FC Barcelona have officially confirmed their first-team squad numbers for the season, with significant changes for goalkeeper Joan García and midfielder Fermín López. The news, first reported by MSN, details the official assignments communicated by the club this week.
Joan García, the 22-year-old goalkeeper promoted from the B team, will take over the number 13 shirt vacated by Marc-André ter Stegen. Fermín López, one of the breakout stars of last campaign, moves from number 32 to wear 16. These shifts reflect the new status of both players within Hansi Flick's project.
What do the number changes mean?
In modern football, a number change often goes beyond symbolism. For Joan García, inheriting the 13 from a starting keeper like Ter Stegen is a clear vote of confidence. It signals he is viewed as a genuine option for the Blaugrana goal, especially considering the German's long-term injury. Fermín, meanwhile, trades a typical academy number for a more established midfield digit, 16, previously worn by players like Sergio Busquets. This move aligns with his consolidation in the first team.
Barcelona's squad for the 2026/27 season has 25 players registered in LaLiga. You can check the full list and their data on our squad page. The team retains its key figures with their iconic numbers: Robert Lewandowski keeps 9, Pedri stays with 8, and Lamine Yamal remains 19.
How is the squad distributed by position?
The number assignment also provides a snapshot of the team's depth. In goal, besides García with 13, Iñaki Peña retains the number 1 shirt. The defence is spread across low numbers, with Ronald Araujo (4), Jules Koundé (23), and Alejandro Balde (28) as pillars. In midfield, the new interior pairing could be the aforementioned Fermín (16) and new signing Joshua Kimmich, who sports the number 6.
A look at the available numbers shows some strategic gaps. The iconic number 10 shirt remains unassigned for now. The same is true for number 24, left free by Eric García's departure. These slots could be reserved for future signings or academy promotions during the winter transfer window.
What is the impact on season planning?
The confirmation of squad numbers comes at a key point in the pre-season. Hansi Flick is now working with a defined group, allowing for finer tactical tuning. Having numbers assigned also aids the logistics of merchandising and kit preparation. For the players, it's another step in their official integration.
The next major test for this team with its new numerical identities is a league fixture. Barcelona face Valencia at Mestalla on Sunday, September 13th, a match already listed on our fixtures calendar.
The Blaugrana squad faces a season with 58 official matches on the horizon across League, Champions League, and Copa del Rey. The last time the number 16 was worn by a homegrown midfielder was in the Sergi Roberto era, before it was used by defenders like Eric García. Fermín López will look to write his own chapter with that shirt.
