Barcelona adds Lamine Yamal to captaincy group for season

FC Barcelona has named Lamine Yamal to its captaincy group for the 2026/27 season, making the teenager one of the youngest players to ever wear the armband at one of football’s most storied clubs. At 19 years old, the No. 10 now shares leadership duties with Raphinha, Pedri, Eric Garcia, and Frenkie de Jong.

How the captaincy shook out

Coach Hansi Flick personally selected Raphinha as first captain and Pedri as second. The remaining three spots, filled by Eric Garcia, Frenkie de Jong, and Yamal, were decided by a vote among the squad’s players.

That hybrid model, part managerial decision, part locker-room democracy, has been Barcelona’s approach for several seasons now. It gained prominence after the departures of long-time leaders like Sergio Busquets.

Previous captains Marc-André ter Stegen and Ronald Araújo are no longer at the club, creating vacancies that needed filling. One notable absence from the five-man group: Gavi, who was not included despite being a prominent figure in Barcelona’s midfield. Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, actually dropped from a higher position in last season’s captaincy ranking.

Why Yamal’s inclusion matters

Born on July 13, 2007, Yamal is still a teenager by the calendar. His selection by teammates is arguably more telling than any coaching appointment could be, with players voting for a 19-year-old to help lead them.

He’s already wearing the No. 10 shirt, a jersey that at Barcelona comes with its own gravitational pull. Previous occupants include Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi.

The announcement came after three La Liga matchdays and just before Barcelona’s Champions League campaign kicks off.

A club in transition

Raphinha earning the first captaincy is a recognition of his consistency and professionalism since arriving at the club. Pedri, as second captain, brings the quiet intelligence that has defined his game since he broke through as a teenager himself.

Eric Garcia’s inclusion adds a defender’s perspective to a captaincy group heavy on attacking talent. De Jong’s position in the group, despite his drop in the pecking order, suggests the squad still values his presence even as his role within the team has evolved.

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