For Joan Laporta, Joao Felix was ahead of Haaland and Mbappe

Joan Laporta's predilection for the talent of Joao Félix Sequeira is widely known at this point. It's almost a devotion that the Barcelona president feels for the 'Menino' from Viseu.

This devotion is based on Joao's unique style of football and the feeling Laporta gets from players he considers to be game-changers. These players evoke in him, albeit on a different level, the childhood sensations he felt when he, alongside his grandfather and father, used to go to the side of the Camp Nou to watch Johan Cruyff, his sacred childhood idol.

Laporta's admiration for Joao dates back to 2019 when the Portuguese player was dazzling at Benfica. During Laporta's presidential campaign, Joao's name was a constant topic of conversation. The peak of this connection came during the campaign when, despite Haaland and Mbappé being in the spotlight, Laporta chose not to publicly mention any names.

No one could get him to reveal anything. One day, after an interview, I asked him privately, "Mr. President, tell me the truth. If you could, who would you sign, Mbappé or Haaland?" Laporta ran his hand through his hair and replied, "You know that if I could, I'd bring in Joao Félix." Two and a half years later, he'll be hoping that Joao lives up to the number 14, Johan's famous number.