Raphinha Named First Brazilian Barcelona Captain for 2026-27 Season

Raphinha, who has 80 goals in 180 appearances, becomes the first Brazilian to captain Barcelona as Hansi Flick names his five-man leadership group.

Raphinha has been appointed as Barcelona’s captain for the 2026-27 season, marking the first time a Brazilian player has held the permanent role at the Spanish club. The 29-year-old forward, who joined from Leeds United in 2022 for approximately €55 million (£47m / $63.5m), leads a five-man leadership group that includes vice-captain Pedri, Eric García, Frenkie de Jong, and Lamine Yamal. While coach Hansi Flick personally selected Raphinha and Pedri for the top two positions, a squad vote determined the inclusion of García, De Jong, and Yamal.

Currently deployed as a central striker following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, Raphinha enters the new campaign having already scored five goals in Barcelona’s opening three league matches. The Brazilian international has recorded 80 goals in 180 total appearances for the Catalan side. During his tenure at the club, he has secured seven major trophies: three LaLiga titles, three Spanish Supercopas, and one Copa del Rey.

Flick Defines New Leadership Structure

Hansi Flick confirmed the appointments ahead of Sunday’s LaLiga fixture against Valencia at Mestalla. The German coach, now in his second year with the staff, emphasized that his decision was based on the influence Raphinha and Pedri exert through their consistent presence on the pitch. Raphinha replaces Marc-André ter Stegen, who vacated the captaincy to join Ajax on loan. The leadership group also saw the departure of Ronald Araújo, who moved to Liverpool on a season-long loan deal.

Flick noted that the selection process was a hybrid of coaching preference and player consensus. "For me, it was important that I have two captains. I decided two and the other players were named by the team," Flick stated. He identified Raphinha as the primary captain, followed by Pedri, García, De Jong, and Yamal in descending order of seniority.

Tactical Shift to Central Striker

Although Raphinha was originally signed as a right winger and performed notably on the left flank, he is expected to start as the No. 9 against Valencia. Flick praised the player's intensity and speed, citing him as the best current option to trigger the team's defensive pressing and offensive dynamics. While new signing Gabriel Jesus is considered fit and ready to feature, Raphinha remains the preferred choice for the central role.

Barcelona enters the upcoming match seeking a fourth consecutive LaLiga victory. The team aims to capitalize on Real Madrid’s recent momentum loss following a defeat to Real Betis on Friday. The squad depth will be tested as Lamine Yamal, who recently reached 50 goals for the club, remains a fitness doubt. Yamal sustained a hit that required separate training on Saturday, though he is scheduled to travel to Valencia pending a final medical assessment.

Historical Significance for Brazil

By taking the armband, Raphinha achieves a milestone that eluded previous Brazilian stars at the club, including Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Romario, Rivaldo, and Neymar. Raphinha previously served as an assistant captain alongside De Jong and Pedri, frequently wearing the armband last season due to injuries affecting Ter Stegen and Araújo.

Eric García and Lamine Yamal are the newest additions to the leadership core, filling the vacancies left by the two loaned-out veterans. Flick expressed confidence in the new hierarchy, describing the collective as a "good leadership team" with a deep understanding of the squad's internal dynamics. The transition comes at a pivotal moment as the club looks to maintain its perfect start to the domestic season.