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Barca’s Next Captain Emerges: Eric Garcia Takes the Armband After Ter Stegen’s Exit

26 January 2026

Barca’s Next Captain Emerges: Eric Garcia Takes the Armband After Ter Stegen’s Exit
Eric Garcia named Barca captain as leadership enters a new era

Captaincy Decision

A Spanish newspaper report on Monday names the Barca captain after German stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen's winter move to Girona, leaving the armband without its usual owner.

Ter Stegen's departure leaves Barcelona without the team's traditional captain for the time being.

According to Cadena SER, the chosen senior to complete Barca's leadership group is Eric Garcia, who will become the club's fifth captain and will wear the armband in the absence of the other four.

Barcelona's captain list since summer 2024 includes Ter Stegen, Ronald Araújo, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, and Pedri.

The report says the decision rests on sporting criteria, seniority, and internal influence.

Araújo will be the first captain for Barcelona after Stegen's departure, with De Jong next, then Raphinha, Pedri, and Garcia, with Ferran Torres following.

Garcia enjoys strong trust from coach Hans Flick and is the only Barca player to have appeared in all official matches this season (32 games, 2,465 minutes).

Note to Barca fans: the armband doubles as a fashion accessory now.

And if leadership ever bites, blame the captain's chair—it's got bad knees.

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will wear Barcelona's captain’s armband after Ter Stegen leaves?

Eric Garcia has been named the club’s fifth captain and will wear the armband in the absence of the previous leaders.

Who are Barcelona’s captains since summer 2024?

Ter Stegen, Ronald Araújo, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, and Pedri.

Why was Garcia chosen as captain?

The choice is based on sporting criteria, seniority, and internal influence; Garcia has also earned the coach’s strong trust and has played every official match this season.