Barcelona have chosen their new leader. For the 2026/27 season, the captain’s armband will be entrusted to Raphinha, making him the first Brazilian footballer in the history of the Catalan club to hold the position.
The decision comes following the departures of two of last season’s captains: Ronald Araujo, who joined Liverpool on loan, and Marc-André ter Stegen, who also moved on loan to Ajax.
Although Frenkie de Jong was the third captain last season and was widely seen as the natural successor, the club has decided to hand the armband to the Brazilian winger.
According to the Spanish outlet Sport, De Jong will serve as vice-captain, ahead of Pedri and Eric García, who complete the new leadership hierarchy in the dressing room.
Raphinha joined Barcelona from Leeds United in the summer of 2022 and, through both his performances on the pitch and his strong personality, has become one of the team’s key figures.
His impressive displays also helped him finish fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings, further cementing his status as one of the leading figures in the club’s long-term project.
