Raphinha Positioned to Become Barcelona First Captain for 2026-27 Season Ahead of De Jong

Brazilian forward Raphinha has emerged as the leading candidate to be named FC Barcelona’s first team captain for the 2026-27 season ahead of Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to Spanish sports daily Mundo Deportivo.

The Ballon d’Or’s official website has also listed the 29-year-old forward as Barcelona’s first captain, although the club has not yet issued a formal statement confirming the final captaincy hierarchy order.

De Jong is expected to become second captain. The Dutch midfielder is among the longest-serving players in the current squad and has worn the armband on several occasions. Pedri, Gavi and Eric García would reportedly complete the leadership group, with all three potentially taking on greater responsibility within the dressing room.

De Jong, who joined Barcelona from Ajax in July 2019 for €75 million, represents the longest-tenured outfield player in the squad alongside defender Ronald Araújo. The inclusion of Pedri, Gavi, and Eric García alongside Raphinha and De Jong completes the five-man captaincy group selected via a secret ballot conducted by first-team players before each La Liga season.

Raphinha has already worn the captain’s armband during his time at Barcelona. If confirmed as first captain, the role would recognize the leadership he has developed at the club and make him the team’s primary leader on the field.

Since joining Barcelona from Leeds United in July 2022 in a transfer valued at £55 million, Raphinha has recorded 35 goals and 31 assists in 114 official appearances. Head coach Hansi Flick named him one of the team’s vice-captains in August 2024, after which Raphinha skippered the side in major fixtures including UEFA Champions League matches against Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

The proposed captaincy structure arrives as Barcelona continue constructing their roster for the 2026-27 campaign while pursuing potential transfers for Manchester City midfielder Rodri and defender João Cancelo. Official confirmation of the captaincy list remains pending ahead of Barcelona’s pre-season fixtures.