Barcelona Announces Rodri Will Wear No. 16 Jersey for Upcoming Season
Barcelona has officially confirmed that Rodri, their new summer signing, will don the No. 16 jersey during the 2026/27 season. Fans can already purchase shirts featuring this number at the club store.
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The Spanish midfielder arrived at Barça with ambitious goals for his new chapter, stating, “Let’s go for the Champions League and everything that comes our way,” upon his arrival in the city.
Familiar with the No. 16, the 30-year-old has previously worn this number during his career with Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, and the Spanish national team.
However, Rodri’s move means a change for another key player at Barcelona.
Fermin Lopez Leaves No. 16 Shirt Behind
The No. 16 shirt was formerly assigned to Fermin Lopez. Advertisement
The La Masia midfielder was in possession of this number when Barcelona played FC Basel last week. Following the departure of Ferran Torres, he has now taken the vacant No. 7 shirt.
Thus, Rodri has been able to secure his preferred No. 16 jersey at his new club.
This decision is significant as Barcelona’s squad numbers are set to experience various alterations ahead of the new season.
As new players join the roster and others may switch roles or depart, the situation surrounding squad numbers remains dynamic.
For Rodri, however, this matter is now resolved.
Barcelona’s No. 16 (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
The seasoned midfielder will begin his Barcelona journey with a number that has accompanied him at crucial moments in his career.
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Cancelo’s Potential Impact on Squad Numbers
Another shirt number that may see changes is the No. 2.
This number is currently available and could be reassigned if Barcelona completes a deal to bring Joao Cancelo back to the team.
The Portuguese defender previously wore the No. 2 during his time with the club, making it a likely choice if he returns.
Once this transfer is finalized, another familiar number may find a new recipient.
Barcelona have officially confirmed the shirt number Rodri will wear during the 2026/27 season, with the club’s new summer signing taking over the No. 16 jersey.
The shirts bearing that number are already available for sale at the club store.
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The Spanish midfielder arrived at Barça with a clear message about what he hopes to achieve in his new chapter.
“Let’s go for the Champions League and everything that comes our way,” he had said upon arriving in the city.
Notably, the No. 16 shirt is familiar territory for the 30-year-old, who has worn the number at different stages of his career with Atletico Madrid, Manchester City and the Spanish national team.
However, Rodri’s arrival creates a change for another important Barcelona player.
Fermin Lopez has left the No. 16 shirt behind
The No. 16 shirt previously belonged to Fermin Lopez.
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The La Masia midfielder was still wearing the number when Barcelona faced FC Basel last week, but following Ferran Torres’ exit, he has been handed the vacant No. 7 shirt.
And, Rodri has taken his preferred No. 16 kit at his new club.
The decision is notable because Barcelona’s squad numbers are expected to undergo several changes ahead of the new season.
With new arrivals coming into the group and players potentially changing roles or leaving, the numbering situation remains fluid.
For Rodri, though, the matter is now settled.
Barcelona’s No. 16 (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
The experienced midfielder will begin his Barcelona career wearing a number that has followed him through several important stages of his career.
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Cancelo could also trigger another change
As reported before, another shirt number to watch is the No. 2.
The number is currently available, and it could become relevant once Barcelona complete a deal to bring Joao Cancelo back to the club.
The Portuguese full-back previously wore the No. 2 shirt during his earlier spell with the Blaugrana, making it the natural choice should he return.
Once the transfer goes through, another familiar number could find a new owner.
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