Jul 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen (1) kicks the ball away from Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior (7) during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

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Ter Stegen Regains Barcelona Captaincy After Resolving Injury Dispute

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has been reinstated as Barcelona captain after disciplinary proceedings against him were dropped, ending a dramatic 24-hour standoff with the club. The German goalkeeper had been stripped of the armband over a dispute relating to his back surgery in July and the handling of his medical data.

The veteran shot-stopper underwent back surgery at the end of July. The dispute between Barcelona and Ter Stegen began when the goalkeeper refused to let Barcelona share his medical data with La Liga. Later, Ter Stegen announced on social media that he would be sidelined for three months. La Liga rules require a player to be out for a minimum of four months to be considered a long-term injury. As a result, Ter Stegen’s behaviour frustrated Barcelona’s management.

Ter Stegen Defends Himself on Social Media

After Barcelona removed goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen from the club captaincy, the goalkeeper took to social media to defend himself. Ter Stegen released a statement and expresssed his willingness to cooperate with the La Liga champions.

His statement read: “In recent weeks, many things have been said about me – some of them entirely unfounded. Therefore, I feel it is necessary to express my version of events respectfully, yet clearly. I am fully willing to collaborate with the club’s management to resolve this matter and to provide the requested authorisation.”

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As a result, the situation was resolved on Friday with Ter Stegen signing the necessary forms, which will enable the club to submit his medical report to La Liga. This will now allow Barcelona to free up salary space for player registrations. Barca’s summer business has included signing goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol and bringing in Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United.

FC Barcelona official statementhttps://t.co/igQa8YJln6
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 8, 2025

Ter Stegen has made over 400 appearances for Barcelona since joining from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014. The 33-year-old has won six La Liga titles and one Champions League trophy with the Spanish giants.

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.