August 23, 2026 • 10:05 PM EDT
Updated 15 days ago
Barcelona are starting the new season with a fresh look and a new man leading them on the pitch. Hansi Flick, facing a squad rebuilt after a whirlwind transfer window, has chosen Raphinha as the team’s main captain, at least for now. This move isn’t just about rewarding seniority; it’s a sign that Flick values influence and character more than time served at the club.
After a raft of departures, including Marc-Andre ter Stegen heading to Ajax and Ronald Araujo on loan to Liverpool, plus veteran striker Robert Lewandowski moving to MLS, the team found itself short on obvious leaders. That meant Flick had some real decisions to make about who would claim the captain’s armband at such a pivotal point.
The choice of Raphinha caught a lot of fans off guard. In preseason games against Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest, and Udinese, it was Andreas Christensen who had worn the armband—but Flick clearly sees Raphinha as his go-to. In the last preparation game against FC Basel, Raphinha led the side out as captain, with Christensen stepping aside.
According to World Soccer Talk, Flick laid out his reasoning in a club social media Q&A: “Yes, Rafa will do it. Because normally Frenkie is the third, because Marc (Ter Stegen) and Ronald (Araujo) are out. But Frenkie he is not available at the moment, and I decided for the captains till we vote.“ That’s a key detail for anyone wondering if this is a long-term passing of the torch or simply a reflection of the current squad make-up.
The manager made it clear Barcelona’s captaincy isn’t fully decided until the squad is set. “Because our team is not finished yet, maybe we will have some more players, or have players leaving. And when it’s done, we will make the vote. And till this happens, Rafa is the captain, with Eric (Garcia) and Pedri,” Flick continued. So, this is still a fluid situation, but for now Raphinha gets the nod over two homegrown products, Eric Garcia and Pedri.
Raphinha Steps Up as Leader in Uncertain Times
Raphinha’s path to the armband is unusual given Barcelona’s tradition of homegrown captains. Eric Garcia and Pedri both have deep roots in Spanish youth setups, but Flick’s decision underlines that current presence and impact matter just as much as club lineage.
Raphinha joined Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022 and, at 29, he’s reaching the phase where experience and leadership tend to peak. He’s no stranger to the responsibilities either—he was captain in nine matches last season, often stepping into the role when others were unavailable. It’s not just about talent; Flick seems to be keen on Raphinha’s personality and his influence within the dressing room. In fact, last season Raphinha comforted Flick after a win over Deportivo Alaves when the manager was visibly disappointed despite the result. Flick’s decision feels like a nod to that kind of character—someone who leads even when the cameras are off.
- Raphinha named interim captain by Flick due to key departures.
- Eric Garcia and Pedri picked as backups to the Brazilian for the armband.
- Veterans Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo and Robert Lewandowski all left the club this summer.
- Barcelona’s permanent captain will be decided once the squad is finalized.
- Frenkie de Jong left out of captaincy and squad due to injury, not rift.
- Raphinha and Pedri each captained nine matches last season, Eric Garcia debuted as captain in March 2026.
De Jong Sidelined, Not Exiled
The other headline is Frenkie de Jong’s omission. Immediately after the 2026 World Cup, he picked up a knee ligament injury that’s keeping him out long-term. Rumors always swirl about supposed issues between player and boss, but Flick was extra clear here, stating that De Jong’s absence isn’t personal.
“Frenkie is injured, so I decided that. The relationship with Frenkie and me is very good. Frenkie is matured, and he is also a very professional player. Our relationship is top. I always speak with him also about things what happens around the team also about the next game. We speak a lot. For me, he is an important player, but because he also have a huge quality he can give to us,” Flick said.
Key Developments from Barcelona’s Captaincy Update
- Hansi Flick names Raphinha as temporary captain, with Garcia and Pedri as deputies.
- Permanent captaincy up for vote once squad is finalized after transfer window.
- Major departures force new leadership group at Barcelona.
- Flick clarifies De Jong’s absence is solely injury-related.
- Raphinha’s leadership underlined by actions both on and off pitch last season.
Key Takeaways for Bettors and Fans
- Raphinha immediately becomes a bigger influence in Barcelona’s lineup and possibly their style of play.
- Pedri and Eric Garcia trusted as backup leaders despite their youth.
- Barcelona’s final captain might still change if new arrivals or exits alter the squad makeup.
- Frenkie de Jong missing games isn’t a sign of locker-room unrest; it’s down to injury alone.
- Major departures mean Barcelona’s internal culture is shifting quickly.
- Bettors should watch for changes in on-pitch chemistry and possible early-season inconsistency as the leadership group adjusts.
- The captain’s vote may quickly shift Barcelona’s dynamic if a new signing claims the armband.
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