Raphinha and Pedri Named Barcelona’s Leading Captains by Flick
Barcelona have named Raphinha and Pedri as their leading captains for 2026-27, with Eric Garcia, Frenkie de Jong and Lamine Yamal completing Hansi Flick’s five-man leadership group.
Flick breaks with captaincy tradition
Flick personally selected Raphinha and Pedri as Barcelona’s top two skippers rather than leaving every place to a squad ballot. The other three positions were settled by the players, who backed Garcia, De Jong and Yamal.
- Raphinha and Pedri were directly chosen by Flick.
- Garcia, De Jong and Yamal secured the remaining places through a dressing-room vote.
- Yamal, 19, has become one of the club’s official captains after three seasons around the senior side.
Yamal’s selection has attracted attention because Rodri, Barcelona’s €76.5m (£65.3m) summer arrival from Manchester City, was not included. The Spain midfielder joined the club in mid-August after captaining his country to World Cup glory.
Why Rodri missed out
Barcelona’s internal vote places considerable weight on time spent at the club, not simply a player’s career record. Rodri’s late arrival left him behind longer-serving members of the squad, while Yamal had already built established relationships inside the first-team group.
The lack of an armband has not reduced Rodri’s standing under Flick. After the midfielder made his first start in the 5-0 win over Valencia, the Barcelona boss highlighted his impact in and out of possession.
Flick said Rodri brings order to Barcelona’s play, praising what he does with the ball and his positioning when the team do not have it.
Midfielder responds after Valencia incident
Rodri’s authority was also evident from the bench against Valencia. Cameras picked up the midfielder telling Pau Cubarsi that Valencia were struggling and had not moved beyond halfway.
Once he realised the exchange had been broadcast, Rodri contacted Valencia captain Jose Gaya himself to apologise. He then released a public apology after Barcelona’s following Champions League victory against Feyenoord.
- Rodri started in the 5-0 league win against Valencia.
- He apologised directly to Gaya following his on-camera remark.
- Barcelona then beat Feyenoord in the Champions League.
- Rodri has already been identified as an important guide for 19-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal.
Bernal has come on to play alongside Rodri in recent wins over Feyenoord and Levante, with Barcelona viewing the experienced Spain international as a key figure for the younger members of Flick’s squad.
What happens next for Barcelona
Rodri’s experience will be tested during a demanding 12-day run next month. Barcelona are due to travel to Galatasaray, Real Betis and Paris Saint-Germain before hosting Real Madrid in El Clasico at Camp Nou on October 25.
The Madrid meeting carries added edge for Rodri, who turned down significant interest from Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid to make his summer move to Barcelona. He may not have a formal captain’s role, but he is expected to remain one of the strongest voices in Flick’s youthful dressing room.
