Rodri welcomed by Barcelona supporters as de Jong hears boos at Camp Nou

Rodri received the loudest ovation of Barcelona’s squad presentation, while Frenkie de Jong endured a hostile reception from supporters before the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Al Ahly at Spotify Camp Nou.

The Spain midfielder, wearing the number 16 shirt, made his first appearance in front of the club’s home fans after joining Barcelona and immediately became the central figure of the event. His arrival was greeted by sustained chants and applause, underlining the excitement surrounding the signing.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Rodri walked on to the pitch alongside Dani Olmo. As soon as supporters recognised the new arrival, they began applauding and chanting his name.

Among the thousands of Barcelona shirts bearing the names of Lamine Yamal and Pedri, some supporters were already wearing shirts with Rodri’s name on the back. That provided an early indication of the expectations attached to his arrival.

Rodri appeared visibly affected by the atmosphere inside Spotify Camp Nou. During the presentation, he repeatedly looked towards the stands before receiving what was described as the strongest welcome of the entire squad.

His introduction suggested that Barcelona supporters see Rodri as more than a new signing. The Spain international is also expected to assume a leadership role in a young and ambitious team, a responsibility reflected in the calm and confident manner of his remarks during the ceremony.

The mood was markedly different for de Jong, who experienced the most difficult moment of the presentation. Mundo Deportivo reported that the Netherlands midfielder was met by more boos than applause.

The reaction appeared to be connected to his explanations regarding the injury he suffered during the World Cup, which is expected to keep him out of the team during the opening part of the season. De Jong had also temporarily lost the Barcelona captaincy, adding to the strength of the supporters’ response when he entered the pitch.

Hansi Flick was the first member of the club to address the crowd, creating a particularly emotional moment for the German manager.

Although Flick’s news conferences are still conducted in English, he surprised supporters by speaking in Catalan during the presentation. He also recalled his father, who died last season, saying that what he remembered from that difficult day was the support and warmth he received from the Barcelona family.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much,” Flick told the crowd.

He went on to thank Joan Laporta and Deco for their work in building the squad and promised that Barcelona would compete for every trophy. He ended his message with a call for unity: “Together we are stronger.”

Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal were also given a warm reception. Raphinha, meanwhile, spoke as the team captain for the occasion and played a leading role in maintaining the energy inside the stadium.

The Brazil forward told supporters that everything would begin again with the start of the new season. He opened his address by sending a message to team-mate Roony Bardghji, who has suffered a serious injury, and congratulated Barcelona’s players who had won the World Cup.

Raphinha also addressed the club’s new arrivals, warning them about the responsibility that comes with wearing the Barcelona shirt.

“Wearing this badge is a very big responsibility,” he said.

Through his words and presence, Raphinha helped carry the excitement from the pitch into the stands. Yet on a night intended to mark the beginning of a new chapter for Barcelona, it was Rodri who emerged as the ceremony’s defining figure.