The decision, which was made in mutual agreement between the club’s sporting director, coaching staff, and the board, comes in the wake of ter Stegen’s refusal to sign a medical report following his recent back surgery—a measure required to validate a long-term injury and potentially allow the club to adjust salary cap implications.
During his absence, defender Ronald Araújo, who serves as vice-captain, will assume the captaincy. The club described the decision as temporary, pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings.
Ter Stegen underwent back surgery at the end of July and publicly stated he would need approximately three months for recovery. However, Barcelona had hoped for a minimum four-month absence—enough to activate La Liga’s "long-term injury rule" and potentially exclude 80% of his salary from their wage cap to facilitate registration of new signings like Joan García.
By declining to sign the medical report needed for the La Liga medical commission, ter Stegen has legally exercised his right to privacy. Still, the club views this as obstructive behavior that may hinder squad planning and registration logistics, especially with the season fast approaching.
The situation has stirred significant internal and external debate. Diego Tente Sánchez, former Barça captain, commented that representing the squad effectively becomes complicated when conflict exists between the captain and the club’s leadership. He cautioned that unresolved tensions may even escalate to legal action.
Meanwhile, sporting authorities—La Liga and the Players’ Association (AFE)—have publicly supported ter Stegen’s right to withhold medical disclosures.
Ter Stegen’s return to captaincy hinges on the outcome of disciplinary proceedings and potential legal avenues. With Araújo acting as captain, the leadership structure remains fluid as the season begins. The club’s strategy regarding squad registration and salary cap management may still be affected by the unresolved status of ter Stegen’s medical data.
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