A shocking development has emerged in the world of football, as former Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has thrown his weight behind Victor Font in the upcoming presidential elections for the club. This move has sent shockwaves through the Barcelona community, creating a divide that is hard to ignore.
AS, a reputable sports outlet, has reported that Xavi's presence at Font's campaign launch event at Fira de Barcelona was a significant moment, sparking intense discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Xavi's involvement in these elections is not without precedent. In the past, his name was closely associated with Font, but he chose to step back before the official campaign, stating that he wanted to remain neutral as an asset of the club. This decision ultimately led to Laporta appointing him as the new manager, replacing Ronald Koeman.
However, it seems that Xavi's stance has evolved, and he is now openly supporting a candidate. By attending Font's project presentation, Xavi has made his position crystal clear, indicating his opposition to the current president, Laporta.
The relationship between Xavi and Laporta has been strained since Xavi's departure as manager in 2024. The circumstances surrounding his exit were tense, as it came just weeks after Laporta had convinced him to stay.
Xavi's entry into the electoral scene highlights the deep divide within Barcelona's community, with two distinct blocs emerging: one led by Laporta and the other by Font. This division is further emphasized by the support Font has received from other prominent figures in the Barcelona environment.
On Monday, several influential individuals publicly declared their support for Font, including Jaume Guardiola, former president of the club's Economic Commission, Evarist Murta, a former board member, and Eloi Planes, the president of Fluidra. Additionally, Álex Barbany, former Espai Barça executive, Ferran López, ex-head of security, and Juanma Tabero, former technology director, all voiced their backing for Font.
The event also saw the presence of former head of sporting operations, Jordi Munoz, as well as ex-players like Juli Lopez, Jordi Roura, Nando Pujalte, Pierre Oriola, and Ramon Alfonseda.
This development sets the stage for a highly contested and intriguing election, with Xavi's involvement adding an extra layer of intrigue. The question remains: Will Xavi's support for Font sway the outcome of the elections? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - the Barcelona community is divided, and the upcoming battle for the presidency promises to be a heated one.
