Before the start of the new season 2025/2026, Barcelona officially announced the withdrawal of the leadership badge from German goalkeeper Mark Andre Ter Stegen, in a move confirming the exacerbation of the crisis between the two parties, after weeks of tension inside the corridors of the Catalan club.
An official decision that reflects the escalation of the crisis
Barcelona published a statement through its official account on the “X” platform, in which he confirmed the withdrawal of the leadership badge from Ter Stegen temporarily, explaining that the decision came as a result of “disciplinary measures” against the player, and in agreement with the technical staff and sports management. The statement pointed out that the Uruguayan defender Ronald Arago will temporarily lead the team until the case is resolved.
Why did Barcelona decide to withdraw the driving badge from Ter Stegen?
The dispute started last month when the Barcelona administration tried to persuade Ter Stegen to leave during the summer transfer period, after contracting the young goalkeeper Juan Garcia, but the German goalkeeper refused to leave and stuck to the completion of his contract that extends until the summer of 2028, which increased the tension between the two parties.
What is the relationship of the medical report to the crisis?
One of the most prominent axes of the dispute was the medical report related to the injury of Ter Stegen. Where the Barcelona administration asked the goalkeeper to sign a report confirming his absence for a period of five months, which gives the club an opportunity to exploit 80% of its salary in the registration of summer deals. However, Ter Stegen insisted that the absence period will not exceed three months, and refused to sign the report, which prompted the administration to take disciplinary measures against him.
Is Ter Stegen leave Barcelona this summer?
Until now, there are no official indications of an imminent departure of the veteran goalkeeper, who is 33 years old, but the recent escalation and withdrawal of the leadership badge may pave the way for radical decisions in the coming weeks, especially in light of the administration’s desire to reduce financial burdens and register new deals.
Ronald Arago temporarily holds the badge
In light of the freezing of Stegen as the captain of the team, defender Ronald Araoho was assigned to carry the leadership badge in the upcoming matches, provided that this continues until the investigations are completed and the file of the crisis, which threw its shadow on the team’s preparations for the new season.
