Farewell to Enric Reyna, the 82-Day President Who Dreamed of a Barça to Be Proud Of

This Friday, the world of Barça has lost one of its own. Enric Reyna, who served as president of FC Barcelona during the interim period between Joan Gaspart's resignation and Joan Laporta's arrival, has passed away at the age of 85. He wasn't a president known for great sporting achievements or football titles, but in the memories of die-hard Barça fans, he'll always hold a special place for steering the club through a difficult transition and for those envelopes that became the stuff of legend.

The 82-day president at the helm during the storm

The year was 2003. Gaspart's Barça was sinking fast, and the club needed an interim captain to steady the ship until elections could be held. That's when Enric Reyna stepped in. A Barcelona-based property developer and club member since 1965, he took over the presidency on February 12th of that year. It was only for 82 days, but they were intense. He had to deal with a financial crisis that was suffocating the club and a football team that was struggling to find its footing. However, it wasn't all bad news: during his short term, the club's professional sections lifted three trophies—the Copa del Rey in basketball, the roller hockey cup, and the EHF Cup in handball—something he always highlighted as proof that the club was more than just one sport.

The mystery of the 'Reyna envelopes'

If there's one thing that turned Enric Reyna into something of a legendary figure for the fans, it was the famous 'envelopes' he deposited at the club just before he left. In them, this businessman with a keen eye for deals laid out his plan to pull Barça out of its financial hole. The first envelope contained a series of player swaps designed to generate a capital gain of 50 million euros: names like Rochemback, Overmars, and Motta were put forward as makeweights to bring in players like Mendieta, Conceicao, or José Mari. The second envelope included technical reports on some land (Can Rigalt) and property development offers. Laporta's incoming board didn't take them up on the proposals, but the legend of the 'Reyna envelopes' has endured as a symbol of a man who, in his own words, dreamed of "a Barça that members, supporters, employees, players and directors can be proud of, proud of the colours and proud of how things are done."

Beyond the Camp Nou: The legacy of a man who helped build the city

Away from football, Enric Reyna was a major figure in the construction and property development sector in Catalonia. Those who worked with him professionally remember him at the helm of his construction company Amrey and for his 35 years as president of the Association of Promoters of Barcelona (APCE), leaving his mark on the city's urban development. He presided over Fira de Barcelona and the Construmat trade show, and just a few months ago, he was awarded the Special Prize for Professional Career at the College of Technical Architecture of Barcelona. A well-deserved recognition for a career dedicated to literally building the landscape we walk on today.

Those who knew him highlight his low-key profile, his love for Barça, and his commitment to institutions. So, when news of his passing was confirmed this Friday, the condolences didn't just come from Can Barça. From their eternal rivals, Real Madrid, issued a statement expressing their sympathies to his family and the Barça community—a gesture that really underscores the respect Enric Reyna earned throughout his life.

• 1940: Born in Barcelona.
• 1965: Becomes a member (socio) of FC Barcelona.
• 2000: Joins Joan Gaspart's board of directors.
• 2003 (Feb-May): Presides over FC Barcelona for 82 days.
• 2026 (March): Passes away at the age of 85.

The wake will be held this Saturday at the Les Corts funeral home, just a stone's throw from Spotify Camp Nou, with the funeral service taking place there on Sunday. Expect to see people from the neighbourhood, friends from the construction industry, directors from different eras, and the everyday club members who remember that transitional president who, between one envelope and the next, just wanted what was best for his club. Rest in peace, Enric Reyna.