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Barcelona have settled their captaincy structure for the 2026/27 season, with Lamine Yamal taking a significant step into the leadership group despite being only 19 years old.

As per Mundo Deportivo, Hansi Flick had a key say in shaping the new order after the exits of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo left Barcelona needing to reorganise the captaincy.

Raphinha and Pedri will serve as Barcelona’s first and second captains respectively.

The other three spots were decided through a squad vote, with Eric Garcia, Frenkie de Jong and Lamine Yamal chosen by the players.

How Barcelona’s captaincy was decided

Flick had already indicated his thinking before the Joan Gamper Trophy, when he named Raphinha, Pedri and Eric Garcia as the temporary leadership group while the squad was still being completed.

Barcelona later confirmed through their official channels that the final call would be taken once the squad was fully assembled and the players had the chance to vote.

The coach then kept Raphinha and Pedri as the top two captains, while the squad picked Garcia, De Jong and Yamal for the remaining places.

Garcia’s selection does not come as much of a surprise, with the defender having built strong respect through his professionalism, discipline and commitment, while his standing has also risen because of the faith Flick has placed in him.

Lamine Yamal is the new leader

De Jong’s inclusion also makes sense, given that he was already part of Barcelona’s previous leadership group and, after Ter Stegen’s departure, is now the most senior player in the squad in terms of age and experience.

Yamal’s case is different. His promotion is linked less to seniority and more to the influence he already carries.

Barcelona’s No.10 has developed into one of the standout figures in Flick’s side, and his authority on the pitch is already clear.

His appointment indicates that the club’s leadership model is being shaped not only by experience, but also by sporting importance.

Making him a captain at 19 is a bold call, but not necessarily one that has come too early.

Barcelona are acknowledging the influence Yamal already has, rather than waiting for his age to match his status.