Barcelona and Marc-André ter Stegen have been on tense terms in recent weeks. Spanish media reported on Sunday that the club is even considering stripping the goalkeeper of his captain's armband.
Tensions between Barcelona and Marc-André ter Stegen have reached a critical point, with the club reportedly on the verge of stripping the German goalkeeper of the captain’s armband a dramatic escalation that reflects a wider internal struggle at the Catalan giants.
Once a pillar of leadership and consistency at the back, Ter Stegen now finds himself increasingly marginalized, caught in a spiral of strained relationships, controversial decisions, and growing competition for his place in the squad.
According to several Spanish outlets, including Mundo Deportivo, the breakdown in relations began when Barcelona opted to retain Wojciech Szczęsny as the first-choice goalkeeper until the end of the 2023/24 season. This decision came even after Ter Stegen had fully recovered from a serious knee injury that had sidelined him for several months. The move reportedly blindsided the German, who expected to regain his starting role after rehabilitation.
The situation deteriorated further in the spring when Barcelona faced AC Milan in the Champions League semifinals. In a highly publicized decision, Ter Stegen still officially the club captain refused to travel with the squad to Milan, citing personal and professional dissatisfaction. This act was perceived internally not only as insubordination but also as a symbolic break with the team, particularly damaging given the importance of the occasion.
Adding to the tension, Barça recently signed Joan García from Espanyol, a talented young Spanish goalkeeper who many believe has been brought in as a long-term successor to Ter Stegen. His arrival signals that the club may be preparing for a future without the veteran German between the posts or at the very least, putting serious pressure on him to accept a secondary role.
Behind the scenes, the discord has sparked political ripples as well. One prominent opposition figure within the club rumored to be considering a run in the next presidential election publicly criticized the board’s handling of the Ter Stegen situation, arguing that such treatment of a loyal servant of the club reflects deeper management issues. The controversy, now spilling beyond the pitch, has become a source of division among fans and pundits alike.
Barcelona's leadership, however, appears determined to send a strong message. According to Mundo Deportivo, the club is prepared to take the significant step of removing Ter Stegen from his captaincy duties. The move, though not yet finalized, would serve as a public statement of the club’s current stance: that Ter Stegen is no longer viewed as untouchable, and that his influence within the dressing room is being curtailed. The final call rests with new head coach Hansi Flick, who took over in the summer and is said to be assessing the dynamics of the squad closely.
Leadership Shift: De Jong, Araújo, Raphinha in Line for More Responsibility
With Ter Stegen potentially removed from the captaincy group, the club’s leadership structure is set for a reshuffle. Frenkie de Jong, who served as third captain last season, would naturally move up the hierarchy. The Dutch midfielder, widely respected for his consistency, discipline, and on-pitch intelligence, could now find himself wearing the armband far more frequently in the upcoming campaign. His rise in status would put him directly behind Ronald Araújo currently the second captain though even Araújo’s starting place was not guaranteed last season under Xavi Hernández, raising questions about who will serve as the regular matchday captain under Flick.
Meanwhile, Iñigo Martínez has emerged as a candidate to complete the traditional group of four club captains. The experienced center-back, though not yet a long-standing figure at Barça, has reportedly earned the trust of both teammates and coaching staff. His leadership qualities, coupled with his professionalism, make him a logical addition to the leadership core.
Raphinha is another player whose name continues to surface in captaincy discussions. The Brazilian winger, who captained the side on several occasions last season when De Jong was sidelined through injury, impressed many within the club with his maturity and vocal presence. While not an obvious choice early in his Barça tenure, Raphinha has grown into a dependable senior figure, especially among the younger players in the squad.
The Bigger Picture: More Than Just a Captaincy Dispute
What started as a disagreement over starting roles has now evolved into a broader reflection of the shifts underway at FC Barcelona. With a new manager, a changing roster, and an evolving identity post-Messi, the club appears to be entering a new era one where past loyalties may no longer guarantee future roles.
Ter Stegen’s future at the club remains uncertain. While he is under contract until 2028, his diminishing influence within the squad, combined with ongoing friction behind the scenes, could lead to a surprise transfer especially if offers come in from top European clubs still in need of an experienced, world-class goalkeeper.
Until then, all eyes will be on how Flick handles the situation. Will he offer Ter Stegen a path to redemption and reintegration, or will he embrace a new leadership structure entirely? One thing is clear: Barcelona’s goalkeeping hierarchy and captaincy structure are in flux, and big changes are already underway.
