Frenkie de Jong is now firmly in the spotlight as Barcelona’s top choice to lead the team if current captain Marc-André ter Stegen is unavailable

Frenkie de Jong is stepping into one of the most defining moments of his Barcelona career. With Marc-André ter Stegen’s captaincy possibly being disrupted due to uncertainty surrounding his availability, the Dutch midfielder has now emerged as the primary candidate to take the armband—a symbolic but powerful shift that highlights his growing stature within the squad.

Since arriving from Ajax in 2019, De Jong has steadily matured into a player who embodies the essence of Barcelona’s values: composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and an unwavering work ethic. While he has never been the loudest voice in the dressing room, his performances on the pitch have done all the talking. For many fans and insiders at the club, his evolution into a natural leader has been years in the making.

According to reports from El Desmarque, Barcelona’s technical staff see De Jong as the calm head needed during turbulent times. With Ter Stegen—who took over the captaincy after Sergi Roberto—potentially out, De Jong is next in line, and many believe it’s not just a temporary fix but the beginning of a long-term leadership role for the Dutchman.

Backing him up in this new leadership core would be Raphinha, whose energy and vocal presence have grown significantly over the past two seasons. The Brazilian has become one of the squad’s emotional drivers—always the first to celebrate, the first to confront, and often the one who ignites passion in his teammates.

Following Raphinha in the pecking order is Ronald Araújo, the Uruguayan center-back whose warrior-like mentality and fearless defending have made him a fan favorite. Araújo’s leadership style is one of action—throwing himself into tackles, playing through pain, and rallying the defense with visible courage.

Pedri, at just 22 years old, rounds out the established leadership group. Though young, Pedri’s creativity and composure in high-pressure situations have seen him evolve from a wonderkid into one of the most influential players in the squad. His inclusion reflects Barça’s vision of future leadership, driven by youthful excellence.

The coaching staff, led by Hansi Flick, is also considering a few wildcard additions to this evolving captaincy group. Gavi, the fiery academy graduate, has impressed with his passion, aggression, and relentless pressing—attributes that resonate strongly with Barcelona’s La Masia philosophy. Iñigo Martínez, with his vast experience and calm authority at the back, is also being eyed as a stabilizing figure, especially for the club’s younger talents.

This restructuring of leadership roles is more than just a reaction to Ter Stegen’s potential absence. It’s a strategic decision that aligns with the club’s long-term vision of blending experience with youth. Barcelona want their armband to represent not just seniority, but inspiration, work rate, and embodiment of club values.

With a challenging La Liga campaign ahead and ambitions to reclaim European glory in the Champions League, the importance of a strong leadership spine cannot be overstated. Flick’s system demands clarity, discipline, and commitment—qualities De Jong consistently displays, making him an ideal on-field extension of the manager’s philosophy.

Should Ter Stegen return swiftly, this leadership evolution might seem premature. But if his absence lingers, De Jong’s promotion could become permanent, signaling a quiet but decisive changing of the guard at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona fans, often nostalgic about the days of iconic captains like Carles Puyol, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta, might find De Jong’s leadership style different—but perhaps equally effective. He is not one to shout or gesticulate wildly, but his ability to control tempo, maintain calm under pressure, and make intelligent decisions may prove just as valuable in guiding Barcelona into a new era.

In a club that values legacy as much as results, appointing De Jong as captain—even temporarily—could be the start of a leadership story that resonates for years to come.