With 54,224 spectators in the stands of Spotify Camp Nou, Rodri and Lamine Yamal jerseys, and applause for Hansi Flick, Barcelona presented the squad that, pending the closing of the transfer market, will face the 2026-27 season with the goal of defending the league title and fighting for the coveted Champions League.
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In a Camp Nou full of tourists – it’s August and the heat index reached 35 degrees – the most acclaimed in the classic 61st edition of the Gamper were Fermín, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal. But when Pedri and Gavi entered the pitch in the second half against Al-Ahly, the atmosphere was also very festive.
On the other hand, it was not a good day for the injured Frenkie de Jong. After temporarily losing the captaincy by Flick’s decision, he received some boos. The midfielder is still undergoing stem cell treatment for his right knee and, for now, does not consider surgery. Part of his family watched the match from the stands.
Adeyemi and Gordon, the new signings, were indeed received with applause. But the biggest ovation went to Rodri. The midfielder, who arrived in Barcelona on Monday and signed his contract until 2030 on Tuesday, stepped onto the pitch, thanked the reception, and returned the affection with applause. The Madrid native is already a true idol. He had already trained with the team in the morning but did not debut against Al-Ahly and followed the match from the front row of Camp Nou.
His closest family members were in the stands. His parents, Antonio Hernández, an engineer, and Elena Cascante, a marketing director. Both came from León and moved to Madrid, where Rodri was born. He also has two younger brothers, Gonzalo and Álvaro. Gonzalo, who also played football, studied in the United States on a scholarship, while Álvaro studied in Manchester. His partner, Laura Iglesias, who studied Medicine and later became a surgeon, was also present. They have been together for about a decade and met at the Universitat Jaume I in Castellón, where Rodri studied Business Administration and Management while developing his football career.
In the box, president Joan Laporta and Deco watched the scene very happily. The sporting director was also attentive to his phone: Barça still needs a number nine, and the waiting margin for Julián Álvarez and Atlético de Madrid is running out.
Meanwhile, other names are starting to appear in the blaugrana environment, such as Lautaro Martínez. Next to Rodri in the stands smiled João Cancelo. The Portuguese arrives on a free transfer after terminating the remaining year of his contract with Saudi Al-Hilal. He will wear number 2 but did not have space in the presentation because the formalities of his signing have not yet been completed. After two non-consecutive loans, there will be no problems; third time’s the charm, and he will sign his dream contract for 3 seasons.
The day I lost my father I received a lot of support and affection from the Barça family. From here, on behalf of myself and my family, I want to thank you
Hansi Flick
Then came the speeches. Hansi Flick, in his third season leading Barcelona, delivered a sensitive and emotional speech mixing Catalan and English. The German coach wanted to thank the support received from the blaugrana family after the death of his father, who passed away in the early hours of May 10, 2026, at 78 years old, just hours before the league clásico against Real Madrid at Camp Nou that brought Barça even closer to their third league title.
“Thank you very much for everything. Thank you for your support this new season. The day I lost my father I received a lot of support and affection from the Barça family. From here, on behalf of myself and my family, I want to thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much,” he said.
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I would like to congratulate the world champions. They have done a spectacular job. Be proud of it
Raphinha
He then focused on sports: “On Sunday we start a new season. We have a team with a lot of quality. We are ready to fight hard every day for all the titles. We need your support. We need you. Together we are stronger. Visca Barça and visca Catalunya!” he concluded, receiving a loud ovation. Everyone loves Flick.
The next to speak was Raphinha, who debuted as captain. The Brazilian began his speech remembering Roony Bardghji, who is going through a difficult time after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will be out for 6 to 7 months. An injury that has prevented him from seeking another team to continue gaining minutes beyond Barcelona. “For anything he needs, we will be available. He is one of us,” said Raphinha, chosen by Flick as the captain precisely for this kind of gesture and his influence in the team.
“We wish Roony a speedy recovery. He is going through a difficult moment in his career and needs our support. He is an incredible player. I want to tell him that for anything he needs, we will be available. He is one of us,” said the Brazilian, chosen by Flick to be captain precisely for this kind of gesture and his influence in the team.
“Then I would like to congratulate the world champions. They have done a spectacular job. Be proud of it. You are role models in world football. Congratulations,” he added, looking at the 8 Spanish world champions: Pedri, Gavi, Cubarsí, Dani Olmo, Eric Garcia, Lamine Yamal, Joan Garcia, and now also Rodri, who lifted the World Cup on July 19. Exactly one month ago today.
After the applause, Raphinha continued. “Welcome to the new players and also to the new members of the coaching staff. Wearing this shirt is a huge responsibility, but it is also the most beautiful thing in my life, and I am sure it will be the same for them. For everything, on and off the field, we will be available to help them and make them feel at home,” concluded Raphinha, this time looking at Adeyemi, Gordon, and Rodri, but also at Hamza and Bisiwu.
“Finally, we continue growing as a team, fighting as a team, and we will need everyone’s support throughout the season. As you have always done, we are sure you will continue to do so. Together we are very strong. Only together will we fight for all possible titles. Visca el Barça sempre i visca Catalunya sempre!” concluded the captain, warmly applauded by Camp Nou.
Cancelo, in the stands
The presentation also included space for Flick’s staff, including Benjamin Kugel, the new fitness coach, and the youth players from the reserve team who are in the first team dynamic: Xavi Espart, Orian Goren, Jordi Pesquer, Ebrima Tunkara, Hamza Abdelkarim, Álvaro Cortés, and goalkeepers Eder Aller and Iker Rodríguez. Héctor Fort and Marc Casadó also appeared, with numbers 12 and 17 respectively, although both are seeking to leave the team and no longer have assigned numbers on LaLiga’s website. Both watched the match from the stands, in the same row as João Cancelo and Rodri, with Frenkie de Jong at one end.
The team will officially start the season on Sunday in Elche with the goal of winning their third consecutive league title against Mourinho’s Real Madrid, and, surely, Atlético with Julián Álvarez. But above all, with the longed-for Champions League as the main objective. The experience of the eight Spanish internationals after winning the World Cup, Rodri’s influence, and Raphinha’s captaincy are Flick’s best allies. By the way, on Thursday before the match against Athletic Club, there will be a tribute to the eight World Champions.
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