Sophia
Barcelona embarks on a monumental mission this season: to reclaim European supremacy and end a decade-plus drought in the UEFA Champions League. The Catalan giants are more determined than ever to hoist the coveted trophy, a prize that has eluded them since their last triumph in the 2014-15 season.
The Undeniable Desire for European Silverware
For Barcelona, the Champions League isn’t just another competition; it’s an obsession. Having dominated Europe with four of their five titles between 2006 and 2015, the club and its passionate fanbase, known as ‘Culés’, are desperate to bring the trophy back to Catalonia. This desire intensified last season when they came agonizingly close to the final, only to suffer a dramatic extra-time defeat to Inter Milan in a semifinal clash that will be remembered as one of the competition’s most thrilling encounters.
Hansi Flick’s Second Season: A Renewed Hope
Under the guidance of Head Coach Hansi Flick, now in his second season, Barcelona aims to go all the way. The upcoming league phase promises a rigorous test, with marquee clashes against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain and Club World Cup holders Chelsea. These high-stakes encounters will undoubtedly prepare Los Blaugranas for the intense knockout rounds that lie ahead.
Barcelona’s Formidable 23-Man Champions League Squad
Here is the full 23-man squad registered for the UEFA Champions League league phase, a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned veteran experience, ready to take on Europe’s elite.
Goalkeepers
- Joan García (24)
- Marc-André ter Stegen (33)
- Wojciech Szczęsny (35)
Defenders
- Jules Koundé (26) – Right-Back
- Eric García (24) – Right-Back/Centre-Back
- Ronald Araújo (26) – Centre-Back
- Pau Cubarsí (18) – Centre-Back
- Andreas Christensen (29) – Centre-Back
- Alejandro Balde (21) – Left-Back
- Gerard Martín (23) – Left-Back
Midfielders
- Marc Casadó (21) – Central Midfielder
- Gavi (21) – Central Midfielder
- Marc Bernal (18) – Central Midfielder
- Pedri (22) – Central Midfielder
- Frenkie de Jong (28) – Central Midfielder
Forwards
- Lamine Yamal (18) – Right-Winger
- Roony Bardghji (19) – Right-Winger
- Dani Olmo (27) – Attacking Midfielder
- Fermín López (22) – Attacking Midfielder
- Raphinha (28) – Left-Winger
- Marcus Rashford (27) – Left-Winger
- Robert Lewandowski (37) – Striker
- Ferran Torres (25) – Striker
A Blend of Youthful Talent and Experienced Prowess
This Barcelona squad is truly formidable, boasting a rich mix of young, world-class talents like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Pau Cubarsí, alongside elite veterans and difference-makers such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Frenkie de Jong. All three of Barcelona’s summer transfer window signings—Joan García, Marcus Rashford, and Roony Bardghji—have been successfully registered and are available for Champions League action, adding significant depth and quality to the squad.
Key Absences and Rising Stars
While the squad list holds few surprises, two names, in particular, stand out. Club captain Marc-André ter Stegen, a cornerstone of Barcelona’s defense, is currently sidelined until late December after undergoing back surgery. While the league phase extends into January, offering a potential return, speculation suggests he might consider a move in the second half of the season, potentially passing the torch to García.
Another intriguing inclusion is 18-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal. The La Masia graduate, who started the first three games of the Flick era, has been out for over a year due to an ACL injury. Bernal is nearing his return, and with many viewing him as the heir to Sergio Busquets and the future of Barcelona’s midfield, he could play a crucial role as the season progresses.
The Road Ahead: Top Eight and Beyond
Beyond the primary squad, Flick also has the option to call up players from Barça Atlètic (the B team) for Champions League matches, further bolstering his options. With one of Europe’s most powerful squads at his disposal, Barcelona is well-equipped to finish in the top eight of the league phase, securing direct qualification to the Champions League Round of 16. The journey to European glory begins now, and Barcelona is ready to write its next chapter.
