Barcelona president Joan Laporta directly responded to midfielder Frenkie de Jong’s public criticism of the planned LaLiga match between Villarreal and FC Barcelona in Miami, reaffirming the club’s commitment to playing the game in the United States. The exchange underscores a growing tension between player concerns and the league’s push to expand its global footprint,a strategy with significant financial implications for clubs like Barcelona.
De Jong voiced his disapproval on Thursday, stating, “I don’t like us going there and I don’t agree.It’s not just for competition. I don’t like it and I don’t think it’s good for the players.” Laporta, attending the European Football Clubs (EFC) congress in Rome, acknowledged de Jong’s concerns but firmly stated the match will proceed as scheduled.
“The match will take place. UEFA and LaLiga have accepted it, and we will play wherever they tell us to play. If they tell us Miami, we’ll go play Miami,” Laporta said. “I respect him [de Jong], but the club will play where LaLiga says, and we will go to miami.”
Laporta emphasized the strategic importance of the North American market, explaining that the club supported the relocation to capitalize on existing agreements established during summer tours. He further noted Barcelona recently relocated its office from New York to Miami specifically to bolster brand sales in the region.
the article was originally published on October 9, 2025, at 18:45 and updated at 20:01.
