Report: Barcelona to take new approach in deciding captains for 2025/26 season | OneFootball

Barcelona are preparing to elect their captains for the 2025/26 campaign before the new La Liga season officially kicks off in mid-August, claims a report from SPORT.

The club will continue using the traditional voting system, where players in the dressing room choose who will wear the captain’s armband.

Although that remains the usual process, new manager Hansi Flick is putting his own stamp on how the club operates, and even the captaincy vote will reflect that.

While the vote is expected to happen before the league begins, it won’t take too long. The current set of captains, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, and Pedri, might not all keep their roles, especially with changes on the horizon.

One of the most notable shifts is Ter Stegen’s uncertain future. Flick has already communicated to the German keeper that he is no longer untouchable, and Joan Garcia is being lined up as the preferred starter between the posts.

Flick’s strict methods bring change

Hansi Flick will play a big role in deciding the new captains. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Flick has wasted no time in restructuring how things work behind the scenes at Barça. In fact, one of his main focuses is to ensure the club operates in a more professional and organised manner.

A big part of that involves cutting out distractions, especially in training. From now on, any media or sponsorship duties will be handled after training sessions, never before.

Flick wants his players to be fully focused on improving their fitness and technical skills when they step on the pitch.

Although the squad will still vote for the captains, Flick’s opinion will matter more than in previous seasons. His goal is to create a disciplined group where leadership is earned not only through popularity but through dedication and professionalism.

With Ter Stegen possibly out of the picture, a shift in the leadership group is very likely for the upcoming season.

The decision to hold the vote early allows the team to settle quickly under the new system, with captains in place before the season kicks off.