Raphinha makes history as Barcelona’s first Brazilian captain

Raphinha has been named Barcelona’s first-choice captain for the current season, becoming the first Brazilian player in the club’s history to hold that position, according to ESPN.

The decision follows the departures of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo, who had previously been ahead of Raphinha in the club’s leadership order. Barcelona have now settled on the Brazilian as the player who will wear the captain’s armband first this season.

Raphinha’s appointment represents a historic moment for both the player and Barcelona. Although the club have had several respected Brazilian players in their history, ESPN reports that none had previously been appointed the team’s first captain.

The winger is understood to have earned the backing of everyone at Barcelona, including his team-mates in the dressing room. That support was a key factor in the club’s decision to make him the leading figure in its captaincy group for the campaign.

Raphinha was not the most senior player remaining in the squad. Frenkie de Jong has been at Barcelona longer, but the club considered Raphinha the strongest option to take on the responsibility after the changes to the leadership structure.

De Jong will serve as Barcelona’s second captain, while Pedri has been selected as the third captain.

The new order means Raphinha will lead the team ahead of De Jong and Pedri during the current season. His promotion also gives Barcelona a captain who, according to the report, has the confidence of the squad and the wider support of those within the club.

The decision comes after the loss of both ter Stegen and Araujo from the previous leadership picture. With those two players no longer occupying their former positions, Barcelona had to establish a new hierarchy before the season.

Raphinha’s selection reflects the trust placed in him by the club and his fellow players. His standing in the dressing room helped him move ahead of more senior members of the squad and secured his position as Barcelona’s first-choice captain.

The Brazilian will therefore begin the season at the top of a leadership group completed by De Jong and Pedri. His appointment ensures that Barcelona’s first captain this season is also the first Brazilian to hold that distinction in the club’s history.