ไทย
English
中國人
At just 19 years of age, Lamine Yamal has been appointed as one of Barcelona's captains for the current season, marking yet another remarkable achievement in his growing list of accomplishments with the reigning Spanish champions.
Following Marc-André ter Stegen's loan departure to Ajax, Hansi Flick awarded the captaincy to Raphinha. The Brazilian winger made history as the first player from his nation to be appointed as Barcelona's permanent captain, while Pedri was chosen as the club's first vice captain.
Flick then gave his players the opportunity to vote on the remaining spots in the Catalans' leadership structure, announcing the three selected players on Saturday.
"For me, it was important that I have two captains. I decided two and the other players were named by the team," Flick stated during his pre-match press conference.
"So first is Raphinha, second is Pedri, third is Eric [García] and then Frenkie [de Jong] and Lamine.
"When I look at this squad, the players who carry the most influence are Raphinha and Pedri—also because they feature in almost every game. It was a straightforward decision. As I mentioned, I know this group far better than before. It's a strong squad with solid leadership."
Yamal Eyeing More Barcelona History
Earning a vice-captaincy at Barcelona is a significant honor on its own, but achieving it at just 19 years old places Yamal on the verge of yet another entry into the club's record books.
The youngest player to have worn the armband in a competitive fixture for the Catalans is Bojan Krkić. At 20 years and 56 days old, the striker captained Barcelona in a Copa del Rey match back in 2010.
Gavi then etched his name into club history 14 years later when Pedri handed him the armband upon his return from a prolonged injury absence. The midfielder was 20 years and 76 days old when he captained Barcelona in his emotional comeback appearance.
Now, should Yamal get the chance to wear the armband at any stage this season, he would become the youngest captain in Barcelona's history. The Spanish star doesn't turn 20 until next July, giving him the entire 2026–27 campaign to etch another record to his name.
Flick Shares New Yamal Injury Concern
The enthusiasm surrounding Yamal's inclusion in Barcelona's leadership group was quickly dampened when Flick provided a fitness update on his star winger, who had been absent from training ahead of the club's Sunday fixture against Valencia.
"He trained separately. He's fine. He'll travel. We'll see," Flick said on Saturday regarding Yamal. "He had pain from a knock and is training separately. But he says he's fine and could play.
"We have to wait and see whether he features. We'll make a decision. I'm not sure if he'll be rested or not. He wants to play. He doesn't enjoy training on his own."
A potential injury concern is the last thing Yamal needs after finally getting off the mark in 2026–27. The newly crowned World Cup winner had struggled to hit his usual heights in the opening two matches of the season, failing to contribute a single goal or assist despite his side scoring seven times.
Yamal returned to his brilliant best in the team's 5–2 victory over Rayo Vallecano. The teenager scored twice and appeared in far better form after a difficult few weeks.
All attention will be on Yamal on Sunday as Barcelona look to maintain their flawless La Liga start in the wake of Real Madrid's shock loss to Real Betis.