Raphinha has made history by becoming the first Brazilian player to serve as permanent captain of Barcelona. Manager Hansi Flick confirmed the appointment alongside Pedri as vice-captain, with the pair selected to lead the club through the 2026-27 season following departures of previous leadership figures.
Flick's Leadership Structure
Flick revealed a five-tier leadership hierarchy designed to strengthen squad unity. Beyond Raphinha and Pedri, the leadership group includes Eric García, Frenkie de Jong, and Lamine Yamal, all chosen through a combination of coaching staff input and squad voting. The manager emphasised the importance of having multiple voices in the dressing room rather than relying on a single leader.
"For me, it was important that I have two captains," Flick explained. "I know the team much better than before. The players who have a lot of influence, this is Raphinha and Pedri—also because they nearly always play. It was a clear decision." The German coach highlighted that Raphinha's intensity, speed, and ability to initiate pressing movements made him the natural choice to wear the armband.
From Winger to Central Striker
Since arriving from Leeds United for €55 million in 2022, Raphinha has evolved into an indispensable figure at Camp Nou. Originally deployed as a right winger, the Brazilian has transitioned into a central striker role under Flick's system and already demonstrates his new position's tactical impact. Having served as assistant captain previously, he stepped into a leadership void when other senior players were unavailable.
Raphinha's trophy cabinet includes three La Liga titles, three Spanish Supercopas, and one Copa del Rey. Across 180 appearances, he has scored 80 goals, establishing consistency few attackers achieve at the club. This season, his form has been particularly sharp—five goals in three league matches underscore his clinical finishing and positioning awareness.
Barcelona travel to Mestalla on Sunday to face Valencia with a chance to extend their winning streak to four consecutive La Liga victories and capitalise on Real Madrid's recent loss to Betis. Raphinha will lead the charge as Flick's preferred central striker, though late fitness assessments may affect squad selection before kickoff.
