Barça Presidency Shake-Up: A Mystery Candidate Promises a Ronaldinho-Beckham-Scale Surprise
12 February 2026
Barça Presidency Bid Promises a Ronaldinho-Beckham Level Shock
In a surprising bid for Barcelona's presidency, businessman William Maddock—described as the surprise candidate—told fans he has a bold pledge should he win the top post.
Date, Decisions and a Shocking Claim
Barcelona has set March 15 as the election date, the first day allowed by the club's statutes. Maddock revealed on El Chiringuito that he carries a "massive surprise" rivaling the moves Ronaldinho and Beckham pulled off in their days.
What He Hints At and What It Means
He said: "Our proposal is different from the others," and believes that, over time, Barcelona can be transformed. He adds that the constitutional framework and the club's way of operating feel old and in need of renewal.
A related feature recalls a Copa del Rey clash between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, scheduled for 21:00 on 12 February 2026, as fans and pundits speculate about future big moves.
Afterword and Skepticism
He also noted a strong endorsement of Hans Flick, calling him a savior, as well as endorsing Deco as the sporting director. He hinted at negotiations in England to sign a player who played for Barcelona after the World Cup—but stressed that the identity remains undisclosed and that the player does not currently play in England.
He added: "In 2003, Laporta tried to sign David Beckham and failed... could this surprise rival the Beckham–Ronaldinho deal? Certainly."
He reminded readers that back in 2003 Barcelona did pursue Beckham, who moved to Real Madrid, and then went on to sign Ronaldinho instead.
He did not disclose details about the promised deal for Barça fans. He denied ever leading a Real Madrid supporters’ club in Montornès del Vallès, clarifying: "I was never the president of the fans’ association; I am a Barcelona member, and all that happened was that I used the Real Madrid supporters’ club HQ in Montornès del Vallès."
