Araujo stays at Barcelona: captaincy still in sight after World Cup setback

Ronald Araujo has confirmed he will remain at Barcelona and fulfill his contract despite speculation over his future. The Uruguayan defender, one of the club’s captains, signed a five-year deal in January 2025 that runs until 2031 and has no plans to leave Camp Nou.

Araujo’s decision follows a challenging 2025/26 season in which he missed games due to mental health issues and struggled for minutes under Hansi Flick. The defender, who has been a Barcelona player for five seasons, endured further disruption when he suffered an injury in the week before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ruling him out of Uruguay’s tournament campaign.

Uruguay, managed by Marcelo Bielsa, were eliminated at the group stage after defeat to Spain, with Araujo watching from the stands. The centre-back’s preparations for the competition were cut short by the injury, adding to a difficult period both personally and professionally.

Should Marc-André ter Stegen leave Barcelona this summer, Araujo is expected to become a leading candidate for the captaincy. The Uruguayan’s leadership credentials have been noted by the club, which has continued to back him despite recent setbacks.

His standing in Hansi Flick’s squad remains uncertain, however. Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Gerard Martín, and Andreas Christensen were all preferred to Araujo in defence last season, and Barcelona are not ruling out another defensive signing. Despite this, Araujo’s long-term contract and the club’s ongoing confidence in him suggest his future is at Camp Nou.

The 27-year-old now turns his focus to the new season, with the captaincy potentially within reach if Ter Stegen departs.