‘Not the time’ — Barcelona legend will not stand for the 2026 presidential elections

While there are indeed over two years remaining before Barcelona’s next presidential election, the topic of possible candidates contesting against Joan Laporta has been in the headlines for a while now.

Earlier this week, Spanish financial expert Marc Ciria announced his pre-candidacy for the election and outlined what he would do differently to help save Barcelona from the financial crisis.

2021 candidate Victor Font took a more cautious stance, revealing that his decision to contest the election depended on Barcelona’s situation in two years’ time.

El Presidente from La Masia?

Gerard Pique’s long and illustrious career with Barcelona came to an end in November 2022, as he etched himself in history as a club legend with over 600 games in the Blaugrana colours.

He did admit, however, that becoming the president of Barcelona was a long-standing dream of his. Needless to say, there was considerable curiosity in Spain to find out the former defender’s stance on the upcoming election.

Unfortunately for fans, however, Pique dismissed the possibility of fighting for the post in 2026 in a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo.

“To be president of Barcelona is a great responsibility, but I could have a great impact on the club if I decided to try it at some point. In the future I could explore this possibility, but not now. I don’t think it’s time.”

“At the right time, I could help my club. I have been a member of Barcelona since I was a child and I have been to the stadium every Sunday. If I can help with anything, I would like to,” he added, confirming that he would step in when the time was right.

As part of the same interview, Pique also spoke about the eternal debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, unsurprisingly picking the Argentine phenom to be a level higher in supremacy.

“Messi was a different player from the rest. I also shared locker room with Cristiano at Manchester United and he was a very good player with a great level, he proved it in his career and competed with Leo for the Golden Ball, but I think Leo is a different player.”