Barcelona Football Club have officially announced that they have stripped Marc-Andre ter Stegen of the captain’s armband indefinitely.
The club confirmed the news on its official website on Thursday, August 7, 2025 following the pending situation between both sides. According to reports from the Catalonia club they have initiated a disciplinary proceedings against the German goalkeeper while the captain’s duties will be temporarily carried out by Ronald Araujo.
What did Barcelona say about Marc-Andre ter Stegen?
“”FC Barcelona hereby announces that, following the disciplinary proceedings opened against player Marc-André ter Stegen, and until this matter is definitively resolved, the club, by mutual agreement with the Sporting Direction and the coaching staff, has decided to temporarily withdraw his role as first-team captain. During this period, the duties of first captain will be assumed by the current vice-captain, Ronald Araujo.”
What happened between Ter Stegen and Barca?
The situation between both parties started at the end of last season, when Ter Stegen demanded to be reinstated as a starter immediately after his serious injury. Barcelona, however, decided during the summer transfer window to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol as their new first-choice goalkeeper and aimed to part ways with their current captain.
The German also refused to leave and opted to remain with the squad. He also issued his own official statement declaring that he would undergo surgery and independently disclosed that he would be sidelined for three months.
Later, Ter Stegen refused to sign a medical protocol that would confirm he would not play for the next four months. This document is required under La Liga rules for Barcelona to use his absence to register new signings, allowing them to access 80% of his salary. The refusal to sign has made the club’s registration situation more complicated ahead of the 2025/26 season.
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