Raphinha Appointed Barcelona Captain, First Brazilian to Hold the Role Raphinha has been officially named Barcelona’s captain for the 2026-27 season, marking a historic milestone as the first Brazilian to assume the role at the Catalan club. The 29-year-old forward, who joined from Leeds United in 2022 for approximately €55 million, replaces Marc-André ter Stegen, who left for Ajax on a loan deal. Raphinha’s appointment was confirmed by coach Hansi Flick, who emphasized the importance of having a strong leadership group to guide the team through the upcoming campaign. Flick, who has been with Barcelona for two seasons, highlighted that Raphinha and Pedri were chosen as the primary captains, with the remaining leadership roles determined by a squad vote. “For me, it was important to have two captains,” Flick explained ahead of the team’s LaLiga match against Valencia. “Raphinha is the first, Pedri is the vice captain, and the others were selected by the team.” The leadership group includes Eric García, Frenkie de Jong, and Lamine Yamal, who fill the void left by Ter Stegen and Ronald Araújo, the latter of whom joined Liverpool on a season-long loan. Raphinha, who has been an assistant captain in previous seasons, has already captained Barcelona on multiple occasions due to the frequent absences of Ter Stegen, Araújo, and De Jong. His leadership qualities, combined with his on-field impact, have made him a natural choice for the role. Flick praised Raphinha’s ability to “start the dynamic and the pressing” with his intensity and speed, noting that the forward has been instrumental in the team’s recent performances. The Brazilian player has established himself as a key figure at Barcelona, scoring 80 goals in 180 appearances since joining the club.#hansi_flick #barcelona #raphinha #eric_garcia #pedri

Lamine Yamal’s Latest Barcelona Milestone Paves the Way for More History Lamine Yamal has added another chapter to his remarkable story with Barcelona, becoming one of the club’s captains for the 2026–27 season. At just 19 years old, the Spanish winger has been entrusted with a leadership role that places him among the most iconic figures in the club’s history. This appointment follows a reshaping of Barcelona’s captaincy structure, with Hansi Flick, the team’s head coach, selecting Raphinha as the permanent captain and Pedri as the primary vice-captain. Yamal, however, was named as the third captain in the hierarchy, alongside Eric García and Frenkie de Jong, marking his inclusion in the club’s leadership team. Flick emphasized the importance of having multiple captains to reflect the team’s dynamic and the influence of its players. “For me, it was important that I have two captains,” Flick explained in a pregame press conference. “I decided two, and the other players were named by the team. First is Raphinha, second is Pedri, third is Eric García, and then Frenkie de Jong and Lamine.” He highlighted the significance of Yamal’s role, noting that the young winger’s consistent presence in the starting lineup and his impact on the team made him a natural choice. “When I see the team, the players who have a lot of influence, this is for me Raphinha and also Pedri—also because they nearly always play,” Flick added. Yamal’s captaincy is not just a personal milestone but a historic one. He is poised to become the youngest player in Barcelona’s history to wear the armband in a competitive match. The previous record was held by Bojan Krkić, who led the team in a Copa del Rey game in 2010 at the age of 20 years and 56 days.#hansi_flick #barcelona #raphinha #lamine_yamal #pedri

Barcelona Confirms Starting Lineup for Champions League Clash Against Newcastle Barcelona has officially announced its starting lineup for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Newcastle United in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash. Manager Hansi Flick will field his usual formation, with Pedri once again taking the central role in midfield. The lineup includes a notable surprise as Ronald Araujo starts on the right flank, replacing Eric García, who is sidelined due to injury. Cancelo will occupy the left-back position, while the central defense will feature Gerard Martín and Pau Cubarsí. Goalkeeper Joan García is set to start, aiming to continue his recent form by keeping clean sheets. The Catalan stopper previously achieved this in matches against Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad. The defensive line will also see the absence of Koundé and Balde, with Araujo’s inclusion marking a tactical adjustment. Flick’s decision to deploy Araujo on the right flank highlights the team’s focus on balancing defensive solidity with attacking options. In midfield, Pedri’s return to the starting XI is a key development. The Spanish playmaker, who had been a substitute in recent games, is expected to control the tempo of the match. He will be supported by Marc Bernal and Fermín López, forming a trio that combines creativity with defensive responsibility. The attacking trio will consist of Raphinha on the right, Lamine Yamal on the left, and Robert Lewandowski as the focal point. Yamal, however, faces a potential suspension threat following a recent disciplinary incident. The lineup reflects Flick’s emphasis on maintaining possession and exploiting counterattacks, particularly with the speed of Yamal and Raphinha.#hansi_flick #barcelona #newcastle_united #pedri #ronald_araujo
Alineación Probable del Barcelona ante el Atlético de Madrid Hansi Flick enfrenta un desafío estratégico para definir el once titular del Barcelona en su partido contra el Atlético de Madrid, tras enfrentar una serie de bajas que limitan sus opciones de rotación. La ausencia de Raphinha, Marc Bernal y Frenkie de Jong obliga al entrenador azulgrana a priorizar la continuidad de su plantilla, lo que podría significar que algunos titulares tengan que jugar minutos adicionales. Las incertidumbres se centran principalmente en la lateral derecha, el pivote y el delantero centro, posiciones clave para el esquema de juego del equipo. En la portería, Joan García se mantendrá como titular, consolidándose como el fijo en el once. En la defensa, el lateral derecho será ocupado por Koundé, quien aprovechará la lesión de Araujo en el partido anterior contra el Atlético. La zaga se mantendrá prácticamente igual que en el Metropolitano, con Cubarsí y Gerard Martín como centrales, mientras que Cancelo ocupará la banda izquierda. En la medía, el esguince de Bernal sugiere que Eric García será el pivote titular, acompañado por Pedri, quien, aunque se encuentra bajo vigilancia muscular, será su compañero en el doble pivote. La delantera, por su parte, podría mantener la misma formación de la Liga, con Lamine Yamal, Fermín y Rashford como los tres delanteros. Yamal, quien marcó en el partido anterior, podría seguir siendo el punto de partida del ataque, mientras que Fermín, tras su buen desempeño, sigue siendo una opción clave. Sin embargo, Flick podría optar por incluir a Olmo en la delantera, ya que su buen partido contra el Atlético lo convierte en una alternativa viable. El técnico probó su inclusión durante la sesión de entrenamiento del día anterior, lo que sugiere que podría ser el elegido para el partido.#hansi_flick #barcelona #atltico_de_madrid #pedri #kound

Barcelona Secures 2-0 LaLiga Win Over Athletic Club in Rodri’s Debut Barcelona claimed a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in their LaLiga opener, marking the debut of Madrid midfielder Rodrigo Hernández, known as Rodri, in a blaugrana shirt. The Catalan side, led by the clinical finishing of Brazilian forward Raphinha and the midfield authority of Pedri, dominated the match at the Spotify Camp Nou, despite a valiant effort from Athletic’s goalkeeper Unai Simón. The win, secured with goals from Raphinha in the 37th minute and Fermín López in the 82nd, highlighted the team’s attacking prowess and tactical adjustments under manager Xavi Flick. The match began with a subdued atmosphere at the stadium, as fans displayed pro-independence flags following a canceled tribute to the eight blaugrana world champions. The incident involved Catalan police officers striking a Barcelona fan in Elche after seizing a pro-independence estelada flag, prompting a significant number of supporters to display the flag during the game. Despite this, the focus quickly shifted to the action on the pitch. Barcelona’s new-look squad, featuring academy products and fresh signings, gradually took control of the game after a slow start. A left-footed strike by Lamine Yamal, parried by Simón, sparked the home side, which soon found its rhythm. Raphinha emerged as the standout performer, scoring the opening goal in the 37th minute with a clinical finish after receiving a perfect vertical pass from Pedri. The Brazilian, who had previously played as a central striker, showcased his versatility by dribbling past Simón and tapping the ball into the net. Pedri, operating as the midfield orchestrator, controlled the tempo of the game, dictating play and creating opportunities for both Raphinha and the emerging talent Lamine Yamal.#barcelona #raphinha #athletic_club #pedri #xavi_flick

Barcelona vs Athletic Club: La Liga Match Preview and Transfer Updates Barcelona and Athletic Club are set to clash in a highly anticipated La Liga encounter at the Camp Nou on August 27, with both teams aiming to make a strong start to their campaigns. The Catalan giants, who secured their second consecutive league title last season, will look to build on their five-star opening match against Elche, while Athletic, who suffered a 3-1 defeat to Sevilla in their season opener, will seek to bounce back. The match, scheduled for 9pm local time (19:00 GMT), will be broadcast live by Al Jazeera Sport, with coverage beginning at 16:00 GMT. Barcelona, led by manager Hansi Flick, are in pursuit of a historic treble, having already claimed back-to-back league titles. The team’s recent performance against Elche, where they dominated possession and scored five goals, has raised expectations for their title defense. However, the club faces uncertainty in the transfer market, particularly regarding their quest for striker Julian Alvarez. Despite persistent interest in the 26-year-old Argentine, who missed training due to illness, Atletico Madrid has refused to sell him. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has emphasized the club’s determination, stating, “Alvarez or nobody,” while Flick expressed confidence in his squad despite the ongoing pursuit. The transfer saga has intensified with reports suggesting Atletico may be open to selling Alvarez, though the striker’s future remains unclear. Laporta reiterated Barcelona’s commitment to securing him, stating the club would “maintain our proposal” to Atletico. Meanwhile, other clubs like Arsenal and Real Madrid have also been linked to Alvarez, though Real’s initial bid was not seen as serious.#hansi_flick #barcelona #athletic_club #joan_laporta #lamine_yamal
