After the departure of Sergi Roberto from Barcelona after 18 years, the Blaugrana have had to shuffle their leadership group around. It looks as if they will unusually have four vice-captains this season, rather than the traditional three.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen was confirmed as the eighth non-Spanish or Catalan Barcelona captain in history, and just their second in the last 28 years since Gica Popescu in 1996 shared the honour with Jose Mari Bakero.
Flick: "I'm very happy with the team. I have spoken to most of them and today I will speak to the rest about their situation."
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 23, 2024
Previously, the selection usually followed the pattern of players that had been at the club the longest, but there has been a departure from that this year. Despite breaking that trend, it is notable that Robert Lewandowski, their most experienced squad member, is not one of the five. Jijantes say that alongside ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong will remain captains, but will be joined by Pedri and Raphinha.
🚨NOTICIA @JijantesFC
🫡 Ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha y Pedri son los nuevos capitanes del Fútbol Club Barcelona.
🗣️@lluis7bou pic.twitter.com/dsd56WGfFN
— Jijantes FC (@JijantesFC) August 23, 2024
The selection of the Brazilian comes as something of a surprise given he is not always a regular player, and has only been at the club for two years. It goes to show just how highly regarded the Brazilian is within the dressing room.
