Overview
- Multiple outlets reported on Monday that Raphinha is set to be officially named Barcelona’s first captain for the 2026/27 season following departures of senior leaders.
- The promotion would make Raphinha the first Brazilian to hold the club’s top armband and reflects his rising standing since joining from Leeds in 2022.
- Key vacancies opened when Marc-André ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo left on loan and Frenkie de Jong was sidelined by a knee injury, prompting the club to reorder its captaincy group.
- Raphinha’s selection comes while he completes a tailored hamstring rehabilitation plan that will shape his early-season availability and on-pitch minutes.
- Eric Garcia is reported as a contender for one of the remaining captaincy slots and new signing Rodri is expected to lead by example without taking an immediate armband role, shifting Barcelona’s leadership balance this season.