Barcelona heavyweight the frontrunner to become first captain; Gavi, Inigo could join leadership group | OneFootball

According to El Desmarque, Frenkie de Jong is currently the leading candidate to wear the captain’s armband for Barcelona in the 2025/26 season if the club decides to strip Marc-Andre ter Stegen of the role.

It is to be noted that the German goalkeeper’s position is under serious threat following growing tensions with the club, especially surrounding his refusal to sign a key medical report that would help Barcelona register new players.

The issue has sparked internal discussions about a change in leadership. While Ter Stegen still holds the armband in the dressing room, his future remains uncertain, and the club is reportedly putting pressure on him to leave.

Interestingly, removing his captaincy is seen as one of the ways to push him toward an exit.

Barcelona’s new leadership order

If Ter Stegen is removed from the role, De Jong is expected to step up as the first captain. The Dutch midfielder has become a central figure at the club, and his leadership qualities have been increasingly recognised by both players and staff.

Frenkie de Jong could be Barcelona’s new first captain. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Behind him, the likely candidates in the new order of captaincy are Raphinha and Ronald Araujo, possibly in reverse order depending on availability and rotation.

Raphinha in particular made a strong case last season. He wore the armband on several occasions, showed leadership on and off the pitch, and became an important figure guiding the younger players.

Pedri is also expected to be part of the leadership group. Although still young, he commands a great deal of respect from his teammates.

The final captaincy spot could go to either Gavi or Inigo Martinez. Despite being relatively new to the squad, Martinez has quickly established himself as a respected voice in the dressing room.

With tension rising at the club, a major shift in Barcelona’s leadership structure could soon become official.