Alexandre Rosell i Feliu, known as Sandro Rosell, secured the presidency of FC Barcelona in 2010 by capturing over 60 percent of the member vote. A business graduate of ESADE, he previously served as vice-president of sports under Joan Laporta until his resignation in 2005, later shifting his focus toward private sports marketing ventures in Brazil.
Early Career and Barcelona Elections
Born in Barcelona in 1964, Rosell attended Institut Escola Costa i Llobera before obtaining an MBA from ESADE. In 2003, he partnered with Joan Laporta to win the presidency of FC Barcelona. During this tenure, Rosell leveraged his background as a former Nike executive in Brazil to facilitate the signing of Ronaldinho. He resigned in June 2005, citing fundamental disagreements with Laporta regarding the club's direction and management style.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Ascension to the Presidency
Following a period of vocal opposition to the Laporta administration, which included the 2006 publication of his book Benvingut al món real, Rosell confirmed his intent to run for the club's presidency in 2008. He officially assumed the position on 1 July 2010. During his term, the club expanded its trophy count across various disciplines, including football, basketball, futsal, handball, and roller hockey, while reporting record profits of 45 million euros in 2012.
Resignation and Legal Challenges
In January 2014, Rosell resigned his presidency following a court order to investigate him for misappropriation of funds linked to the acquisition of Neymar. Subsequent scrutiny revealed the transfer cost significantly exceeded the publicly reported 57.1 million euros. In 2017, Rosell faced arrest in connection with a money laundering investigation involving broadcasting rights for Brazil national team matches. After spending 643 days in pre-trial detention, he was acquitted of all charges by Spanish courts on 24 April 2019.
Commercial Activities
In 2008, Rosell founded Ailanto, a sports-marketing firm operating in Brazil. The company secured rights to organize a 2008 friendly match between Brazil and Portugal, involving a contract with the government of the Federal District. The deal subsequently became subject to a police investigation regarding irregularities in public expenditure and procurement processes, leading to the seizure of documents from the firm's premises in Rio de Janeiro.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Barcelona, Spain
- Education: Institut Escola Costa i Llobera, ESADE
- Positions: President of FC Barcelona (2010-2014)
- Languages: Spanish, Catalan
- Pre-trial detention duration: 643 days
- Acquittal date: 24 April 2019
Questions readers ask
Was Sandro Rosell convicted of money laundering?
No, Spanish courts fully acquitted him of all charges in 2019 after he spent 643 days in pre-trial detention.
Why did Sandro Rosell resign as president of FC Barcelona?
He resigned in January 2014 following a judicial order to investigate alleged financial irregularities concerning the signing of Neymar.
Achievements
- Educated at ESADE, Institut Escola Costa i Llobera and ESADE Business School
- Worked as entrepreneur, businessperson and association football player
.jpg)
