Raphinha Named Interim Captain of Barcelona
Hansi Flick has appointed Raphinha as Barcelona's interim captain for the 2026-27 season, with Eric Garcia and Pedri as interim leaders pending the official vote on captain.
Raphinha Chosen as Barcelona's Interim Captain
According to Sports.
Why this is important
Raphinha's appointment as Barcelona's interim captain shows coach Hansi Flick's confidence in his leadership abilities. This not only affects the players' psychology but can also have a big impact on the upcoming season, when Barcelona needs a strong character to lead the team in this transition period.
Main point
- Raphinha Chosen as Barcelona's Interim Captain.
- Hansi Flick has appointed Raphinha as Barcelona's interim captain for the 2026-27 season, with Eric Garcia and Pedri as interim leaders pending the official vote on captain.
- Raphinha Takes Barcelona Armband as Flick Delays Final Vote.
Coach Hansi Flick has decided to appoint Raphinha as Barcelona's interim captain for the 2026-27 season. The decision comes as Eric Garcia and Pedri were also named interim captains, while the club awaits a final vote on the team's captain. In an interview with Barcelona's official media, Flick said he did not want to hold an official vote for captain until the club's squad was completely stable. Therefore, Raphinha will lead the team during this time. Eric Garcia and Pedri will accompany him in an interim leadership role ahead of the Gamper Trophy match against Al Ahly next Wednesday.
Raphinha, the Brazilian winger, will have the opportunity to address the crowd at Camp Nou before this match, replacing Frenkie de Jong, who would normally be the next captain but is currently suffering a cruciate ligament injury during the World Cup. The departure of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo in this summer transfer window caused Barcelona to lose two important figures in the previous captaincy order, forcing coach Flick to find a temporary solution. De Jong's absence added to the pressure on the club as there was no one clear to shoulder captain's responsibilities during pre-season, leading to the club's decision to appoint Raphinha to the position rather than wait for De Jong's recovery.
Flick has emphasized that this is only a temporary measure and not an established hierarchy. He said he would wait to hold an official vote because the squad has not been finalized, with the possibility of more players coming or going before the transfer window closes. Until things are settled, Raphinha will take on the role of captain alongside Eric Garcia and Pedri. Barcelona is expected to hold an official vote for captain at the end of the summer, when the squad has been finalized. Until then, Raphinha will wear the captain's armband in the Gamper Trophy and the early weeks of the season.
What happens next
Raphinha will have the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership abilities in the upcoming match against Al Ahly at the Gamper Trophy. The presence of Eric Garcia and Pedri alongside him in an interim leadership role will also help create a positive atmosphere, as all three players can contribute to Barcelona's success in the 2026-27 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
In which season was Raphinha chosen as Barcelona's interim captain?
Raphinha was chosen as Barcelona's interim captain for the 2026-27 season.
Who are the players also appointed as temporary captains along with Raphinha?
Eric Garcia and Pedri were also appointed as temporary captains along with Raphinha.
Who will Barcelona play in the next match?
Barcelona will play against Al Ahly as part of the Gamper Trophy.
Why was Raphinha chosen as interim captain?
Raphinha was chosen as interim captain due to the absence of Frenkie de Jong, who is usually the next captain, due to injury.
Is there an official vote for Barcelona captain?
Coach Hansi Flick does not want to hold an official vote for captain until the club's roster is completely stable.
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