Barcelona’s captaincy shake-up: Raphinha’s role grows while Rodri could emerge as a new leader

Barcelona’s captaincy shake-up: Raphinha’s role grows while Rodri could emerge as a new leader Barcelona’s captaincy hierarchy is set for a major overhaul heading into the new season. The loan departures of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo, combined with Frenkie de Jong’s serious knee injury, have left the dressing room without two of its most influential voices while temporarily sidelining another. Although De Jong will remain at the club and continue to carry considerable weight inside the squad, his expected absence over the coming months will force a redistribution of leadership responsibilities both on and off the pitch, reports SPORT . Raphinha’s growing influence In that context, Raphinha is becoming one of the standout figures in Barcelona’s new leadership structure. The Brazilian was already part of the club’s captaincy group, but his importance has long extended beyond simply wearing the armband. His competitive mentality, influence over the younger players and commitment to the team have made him one of the most respected voices in the dressing room. Climbing up the leadership ladder. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) With Ter Stegen and Araujo gone and De Jong sidelined, Raphinha’s influence is expected to grow even further. Rodri arrives with instant authority Another player, however, is expected to immediately reshape that hierarchy is imminent new signing Rodri. Barcelona are continuing to work on completing the signing of the Manchester City midfielder after the player chose the Blaugrana project and reached an agreement with the club. City rejected an initial offer worth around €45 million, but negotiations remain ongoing , with Rodri determined to return to Spain and wear the Barcelona shirt. Beyond his unquestionable footballing quality, Rodri would also bring something Barcelona believe the dressing room urgently needs: leadership. Rodri would not need years at the club to earn respect. He has already been captain to several current Barcelona players during Spain’s World Cup campaign. For years, he has effectively acted as Pep Guardiola’s extension on the pitch at Manchester City, organising teammates, directing play, correcting mistakes, demanding standards and reading matches from the heart of midfield. A natural leader. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) Leadership comes naturally to Rodri. That could prove especially valuable for a Barcelona squad that has suddenly lost two of its most experienced dressing-room figures. Captain immediately? Probably not Whether Rodri officially joins Barcelona’s captaincy group straight away is another matter. Traditionally, Barcelona place significant importance on seniority and on players electing their captains, making it unlikely that Rodri would arrive and immediately receive one of the armbands. But there is an important distinction between holding the armband and being a genuine leader. Rodri is expected to assume that role from his very first training session. His experience, personality and career achievements would immediately establish him as one of the squad’s authoritative voices. A new leadership core Barcelona’s leadership structure is therefore beginning to take on a new shape. Raphinha is expected to become one of the club’s principal captains, while Pedri continues to grow as one of the sporting symbols of Flick’s project. Despite his injury, De Jong will continue to carry significant influence inside the dressing room. At the same time, players such as Gavi and Eric García could also assume more prominent formal roles within the captaincy group. And alongside them will be Rodri.