FC Barcelona have had the privilege to experience the leaderships of many of the game’s greats throughout their storied past. The likes of Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Lionel Messi, and the late Johan Cruyff have all at some point in their respective careers donned the famous Captain’s armband of La Blaugrana.
With the official statement from FC Barcelona that current captain Sergio Busquets is set to leave the club at the end of the season, it becomes apparent that a new first captain will have to step up in his stead.
As per the preordained order of captaincy, the second captain will automatically assume the role of the first if the latter is to leave his position. Thus, it would be FC Barcelona’s second captain Sergi Roberto who becomes the new primary leader of the club.
The 31-year-old has been at FC Barcelona since the tender age of 15 and has since progressed through the club’s ranks over the years before finally achieving captainship for the first time in 2018.
The veteran has always had a special use of utility and ability of versatility in his style of play, being used as not just a midfielder but also putting in a shift whenever needed at right back.
Future Barcelona captains:
As the veterans continue to grow old in age, however, it becomes apparent that new blood may be looked towards to constitute the new list of captains should the likes of Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto leave as well.
Moreover, due to the departure of Sergio Busquets, the promotions of Sergi Roberto from second captain to first captain, Jordi Alba from third captain to vice-captain, and Marc Andre Ter Stegen from fourth captain to third captain would see the fourth captain position be left vacant.
As per seniority according to their stay at the club, Ousmane Dembele would be the obvious next choice, followed by Frenkie De Jong and Pedri.
However, if instead they decide to go by the characteristics and respect of any new particular captain, the experienced and accomplished Robert Lewandowski or the ever-present vocal leadership of Ronald Araujo may also be considered.
Possible Arrival of Leo Messi:
Lastly, a possible summer arrival of Lionel Messi could also present a valuable candidate for the captaincy. The Argentine had been a Barcelona captain since a game against Celta Vigo in 2013 where he wore the armband for the first time up until his departure from the club in 2021.
Should he arrive, there would be no doubts that the player would be the ideal candidate to take over the first captain slot directly and move the remaining three current leaders back to their prior order of captaincy.
