Barcelona head into the new season needing to rebuild their captaincy structure from scratch after losing two of their five leaders. Marc-Andre ter Stegen departed on loan and Ronald Araujo left the club entirely, stripping two positions from a group that previously ran: Ter Stegen, Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, and Pedri.
According to Mundo Deportivo, as reported by Barca Universal, De Jong remains the natural heir to the first-captain role. The problem is timing. The Dutch midfielder is currently sidelined with a serious knee injury and is not expected back for several months, leaving the squad without its most senior fit leader at the start of the campaign.
Raphinha and Pedri Move to the Front
With De Jong unavailable on the pitch, Raphinha becomes the most prominent day-to-day captain figure. Barca Universal reports that the Brazilian’s influence in the dressing room has grown steadily, driven by his competitive attitude, close relationships with teammates and consistent performances. He was already inside the captaincy group and is now expected to move toward the top of it.
Pedri sits alongside him. The midfielder has cemented himself as one of the club’s most important players and, given his age, could hold a place in the leadership structure for years.
Eric Garcia and Gavi as the Two New Candidates
Barcelona still need two more players to complete the five-person group. Barca Universal identifies Eric Garcia and Gavi as the leading candidates for those spots.
Garcia’s case rests on his La Masia background and his first-team experience at the highest level. Gavi, only 22, is younger than traditional Barcelona captaincy picks, but his time at the club and the qualities he embodies are seen as assets that could work in his favour.
Rodri Signing Could Shift the Hierarchy
A separate element complicates the picture. SPORT reported, via Barca Universal, that Barcelona are working to sign Rodri from Manchester City, with negotiations ongoing after City rejected an initial offer of around 45 million euros. Rodri has already agreed personal terms with Barcelona and is determined to return to Spain.
City rejected the bid. Talks continue.
Were Rodri to arrive, his leadership credentials would be hard to ignore. He captained several current Barcelona players during Spain’s World Cup campaign and spent years as Pep Guardiola’s on-pitch organiser at City. Barca Universal notes that while Barcelona tradition makes an immediate armband unlikely for a new signing, Rodri would carry authority inside the squad from his first session regardless of any official title.
A New Core Taking Shape
Barcelona’s revised leadership group, as it stands, is expected to centre on Raphinha and Pedri, with Garcia and Gavi filling the remaining two slots. De Jong holds his position in the hierarchy despite the injury, and will reassume a leading role once fit. Hansi Flick must manage the squad’s captaincy needs in the interim, particularly with the season already underway.
