Barcelona have sensationally stripped Marc-André ter Stegen of his role as club captain following disciplinary proceedings, with vice-captain Ronald Araújo stepping into the breach. The decision, announced by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on X (twitter), marks a dramatic turn in the German goalkeeper’s long-standing tenure at the Catalan giants.
The move comes after ter Stegen, a pivotal figure in Barcelona’s 2025 Supercopa de España triumph, reportedly breached club protocol by independently revealing his three-month recovery timeline from a long-term injury on social media. According to a Sports Illustrated report from 5 August 2025, this action frustrated Barcelona’s efforts to utilise a financial loophole that would have allowed them to register new goalkeeper Diego García. The club’s legal team had initiated proceedings, arguing that ter Stegen, as an employee, is obliged to adhere to their rules, including sharing medical details with La Liga to ease salary cap constraints.
The 33-year-old, who has been a cornerstone of the team since joining from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014, expressed frustration earlier this year, telling a German press conference ahead of the Nations League semi-final: “Nobody from the club has spoken to me. I know I will be in Barcelona next season.” However, this latest development suggests a deepening rift, with the club prioritising financial restructuring over sentiment.
Ronald Araújo, the Uruguayan defender who was named third captain in July 2023, will assume the captaincy duties during this period. Araújo’s rise has been notable, forming a formidable defensive partnership that contributed to 16 clean sheets in the 2022-23 La Liga season, according to updated Wikipedia data. His promotion underscores Barcelona’s confidence in his leadership, despite the abrupt nature of the transition.
Fan reactions on X have been mixed, with some labelling the decision a “disgrace” towards a “club legend,” while others see it as a necessary step given the club’s financial woes. Barcelona, operating above their La Liga-imposed salary limit, are keen to free up space for new signings, with ter Stegen’s hefty wages reportedly under scrutiny.
This incident represents a rare public falling-out between a high-profile player and the club’s management, challenging the narrative of a seamless captaincy handover. As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on whether ter Stegen’s future lies at the Camp Nou or elsewhere, with the goalkeeper’s next move likely to shape Barcelona’s season ahead.