Lamine Yamal earns Barcelona captaincy role as Hansi Flick explains voting process

Lamine Yamal has been named as one of Barcelona’s five captains after the squad voted to appoint three members of the leadership group, with Hansi Flick selecting the other two.

The 19-year-old number 10 was the most notable inclusion in the players’ decision. He will represent the team alongside Raphinha, Pedri, Eric Garcia and Frenkie de Jong.

Flick explained the process at a news conference on Saturday, confirming that the system was the same as the one used last season. The Barcelona manager chose two captains himself, while the players were responsible for selecting the remaining three.

“I have been here for two years and I know the team better. I chose two captains, Raphinha and Pedri, and the players voted for three: Eric, Frenkie and Lamine,” said Flick.

The leadership group has been reshaped after the departures of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo, who were part of the previous group of captains. Their exits meant Barcelona had to establish a new set of representatives within the squad.

Flick said his decision to select Raphinha and Pedri was based on the influence both players have in the dressing room and on the pitch.

“When I looked at the players who have a big influence in the team, for me they were Raphinha and Pedri. I did not want to choose all five, only two, because they are very important and usually play as starters. Now I know the team better than I did before,” he added.

Yamal’s selection represents another step in the growing importance of the Barcelona academy graduate. His influence at the club has increased not only because of his performances and status within the team, but also because of the respect he has earned from his team-mates.

The teenager’s inclusion means Barcelona’s new captaincy group contains a blend of established senior figures and a young player who has quickly become central to the club’s plans.

Flick welcomed the squad’s decision and said the team would need leaders prepared to communicate and accept responsibility.

“The choice of the five is good. I am happy with the players’ decision. We will need players who can speak and who have to take responsibility. I think it is a good choice,” said the German manager.

The new group will now be responsible for representing Barcelona in the dressing room and on the pitch, following a selection process that combines the manager’s judgement with the players’ own vote.