Barcelona’s Tragic Fall: Laporta’s 4-Year Legacy of Betrayal, Chaos, and Embarrassment

On January 4, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and La Liga confirmed their refusal to register Barcelona players Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor. For Barcelona, this was not just a blow—it was a humiliation. The €55 million signing of Dani Olmo last summer, once hailed as a coup, has now turned into a free-agent disaster. The club’s inability to register him has made Olmo available to any suitor, leaving Barcelona as the laughingstock of world football.

President Joan Laporta, visibly shocked and disheartened, reportedly canceled a pre-match luncheon with the board of CF Intercity, Barcelona’s Copa del Rey opponent, as tensions boiled over. The club has announced plans to appeal the decision, but the damage to its reputation has already been done.

This fiasco is just the latest in a string of reckless gambles and controversial decisions that have defined Laporta’s second tenure as Barcelona president. From alienating legends like Lionel Messi to financial mismanagement and public spats with coaches, Laporta’s leadership has left the club in turmoil.

The Betrayal of Messi

Perhaps the most infamous moment of Laporta’s tenure came in the summer of 2021, when Barcelona shockingly announced they would not renew Lionel Messi’s contract. The Argentine legend, who had spent his entire career at the club, was forced to leave in tears.

Laporta had initially promised fans and Messi himself that the club would secure a new deal, only to reverse course at the last moment, citing financial constraints. The betrayal blindsided Messi and his team, and the fallout has been irreparable. Despite Laporta’s repeated public overtures to reconcile, Messi has refused to forgive or engage with the president.

The decision to let Messi go, while simultaneously splurging hundreds of millions on other signings, remains one of the most baffling and controversial moves in football history.

Turning on Koeman

In 2021, Laporta’s treatment of then-manager Ronald Koeman further showcased his lack of integrity. The Dutchman, a club legend both as a player and coach, was subjected to relentless pressure from Laporta, who openly undermined his authority.

Laporta demanded Koeman take a pay cut, interfered in tactical decisions, and made his position untenable in a clear attempt to force his resignation. Koeman later expressed his deep disappointment, saying, “He lacks sincerity. This kind of damage cannot be undone by time.”

Alienating Xavi

Even Xavi Hernández, the club’s iconic midfielder-turned-manager, has not been spared from Laporta’s duplicity. During the 2023-24 season, Xavi openly voiced frustrations over Barcelona’s financial limitations, which prevented him from building the squad he envisioned.

While Xavi’s comments were grounded in reality, they reportedly embarrassed Laporta, who values his public image above all else. The perceived slight ultimately led to Xavi’s dismissal, despite his efforts to steer the team through turbulent times.

The Dani Olmo Registration Debacle

The latest chapter in Laporta’s saga of mismanagement is the Dani Olmo fiasco. Barcelona splashed €55 million on the Spanish international during the summer transfer window, despite knowing full well that registering him would be a challenge due to the club’s precarious financial situation.

Laporta gambled, hoping for a last-minute solution, but this time his luck ran out. Olmo is now free to join any club, and Barcelona’s reputation has taken yet another hit. According to Marca, Laporta’s penchant for last-minute crisis management has backfired spectacularly, damaging the club’s brand and global influence.

Commentary: A Legacy of Ruin

Joan Laporta’s second presidency at Barcelona has been a masterclass in hubris and miscalculation. His decisions have alienated the club’s greatest players, tarnished its reputation, and plunged it into financial chaos.

Laporta’s actions are emblematic of a leader more concerned with short-term optics than long-term stability. From Messi’s tearful departure to the Olmo debacle, he has repeatedly gambled with Barcelona’s legacy, and the consequences have been catastrophic.

Barcelona, once a symbol of footballing excellence, now finds itself mired in scandal and ridicule. The club’s fans deserve better than a president who prioritizes ego over integrity, and the footballing world is left to wonder how much more damage Laporta can inflict before his tenure comes to an end.