As FC Barcelona faces a challenging start to the season without key players like Ter Stegen, De Jong, and Araujo due to injuries, Raphinha has emerged as the first captain of the team. In August, the players voted for their leadership group, resulting in Raphinha being selected alongside Ter Stegen, Araujo, De Jong, and Pedri. This quintet of captains aims to represent the team's interests effectively, whether it be with the coaching staff, club management, fans, or referees.

The Role of Seniority in Captaincy

The choice of captaincy at Barcelona has historically leaned on the principle of seniority. Players voted based on their tenure at the club, with Ter Stegen being the most experienced, having joined in the 2014-15 season. Araujo follows him (2020-21), while De Jong and Pedri came on board in 2019-20. Traditionally, Barcelona has operated with four captains, but this season, the club expanded that to five. This led to questions about who would fill the fifth role and why Raphinha was chosen.

The players who joined in the 2021-22 season, such as Ferran Torres, Eric García, and Gavi, were not considered for the captaincy. The focus shifted to those who arrived in the 2022-23 season, including Christensen, Raphinha, and Koundé. Despite his shorter tenure, Raphinha’s selection as the fifth captain raised eyebrows.

A Decision Made by the Team

The players made their decision at the end of August, post-preseason tour. According to Sport, Raphinha, who has only spent two seasons at Barcelona, was voted in for various reasons, with one being particularly significant: his strong relationship with sporting director Deco. Deco, who previously represented Raphinha, is regarded as an influential figure within the locker room, and this connection is believed to facilitate better communication and conflict resolution throughout the season.

Notably, Raphinha was appointed as the fourth captain, surpassing Pedri, indicating his importance to the squad. In the early weeks of the season, Raphinha donned the armband while Pedri and he were the only fit captains.

Rising to the Leadership Challenge

Although there were initial concerns about Raphinha’s performance in past seasons, he has stepped up impressively, becoming one of the standout players this season. His seamless adaptation to Hansi Flick’s style of play has allowed him to showcase his best abilities on the pitch.

Raphinha also takes on the responsibility of communicating with referees during matches, a role that has been largely uneventful, aside from receiving an unfair yellow card while trying to address an official.

Mentoring Young Talent

In a squad rich in youth, Raphinha's captaincy is especially vital. The younger players, who are still adjusting to the demands of elite football, benefit greatly from his guidance. Among these emerging talents are potential future captains like Gavi and Cubarsí, who are under Raphinha's mentorship. He is dedicated to providing both support and accountability to his teammates as needed.

As Barcelona navigates this season filled with challenges, Raphinha's leadership could be essential. His role extends beyond performance on the field; he is pivotal in fostering a strong team culture among younger players. By appointing Raphinha as captain, Barcelona demonstrates a strategic commitment to blending experience with youth in their pursuit of success.