Captaincy Crisis: Ter Stegen Loses Role at Barcelona

Ter Stegen Stripped of Barcelona Captaincy Amid Feud

Ter Stegen loses Barcelona captaincy as tensions rise between the goalkeeper and the club over injury status and wages.

“FC Barcelona announces that, following the disciplinary proceedings opened against player Marc-Andre ter Stegen...”

Ter Stegen Loses Barcelona Captaincy

Barcelona has stripped Marc-Andre ter Stegen of his captaincy amid an escalating feud with the club over his injury status. The move comes as Barca tries to register new signings, including goalkeeper Joan Garcia and Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford, potentially paving the way for Ter Stegen's sale.

Ter Stegen's Injury Woes Continue

Marc-Andre ter Stegen requires further surgery on his knee ligament tear, ruling out a summer transfer. Barcelona then asked him to sign a long-term medical leave, allowing the club to reduce his wages by 80% until mid-season and comply with LaLiga's financial rules.

Ter Stegen's Social Media Post Sparks Tensions

Marc-Andre ter Stegen's social media announcement that he'd be sidelined for only three months conflicted with Barcelona's plans, as LaLiga rules require a minimum four-month absence for a long-term injury designation, further straining relations between Ter Stegen and the club.

“FC Barcelona announces that, following the disciplinary proceedings opened against player Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and until this matter is definitively resolved, the club, in agreement with the Sports Management and the technical staff, has decided to temporarily remove him as captain of the first team,” Barca said in a statement.

“During this period, the duties of first captain will be assumed by the current vice-captain, Ronald Araujo.”

𝗙𝗖 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 7, 2025

Barcelona's Financial Woes and Captaincy Crisis

Barcelona's financial struggles continue to cause issues, highlighted by the Ter Stegen controversy. The club faces a new season, starting August 16 against Mallorca, amidst ongoing tensions and uncertainty over the captaincy.

🚨⚠️ BREAKING: Barça remove Marc André ter-Stegen from his role as team captain.

“Decision follows disciplinary proceedings opened against Marc-André ter Stegen. During this period, the duties of first captain will be assumed by the current vice-captain, Ronald Araújo”. pic.twitter.com/SGDZqFwESW

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2025