Laporta made the comments at an event in Sitges on Saturday, where he discussed Barcelona’s current position and criticised their long-standing rivals in remarks reported by Sport.
The Barcelona president argued that his club were enjoying a period of sporting success and international recognition, while suggesting that Real Madrid were attempting to diminish that progress.
“In Madrid they talk about other issues to divert attention,” Laporta said. “Barcelona are in that sweet moment. We are enjoying the football, a very beautiful moment in our history and international recognition.”
He also pointed to the quality within Barcelona’s squad, claiming the club had nine world champions and players regarded as leading figures in their respective positions.
“From Madrid, they try to minimise all this,” he added.
Laporta’s criticism extended beyond the clubs’ sporting rivalry to the ongoing disagreements involving Real Madrid, European football governance and the proposed European Super League. He also referred to the Negreira case, which has remained a source of controversy surrounding Barcelona.
The president accused Madrid of adopting an obstructive attitude towards initiatives supported by other clubs and drew a comparison with the dispute surrounding the EuroLeague in basketball.
“They do it to harm football, because they are against everything,” Laporta said. “You go to UEFA, you go to the EuroLeague, and they are against everything and everyone.”
He argued that the club’s approach was undermining its reputation both in Spain and internationally.
“It says a lot about a club that is losing prestige, recognition and credibility at national and international level,” Laporta said.
He also referred to a recent gathering of European clubs, claiming Real Madrid had lacked representation there. Laporta said the club’s conduct reflected an attitude he described as arrogant and insisted it should reconsider its position.
“They should engage in self-criticism about this, because I think it is inappropriate,” he said.
The remarks underline the continuing hostility between the Spanish giants, whose disagreements extend well beyond their meetings on the pitch. Barcelona and Real Madrid remain central figures in debates over the future structure and governance of European football.
Laporta’s comments were his own assessment of Madrid’s conduct, rather than an indication that the dispute has been resolved. The two clubs continue to hold opposing positions on several major issues affecting the game, with the Super League debate remaining a prominent source of tension.
For Barcelona, the president’s message was that the club wanted its current sporting achievements recognised without what he sees as attempts by its rivals to undermine them.