Barça President Joan Laporta Recovers After Tuesday Heart Procedure

Barcelona president Joan Laporta, 64, is recovering from a heart arrhythmia following a successful procedure at Hospital de Barcelona.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta, 64, underwent a medical procedure on Tuesday at Hospital de Barcelona to reverse a detected arrhythmia. The intervention successfully restored the official's normal heart rhythm, preventing his scheduled flight to England this week. Laporta had intended to join the Barça delegation at St. George’s Park, where the squad is currently training ahead of a preseason friendly against Birmingham City scheduled for Friday.

Medical professionals have advised the club president against travel, mandating that he continue his recovery in Spain rather than attending the upcoming match. This health update follows Laporta’s recent trip to the United States, where he attended several matches during Spain’s World Cup victory. His itinerary included witnessing the tournament final in New Jersey last weekend before returning to the Catalan city for medical attention.

Medical Team and Coordination Details

Dr. Jordi Morillas led the healthcare staff during the successful Tuesday procedure. Laporta expressed his gratitude via social media, confirming that his heart is beating rhythmically again following the intervention. The coordination of the medical process was handled by Manana Giorgadze, Laporta’s chief of staff, alongside the club’s internal medical services directed by Dr. Xavier Corbella.

External consultation played a significant role in the president's treatment plan. Dr. Valentí Fuster and his team at Mount Sinai provided advice that offered Laporta peace of mind prior to the surgery. Additionally, Dr. Brugada was the specific practitioner who recommended the exact procedure required to correct the irregular heartbeat.

Impact on Preseason and Mandate Timeline

While the first-team players prepare for their Friday exhibition in England, Laporta remains under observation to ensure his condition stays stable. The president is currently serving his second stint in the role, having previously led the club from 2003 until 2010. He returned to the presidency in 2021 and secured a new mandate earlier this year that extends his leadership through 2031.

The timing of the arrhythmia detection forced an immediate shift in the club's administrative presence at their British training base. Despite the successful reversal of the heart issue, the 64-year-old must prioritize rest over his duties with the traveling preseason party. This recovery period follows a high-intensity month of international soccer travel that concluded only days before his hospitalization in Barcelona.

Future Leadership and Travel Restrictions

Laporta’s re-election earlier in 2026 ensures he will remain the head of the Catalan institution for the next five years. His current focus remains strictly on the recovery protocols established by the team at Hospital de Barcelona. No specific timeline has been provided for when he will be cleared to resume international travel or rejoin the team on their preseason tour.

The club's medical services continue to monitor his progress following the successful restoration of his heart's rhythm. For now, the Barça delegation in England will proceed with their preparations at St. George's Park without the presence of their president as they approach the end of the week's training cycle.