona’s presidential elections are among the most distinctive in world football, as the club operates under a member-owned model rather than private ownership, giving socios the decisive voice in choosing leadership.
One of the more unusual moments of election day involved Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who arrived at the polling station intending to vote but was ultimately unable to do so.
According to reports, the German international discovered his name was not included on the official electoral register because his club membership details had not been updated in time for the vote.
Despite waiting at the polling station while officials reviewed the situation, the issue could not be resolved immediately, forcing the Barcelona captain to leave without casting his ballot.
All first-team players automatically become socios when they join the club, but they must ensure their membership remains active to appear on the electoral census.
With more than 114,000 eligible voters, the 2026 presidential election underscores Barcelona’s identity as a member-run institution-one where supporters hold the ultimate authority over the club’s future.
The final results are expected shortly after voting closes on Sunday evening.
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