Barcelona has officially submitted their 23-player squad list for the Champions League 2025/26 season, with the most shocking inclusion being injured captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Despite facing a four-month injury layoff following back surgery, the German goalkeeper has been named in Barcelona’s A-list squad alongside new signings Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji, creating one of the most intriguing squad selections in recent Champions League history.
Table of Contents
The Strategic Squad Composition Breakdown
Barcelona has formally confirmed their squad list to UEFA for the 2025/26 Champions League, which kicks off this month. La Blaugrana have sent their 23-player A list to UEFA, alongside all 31 teams competing in the league phase, as per tournament rules.
| Position Group | Players | Key Additions | Notable Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | 3 | Szczesny, Garcia | None |
| Defenders | 7 | None | Inigo Martinez |
| Midfielders | 6 | None | Several departures |
| Forwards | 7 | Rashford, Bardghji | Previous loanees |
The most eyebrow-raising decision involves ter Stegen, who is not expected back in action until at least the start of 2026, following surgery on a back problem, and a summer of chaos over his status.
Ter Stegen’s Controversial Inclusion: The Captain’s Gamble
Rules over La Liga registrations are not carried over into the Champions League, and Hansi Flick has included captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Roony Bardghji. Both players are not currently registered as La Liga players – for different reasons – but they can be involved in Europe.
Ter Stegen’s Injury Timeline and Recovery
| Phase | Timeline | Status | Competition Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery | August 2025 | Completed | Missed season start |
| Recovery | Sep-Dec 2025 | Ongoing rehabilitation | Out of group stages |
| Return Target | January 2026 | Hopeful comeback | Knockout rounds |
After the club started disciplinary proceedings against the Germany international, following his refusal to release medical reports to La Liga, a settlement was reached. This resolution allowed Barcelona to maintain their captain in European competition despite domestic registration issues.
The Marcus Rashford Factor: Premier League Star’s European Debut
New signings Joan Garcia, Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji are all included and will be hoping to make their Champions League debuts for the club shortly. The English international’s inclusion represents Barcelona’s most high-profile summer acquisition.
Rashford’s Barcelona Journey So Far
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Transfer Type | Season-long loan from Manchester United |
| Purchase Option | Included in agreement |
| Position | Forward/Left Wing |
| Squad Number | TBC |
| Previous CL Experience | Extensive with United |
In July 2025 FC Barcelona and Manchester United reached an agreement for the loan of Marcus Rashford, the English striker becoming part of Hansi Flick’s squad. His Champions League experience with Manchester United makes him an immediate impact player for Barcelona’s European campaign.
Roony Bardghji: The Rising Danish Star
The 19-year-old Danish sensation represents Barcelona’s investment in future talent. Bardghji was the final player not registered before the September 1 deadline as the club classified him as a Barca Atletic player, but his Champions League inclusion signals first-team intentions.
Complete Barcelona Champions League Squad Analysis
Barcelona’s official Champions League squad showcases Hansi Flick’s tactical flexibility and long-term planning:
The Full 23-Player Squad List
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny |
| Defenders | Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen |
| Midfielders | Marc Casado, Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, Fermin Lopez |
| Forwards | Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Marcus Rashford, Ferran Torres, Roony Bardghji |
Registration Strategy: UEFA vs La Liga Rules
The fundamental difference between Champions League and La Liga registration rules has allowed Barcelona to include players unavailable domestically. Rules over La Liga registrations are not carried over into the Champions League and Hansi Flick has included captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Roony Bardghji.
This strategic approach demonstrates Barcelona’s prioritization of European success, potentially sacrificing domestic squad depth for Champions League flexibility.
Financial Implications and Squad Planning
His four month absence released ‘salary space’ for La Liga to accept Joan Garcia’s registration. This financial maneuvering showcases Barcelona’s creative approach to squad management under financial constraints.
The inclusion of ter Stegen despite his injury maintains squad continuity while allowing Barcelona to register other players domestically, demonstrating sophisticated registration strategy.
Tactical Implications for Hansi Flick
Flick’s squad selection reveals several tactical preferences:
- Goalkeeping depth: Three quality options despite ter Stegen’s injury
- Attacking versatility: Multiple options across forward positions
- Youth integration: Bardghji’s inclusion signals development pathway
- Experience balance: Veteran leadership combined with emerging talent
The B-List Factor: Future Prospects
The below list only includes the A squad, with the B list set to be released soon, and Guille Fernández, Toni Fernández, Dro, Jofre Torrents and Diego Kochen will be named on it. This additional squad depth provides Barcelona with unprecedented Champions League flexibility.
European Competition Timeline and Expectations
Ter Stegen could be back in time for the January final round of league phase matches or potential knockouts from February onwards. This timeline creates intriguing scenarios for Barcelona’s Champions League campaign.
The captain’s potential return coincides with knockout stages, when his experience and leadership could prove crucial for Barcelona’s European ambitions.
Read More: Barcelona Defender Alejandro Balde Injured: Three Weeks Out With Hamstring Problem
FAQs
Why did Barcelona include the injured ter Stegen in their Champions League squad?
Barcelona included ter Stegen because Champions League registration rules differ from La Liga, and his expected January return coincides with knockout stages where his experience could be crucial.
Can Marcus Rashford play in the Champions League immediately for Barcelona?
Yes, Rashford has been registered in Barcelona’s A-list squad and can play in the Champions League immediately, despite any La Liga registration complexities.
What is the difference between Barcelona’s A-list and B-list Champions League squads?
The A-list contains 23 senior players available for all matches, while the B-list includes younger academy players who can be called up when needed during the competition.
How many new signings are in Barcelona’s Champions League squad?
Barcelona has included three new signings in their Champions League squad: Marcus Rashford (loan from Manchester United), Joan Garcia (goalkeeper), and Roony Bardghji (from FC Copenhagen).
When could ter Stegen potentially return to play in the Champions League?
Ter Stegen is expected to return around January 2026, potentially in time for the final league phase matches or the knockout rounds, following his recovery from back surgery.
