Rafinha named Barcelona captain for 2026/2027 season
The winger succeeds Ronald Araujo and Marc-André ter Stegen; Frenkie de Jong will be vice-captain with Pedri and Eric Garcia following in the hierarchy.
Barcelona have named Rafinha as the club captain for the 2026/2027 season, the club confirmed this week. The winger takes over the armband after Ronald Araujo and Marc-André ter Stegen, who last season served as first and second captains and are now on loan at Liverpool and Ajax respectively.
Frenkie de Jong, who was third captain last term and had been seen as a natural successor, will instead occupy the role of vice-captain this season, placed ahead of Pedri and Eric Garcia in the team’s leadership order.
What the change means for the squad
Rafinha, who arrived from Leeds in 2022, has become one of Barcelona’s central figures and played a major part in the three league titles the club won between 2023 and 2026. He established himself under Xavi Hernandez and later consolidated his place under Hansi Flick.
His strong performances have been recognised individually as well: Rafinha finished fifth in the 2025 Ballon d'Or ranking by France Football.
Rafinha will wear the captain’s armband for Barcelona’s first official match of the season on Sunday, 23 August, when the team travel to face Elche.
Photo: press material from the event
