FC BARCELONA
Who will be the captain of FC Barcelona in 25/26?
Published:3/07/2025 - 02:24h
Updated:3/07/2025 - 02:24h
Ter Stegen's possible departure leaves Barça's captaincy for the 25/26 season 'up in the air'. Raphinha took the armband last season during Frenkie and Araujo's absences. Will the hierarchy be maintained?
The FC Barcelona must define several roles in the squad this summer. At least seven players could leave in the coming weeks, including Marc-André ter Stegen. The German, the oldest in the squad (he arrived at the club in 2014) is the first captain and his farewell, logically, will leave the armband vacant.
Normally, at Barça the captaincy is designated by seniority. The second captain is, for the moment, Frenkie de Jong, followed by Ronald Araujo. The Dutchman must renew his contract soon, as he will be a free agent in 2026 and the culé board does not want any player to start the season with options to leave for free next summer.
Araujo, meanwhile, renewed in January until 2031, but his substitution during the second half of 25/26 raises doubts about his future. In addition, the 'charrúa' reserved the possibility of lowering his clause in the first two weeks of the summer market and, if a good offer arrives at the culé offices, Barça does not rule out selling him.
Hansi Flick does not rule out personally appointing the captains of Barça
In that sense, Hansi Flick could be forced to rethink the assignment of the blaugrana captaincy. The German respects the rules of the dressing room, but he understands perfectly the need to have reliable leaders on the field.
Therefore, first of all, the coach has a pending talk with Ter Stegen to resolve his future. The club is betting on Joan García as the starter for 25/26 and Wojciech Szczesny, but does not want to end the relationship with the '1' on bad terms.
Afterwards, we will have to wait for De Jong and Araujo, who, barring a surprise, will continue at Barça. In any case, Flick could emulate Pep Guardiola, who this summer has decided to personally appoint the captains of Manchester City. De Jong should remain as first captain, but if Araujo remains as a substitute, it is likely that the armband will pass to another regular in the XI.
Raphinha and Iñigo Martínez, possible captains of Barça in 25/26
The first alternative would be Raphinha. The Brazilian already defended the captaincy in the first months of last season, due to the injuries of Frenkie, Ronald and Ter Stegen. The '11' responded in the best way, with goals and assists to become the offensive leader of the team (he closed the year with 57 participations in goals).
The other option would be Iñigo Martínez. The Basque, despite his usual low profile, was a true leader in the rear, forming a reliable duo with Pau Cubarsí. The '5' is the most veteran of the defense (34) and performed at a very high level throughout the season. Pedri and Gavi, both leaders of the blaugrana midfield, can also wear the armband at specific moments.