The controversial case of Marc-André ter Stegen and his apparent open war with FC Barcelona has reopened a heated debate: should he continue to be the first captain of the Barça team? Since last season, the German has enjoyed this role, but in recent days the option of him losing it definitively has gained strength.
According to El Desmarque, the club is already considering a possible replacement. And it is not just any name that appears as the favorite to inherit the armband: Frenkie de Jong.
Frenkie de Jong: the chosen one to be the new Barcelona captain
The election of the Dutchman could be seen as unexpected. Although he has already served as captain in previous matches, his appointment would not follow a succession system. It should be remembered that the Arkel native was the third captain in 2024/25, with Ronald Araujo as second.
However, according to this same source, the charrúa would descend in the hierarchical order to make way for a new leadership. Specifically, Raphinha would make an important leap, becoming the second captain, while the fourth place would be occupied by Pedri González.
Gavi, Iñigo Martínez and other possible captains of Barça 2025/26
The fifth place as captain would still be in dispute. Among the favorites are Iñigo Martínez, a veteran of a thousand battles and an authorized voice within the dressing room, and Gavi, a youth player who embodies the values of Barcelona like few others. Hansi Flick himself already praised him publicly, pointing out that the Andalusian has the character and leadership necessary to wear the armband, as he already did against FC Seoul on the Asian tour.
Beyond these names, there are those who propose other alternatives. For example, many internet users do not understand why Robert Lewandowski, an offensive reference and with previous experience as captain in his national team, is not being considered.
Another sector of culé fans consider that Raphinha, after a sensational 2024/25 season, has not only shone with goals and assists, but has also gained a considerable voice of command within the dressing room. In that sense, they see it as legitimate that he can climb even higher in the hierarchy and receive the main armband.
All this reflects the wide diversity of opinions around this issue. However, as is tradition, it will be the dressing room itself that defines by vote the captains of the 2025/26 season, as well as their order of precedence.