How does Barcelona choose its new captain?

As is customary during each preseason, the players will hold an internal vote to choose the new captain, which took place last season on August 23.

According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, the absence of Ter Stegen, who is undergoing back surgery, could affect the results of the vote this summer.

With the other captains in Kobe, Japan, Rafinha is expected to wear the armband for the team’s first friendly match.

The list of captains is expected to be finalized before mid-August, coinciding with the start of the Spanish league season, which is the deadline for the vote.

The vote will likely take place during the team’s tour of Japan and South Korea, or after returning to Barcelona for training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

Although the players have the final say, German coach Hansi Flick will have an influential role in the process, according to sources within the club.

In his second season with the team, Flick seeks to enhance the club’s professionalism by introducing organizational changes across all aspects.

Flick had chosen Juan Garcia as the starting goalkeeper, opening the door for Ter Stegen’s departure, which he personally informed him of.

Flick also imposed new rules on media contact, stipulating that no promotional engagements or press statements should be made before training sessions, to ensure full focus on physical and technical preparation.

Based on his organizational vision, Flick will help determine the identity of the new captains, without directly intervening in the voting, which will remain the prerogative of the players within the dressing room.