Barcelona shake-up incoming? Why Lamine Yamal or Robert Lewandowski could become even more crucial — All thanks to Marc-Andre ter Stegen
As Barcelona begins its 2025-26 preseason tour in Asia, a quiet storm is brewing behind the scenes — and it could have major consequences for the club’s leadership structure. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and veteran striker Robert Lewandowski are among those who could be handed even more responsibility in the coming weeks, as the Catalan giants face a tense standoff with one of their most iconic figures: Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
For nearly a decade, Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been the last line of defense for Barcelona, a cornerstone during good times and bad. But now, his relationship with the club appears irreparably fractured. The 33-year-old German goalkeeper, who is also Barcelona’s first-team captain, recently announced he would undergo back surgery and would be sidelined for three months.
The move sparked outrage internally. Barca had hoped the German’s absence would be at least four months, which would have allowed the club to free up part of his substantial salary under La Liga’s emergency registration rules — crucial for registering both Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford. Instead, the shorter recovery timeline blocks that financial workaround.
“What Ter Stegen has done is unprecedented. He has gone to harm Barca,” a club source told Mundo Deportivo. The club, frustrated by what they perceive as an act of defiance, is now considering stripping him of the captaincy — a role he has held with pride and distinction.
Leadership void opens: Enter Yamal and Lewandowski?
With Ter Stegen’s status hanging by a thread and his communication with President Joan Laporta, Sporting Director Deco, and manager Hansi Flick reportedly minimal, the Blaugrana may soon need to appoint a new captain or vice-captain. That’s where things get interesting.
As it stands, the current captaincy group consists of Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Raphinha. However, with one spot potentially opening up due to Ter Stegen’s removal, attention is shifting to four leading candidates: Inigo Martinez, Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal, as per Mundo Deportivo. Of the group, Lewandowski and Yamal are drawing the most attention for vastly different reasons.
Robert Lewandowski: Steady veteran
At 36, Lewandowski brings unmatched experience, professionalism, and a proven track record of leadership from his days at Bayern Munich. Since joining Barca in 2022, the Polish striker has been one of the club’s most consistent performers, finishing among the top scorers in La Liga each season and mentoring a generation of young attackers. With Hansi Flick now at the helm — and having worked with Lewandowski during their time at Bayern — the striker’s influence may become even more pronounced.
Lamine Yamal: Star on the rise
Then there’s Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old prodigy who is widely considered the future of the club. Handing such responsibility to someone so young might raise eyebrows, but few would deny that Yamal already plays like a seasoned professional. His ability to perform under pressure, as seen in El Clasicos and Champions League nights, is a testament to his maturity.
While giving Yamal a place in the captaincy group might seem ambitious, it would send a powerful message about the club’s long-term vision and trust in homegrown talent.