Barcelona are flying. Five wins from five league games, 19 goals scored, and a three-point cushion at the top of LaLiga paint the picture of a club with real momentum behind them as the 2026-27 season takes shape. The 4-2 win at Levante was the latest statement of intent from Hansi Flick's side, and they now host Racing Santander at Spotify Camp Nou looking to maintain that perfect domestic record.

Off the pitch, the conversation around Lamine Yamal has become impossible to ignore. The 19-year-old has publicly declared himself a Ballon d'Or contender, and the club is firmly behind that campaign. Flick has backed his winger without hesitation, dismissing concerns about ego and pointing to a trophy haul that speaks for itself. Super-agent Jorge Mendes has gone further, calling Yamal the best player in the world by some distance. Not everyone agrees: Diego Simeone has backed Lionel Messi, citing his World Cup performances at 39, but the weight of opinion inside and around Camp Nou sits firmly with the teenager.

Rodri's arrival from Manchester City has added another layer of intrigue. The Spain captain rejected Real Madrid to join Barcelona, later revealing that Jose Mourinho called him personally in a bid to change his mind. Despite that marquee status, Rodri was left out of the club's captaincy hierarchy, with Yamal handed a leadership role instead. Rodri has kept expectations measured on Europe, insisting discipline must come before flair if Barcelona are to go deep in the Champions League.