Raphinha named Barcelona captain for 2026-27 season

FC Barcelona forward Raphinha has been named the club’s captain for the 2026-27 season. The appointment follows the temporary departures of two of last season’s leading figures.

Marc-André ter Stegen has moved on loan to AFC Ajax and Ronald Araujo has joined Liverpool on a loan deal that contains a €55 million fixed purchase option, leaving Barcelona’s senior leadership roles open. Frenkie de Jong, identified in the report as a candidate for the top armband, is injured and is anticipated to be out for a few months; the same article said he will serve as second captain according to reports.

The report also stated that Raphinha had been one of Barcelona’s captains last season and has been promoted to first captain, with ESPN among outlets reporting the move. The coverage noted his popularity and respect within the dressing room as a factor in the decision.

Raphinha’s influence was described as extending beyond his attacking contributions, with the article saying he has acquired influence among a group that includes veteran players and emerging Spanish talents. That influence was cited in explanations for his elevation in the club’s leadership hierarchy.

Pedri has been promoted to third captain for 2026-27, with the report describing the Spanish international as one of Hansi Flick’s most essential players and calling his rise in the leadership ranks well-deserved. The report positioned Pedri as the next senior figure after De Jong in the new captaincy order.

Barcelona are also reshaping the squad for 2026-27, the article said, adding players such as Rodri and João Cancelo; the new captaincy structure therefore arrives amid a period of change at the club. The report presented the leadership update as part of that wider transition.

According to the report, Barcelona’s confirmed captain hierarchy for the 2026-27 season is Raphinha as first captain, Frenkie de Jong as second captain, and Pedri as third captain.