Barcelona President Laporta on Catalan Language: No Mandate for Players

Laporta's Remarks on Catalan Language

According to Главком: FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta has clarified the club's stance on the Catalan language, stating that players are not contractually obligated to learn it. He confirmed that Catalan is the club's official language, a fact all players are aware of. Laporta expressed particular pride, noting:

'I am proud that Fermín, a native of Andalusia, and the Portuguese Kika Nazaré speak it perfectly.'

Club Leadership and Current Success

Joan Laporta, a Barcelona native, is the club's first democratically elected president to serve two separate terms. A graduate of the University of Barcelona's law school, he also holds a master's degree in corporate and tax law from the Abat Oliba CEU University Institute. He is a founding partner and owner of the law firm Laporta & Arbos Advocats Associats.

On the pitch, Barcelona is enjoying a strong 2025/26 season under coach Hansi Flick. The team holds a four-point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga. In the Champions League, Barcelona advanced past Newcastle United in the round of 16 with aggregate scores of 1:1 and 7:2. Their quarter-final opponent will be Atlético Madrid, with matches scheduled for April 8 and April 14. Barcelona's deep connection to Catalonia is a defining feature of its identity, distinct from other Spanish clubs.

Off the field, the club sold out a run of retro jerseys from the 2005/06 season bearing Ronaldinho's name within 24 hours. In other news, former Barça manager Ernesto Valverde has decided to leave Athletic Bilbao at the end of the 2025/26 season, having led the club since the summer of 2022.

Laporta's comments underscore the cultural significance of Catalan at Barcelona, even without it being a formal requirement for players. This highlights the club's ongoing effort to maintain its unique identity and regional ties. The team's concurrent sporting success in domestic and European competitions reinforces its global brand and competitive stature.

Laporta's recent comments about the Catalan language reflect the club's cultural identity, which is vital to its history and ethos. This commitment to Catalonia is further emphasized by his position as the club's president, a role he has secured until 2031. To learn more about his election and plans for the future, read about how Laporta was re-elected as president.