Napoleon Bonaparte once remarked that he'd "rather have a lucky General than a good one." This maxim perfectly encapsulates Joan Laporta's tenure as FC Barcelona's president, where fortune and calculated risk-taking have become hallmarks of his leadership style.
Laporta's latest stroke of luck manifested in Barcelona's recent Supercup Final triumph over Real Madrid, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of his second presidential term. The victory couldn't have come at a better moment, as rumors of a potential vote of no confidence had been circulating among his critics.
The 62-year-old lawyer's first presidential term, which began 21 years ago, was blessed with perhaps his greatest stroke of luck: inheriting a young Lionel Messi. As Josep Minguella, the agent responsible for bringing legends like Romario and Maradona to Barcelona, once observed, Messi seemed to come from "a marvelous planet where exceptional people are created." This fortunate inheritance helped transform a club mired in a six-year trophy drought into a global powerhouse.
Lightning has struck twice for Laporta's luck with young talent. In his current term, he's witnessed the emergence of 15-year-old Lamine Yamal, who has already achieved what neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo could do so quickly - scoring twice in El Clásico matches. During the recent Supercup celebrations in Jeddah, Laporta's presence at the center of celebrations, trophy in hand, exemplified his knack for seizing the spotlight.
However, Laporta's success isn't merely about luck. His career has been marked by calculated gambles and controversial decisions. During his first presidential campaign, he orchestrated a masterstroke by announcing a potential David Beckham signing - despite the player having already committed to Real Madrid - successfully swaying voter opinion in his favor.
His personal history reveals a pattern of rebellious behavior and strategic thinking. From being expelled from a priests' college for distributing stolen test answers to facing military jail for various infractions, including an unauthorized Egyptian vacation, Laporta has consistently demonstrated both audacity and resourcefulness.
Recent challenges, including financial fair play violations and the painful departure of Messi, have tested his leadership. Yet, Laporta continues to navigate these storms with a combination of political acumen and bold decision-making. His installation of a provocative campaign poster near Real Madrid's Bernabéu stadium - declaring "Can't wait to see you again!" - perfectly encapsulates his confrontational yet charismatic approach.
Through countless setbacks, rows, and votes of no confidence, Laporta has emerged as more than just a lucky general. He represents a new breed of football administrator: one who combines traditional leadership with strategic opportunism. While his methods may raise eyebrows, his ability to keep Barcelona competitive despite numerous challenges suggests that perhaps luck isn't just about chance - it's about creating opportunities and having the courage to seize them.
As Barcelona continues its campaign for LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League glory, Laporta's unique blend of fortune and fortitude remains central to the club's aspirations. As history has shown, underestimating either him or Barcelona could be a costly mistake.
