Barcelona are reportedly considering removing the captain’s armband from Marc-André ter Stegen, following his absence from the first team set-up and ongoing tension surrounding his insistence on staying involved despite being sidelined. The situation has raised questions about his long-term role as a leader within the team.
New head coach Hansi Flick is now evaluating several players for their leadership qualities as he prepares to appoint his group of team captains, traditionally four or five, who will guide the squad through the season. Last year, the leadership group included Ronald Araújo, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Raphinha, and ter Stegen himself.
Interestingly, there’s growing momentum among fans and media outlets for Lamine Yamal to be considered. As a true La Masia product, many believe he embodies the club’s identity and values, and could represent a bold, symbolic choice to lead the next generation of Barça talent.
Freedom of youth
I don’t believe age should be a barrier, after all, Pau Cubarsí is a consideration for a leadership role. However, Lamine Yamal’s recent 18th birthday celebrations serve as a reminder that he’s still learning to balance the responsibilities of first-team football with the freedom of youth. His public comments and playful approach to the game show that he enjoys the fun side of football, a quality that’s refreshing in today’s media-trained environment.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that; in fact, it’s encouraging to see a young player so open, passionate, and expressive about the club he represents. But it also highlights the importance of allowing him to grow naturally, without the added weight of leadership too soon.
Focus on Individual Development
At this critical juncture in his career, Lamine Yamal's primary focus should remain on honing his exceptional individual skills and adapting to the relentless demands of top-flight football. The captaincy role brings with it a host of off-field responsibilities, media obligations, and pressure to be a constant vocal leader. These added layers of responsibility could detract from his natural development as a player, potentially hindering his progress rather than enhancing it. It's vital that he is allowed to flourish without the added weight of leading one of the world's biggest clubs.
Lack of Seasoned Experience
Barcelona's captaincy has historically been reserved for players with significant tenure and a deep understanding of the club's philosophy and demands. You think of Carles Puyol, Xavi and Andres Iniesta - strong characters that allowed their football styles dictate their captaincy qualities. While Yamal has integrated seamlessly into the first team, his professional career is still in its infancy. Captains are often called upon to guide younger players, mediate disputes, and represent the team in difficult moments, all of which require a level of maturity and experience that comes with years of competitive football.