From a Possible Sale to First Captain. Raphinha Is Set to Take the Armband
Raphinha is reportedly about to receive another promotion in Barcelona’s hierarchy. This time, it has nothing to do with a different position on the pitch or a new contract hidden somewhere between the club’s latest financial manoeuvres. The Brazilian is expected to become the team’s first captain for the 2026/27 season.
The story was reported by ESPN Brasil and subsequently covered by Barça Blaugranes. Barcelona have not yet made an official announcement, but the club are said to be finalising the marketing material for the new captaincy hierarchy.
Raphinha had already established himself as one of the dressing room’s leading figures. Ronald Araújo became first captain following Marc-André ter Stegen’s departure, but the Uruguayan has since left the club as well. The armband needed another owner, and all signs now point towards Raphinha.
If the report is confirmed, his rise to the top of Barcelona’s leadership group will complete quite a turnaround. Not long ago, the Brazilian was regularly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. Raphinha later admitted that he had seriously considered leaving, with the proposed contract capable of securing his family’s financial future.
For a long time, he was not treated as completely untouchable at Barcelona either. He faced criticism, was moved between different positions and repeatedly appeared in reports as a player whose sale could generate much-needed income. Now, the same man is expected to lead the team out as first captain. At Barcelona, the distance between the transfer list and the captain’s armband can occasionally be shorter than the registration queue.
His relationship with Hansi Flick has played a major role in that transformation. The German coach found a position that suited him, and Raphinha responded with goals, assists, relentless work and a growing influence inside the dressing room. Long before this latest report, he had already started behaving like one of the team’s genuine leaders, regardless of who was wearing the armband.
Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are expected to remain in the captaincy group. Eric García and Gavi have been mentioned as possible additions, although Barcelona have yet to confirm its final composition.
For now, Raphinha’s promotion remains a media report rather than an official club decision. If confirmed, he will begin the season as Barcelona’s first captain. From a player repeatedly linked with an exit to the man leading the dressing room — even by this club’s standards, that is an impressive plot twist.
