ESPN: Raphinha Named Barcelona Captain for New Season, Becomes First Brazilian in Club History

According to ESPN, Raphinha has been appointed Barcelona captain for the 2026-27 season, becoming the first Brazilian player to hold the role in the club's history.

Pedri, Eric Garcia, Frenkie de Jong and Yamal will join Raphinha in the leadership group.

Before Sunday's La Liga away match against Valencia, Barcelona coach Flick said Raphinha and Pedri would serve as captain and vice-captain respectively, while Eric Garcia, Frenkie de Jong and Yamal were selected by a team vote.

Flick said: "My coaching staff and I have been here for two years, so we have a better understanding of what is happening within the team."

"For me, it was important to have two captains. I decided the first two, and the other players were chosen by the team."

"So first is Raphinha, second is Pedri, third is Eric, then Frenkie and Yamal."

The 29-year-old Raphinha replaces Marc-Andre ter Stegen as Barcelona's official captain. Ter Stegen has joined Dutch club Ajax on loan.

Like De Jong and Pedri, Raphinha was one of the vice-captains last year, while Garcia and Yamal are new additions to the leadership group this season.

They fill the vacancies left by the departures of Ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo. Araujo has joined Liverpool on a season-long loan.

Flick added: "For me, when I look at this team and see players with a lot of influence, I think of Raphinha and Pedri because they are almost always available."

"It is a very clear decision. As I said, I know this team better now than before. It is a good team, a good leadership group."

Because Ter Stegen, Araujo and De Jong were often absent last season, Raphinha had already worn the Barcelona captain's armband several times.

However, he has now been officially appointed captain, becoming the first Brazilian player to hold the position at the Catalan club.

Barcelona have had many Brazilian players throughout their history, with stars such as Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Romario, Rivaldo and Neymar having worn the club's shirt.

Raphinha joined Barcelona from English club Leeds United in 2022 for around 55 million euros and has since gradually become one of the team's most important players.

He has made 180 appearances for the club, scoring 80 goals, while winning three La Liga titles, three Spanish Super Cups and one Copa del Rey.

He initially joined as a right winger, but his best performances have come on the left side. After the departures of Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, he is currently being used as the team's center forward.

Speaking about Raphinha, Flick said: "He has done a great job." Raphinha has already scored five goals in Barcelona's opening three league matches.

"He is the best option we currently have in this position. He can drive the tempo and pressing because he has great intensity and speed, which helps us a lot."

Although Flick said new signing Jesus "is ready," Raphinha is expected to continue playing as the No. 9 when Barcelona face Valencia at Mestalla on Sunday.

Barcelona hope to secure four consecutive La Liga wins while taking advantage of Real Madrid's Friday defeat to Real Betis.

Yamal's appearance is uncertain, and the team will make a decision close to kickoff based on his physical condition.

Flick said: "He took a knock and was also in some pain, so we said it would be better for him to train individually on Saturday."

"After training he told me, 'Okay, everything is fine.' So he will travel with the team, and we hope he can play."