Barcelona has chosen its new leader. For the 2026/27 season, the captain’s armband will be entrusted to Raphinha, who becomes the first Brazilian footballer in the history of the Catalan club to hold this role. 

The decision comes after the departure of two captains from last season: Ronald Araujos, who moved on loan to Liverpool, and Marc-André ter Stegen, who moved to Ajax, also on loan.

Despite Frenkie de Jong being the third captain last season and seen as the natural candidate for the successor, the club has decided to entrust the ribbon to the Brazilian winger.

According to what he reports Spanish medium “Sport”, De Jong will be the vice-captain, ahead of Pedri and Eric García, who complete the new hierarchy of the dressing room, reports “Gazeta Express”.

Raphinha joined Barcelona from Leeds United in the summer of 2022 and with his appearances on the field, but also with his charisma, he has become one of the highlights of the team.

His performances helped him also to finish fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or standings, consolidating his status as one of the club’s project leaders. 

Source: prizrenpost