Frenkie de Jong gets to vote twice this year. His choice in the parliamentary elections on October 29 will likely remain private, but the Dutch midfielder was very clear about who gets his vote in Barcelona’s captaincy debate.
Barcelona's preseason is already buzzing with key decisions to be made ahead of the 2024–25 campaign, and one of the most symbolic questions looming over the squad is the identity of the team’s captain.
With long-time figures like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba having left in recent years, the club has undergone a gradual leadership transition. Last season, German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen was handed the captain’s armband a choice that received widespread support from players and fans alike. As new head coach Hansi Flick takes charge, the matter of the captaincy remains open, but one of the team’s most prominent voices, Frenkie de Jong, has made his stance clear: there’s no need for change.
Hansi Flick, who officially took over following Xavi Hernández’s departure, recently confirmed that a captaincy vote will be held within the dressing room a tradition at the club that reflects its democratic culture. The vote allows the squad to choose their leaders organically, based on respect and merit. When asked after Barcelona’s emphatic preseason victory over FC Seoul about his own preference, Flick opted not to influence the process publicly, instead emphasizing that it was a matter for the players themselves. However, Frenkie de Jong was far more direct when speaking to the press.
“For me, Marc is the captain, just like last year,” the Dutch midfielder stated firmly. “I support him fully, and I believe the team does too. He’s a leader in the dressing room, someone who commands respect and always sets an example on and off the pitch.”
Ter Stegen’s leadership has grown steadily over the past few years, not only due to his consistent performances between the posts but also because of his calm demeanor, discipline, and connection with both the coaching staff and younger players. With over a decade at the club, the German has become one of the most experienced figures in the current squad and a stabilizing force during what has been a turbulent period both on and off the pitch. His appointment as captain last season was widely seen as a natural progression, especially as Barcelona sought stability amid financial and structural uncertainty.
De Jong’s endorsement of Ter Stegen is not just a vote of confidence it is also a reflection of the growing sense of unity among the squad’s core players. The Dutchman, who arrived at the club in 2019 from Ajax, has grown into one of Barcelona’s key figures, both tactically and in terms of dressing room influence. Though still only 27, De Jong is now one of the more senior members of a squad that blends youth with experience. His opinion carries weight, and his public backing of Ter Stegen could influence the outcome of the upcoming internal vote.
Beyond the captaincy issue, De Jong also addressed questions surrounding his own future. Despite persistent rumors in past transfer windows linking him to moves away from Camp Nou especially during Barcelona’s financial crisis De Jong has remained committed to the club. Now, with the new season approaching and a more settled environment taking shape under Flick, the Dutch international confirmed that he expects to extend his stay in Catalonia.
“Yes, I expect to renew,” he said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo. “I’m happy here, and as far as I know, the feeling is mutual. I feel good in this team, in this city, and with the fans. There’s no reason to leave.”
De Jong’s current contract runs until 2026, but Barcelona are reportedly working to secure a longer-term deal that would spread his wages more sustainably over several seasons. This would not only reflect the club’s desire to keep him at the heart of their midfield plans, but also help alleviate salary cap issues under La Liga’s strict financial regulations. Discussions are said to be progressing positively, with both parties keen to reach an agreement before the end of the summer.
From a sporting perspective, De Jong is expected to be central to Flick’s tactical setup. The German coach, known for his dynamic and high-pressing style from his time with Bayern Munich and the German national team, reportedly sees De Jong as a perfect fit for a system that requires intelligence, composure, and technical precision in the middle of the park. The midfielder’s ability to dictate tempo, carry the ball forward, and maintain control under pressure will be vital in a season where Barcelona hopes to reclaim domestic dominance and make a stronger push in Europe.
As preseason progresses, the atmosphere around Barça appears to be stabilizing. Leadership questions like the captaincy vote and contract renewals for pillars like De Jong will be critical in laying the foundation for a successful campaign. With Ter Stegen favored to retain the armband and De Jong committed to staying long-term, Barcelona fans have reason to be optimistic that a new era of continuity and cohesion is beginning to take shape.
