Joel Parra steps up as a leader at Barça: “I like having this responsibility within the team”

By Alex Molina / amolina@eurohoops.net

Joel Parra is undoubtedly a key figure for Barça. The Spanish international was the only player on the roster to have his contract renewed—a clear sign of the club’s confidence in him—and his performance on the court has been exemplary; he delivered a Catalan League campaign that cemented his status as one of the team’s leaders.

Stepping into this leadership role is precisely one of the major challenges the left-hander faces this season. He will serve as one of the team’s three captains and is one of only four players returning from the previous campaign. He takes on this responsibility at what is arguably the best moment of his career—in terms of both statistics and his own feeling of form—making it the perfect time to sit down with Eurohoops and discuss a season that promises to be fascinating, if nothing else.

You had a very positive Catalan League, both individually and collectively; in fact, the MVP, Justin Robinson, said you probably deserved the award more than he did. Beyond winning the title, what takeaways and lessons did you gain from the tournament, and what aspects of this new Barça squad did you particularly like?

What stands out most to me is how we grew from game to game. When we faced tough moments—like in Manresa and Lleida—the team knew how to react. It’s easy when everything is going well, but this Catalan League showed us that the team can compete and stay united. We improved throughout the three games, which was our goal.

You arrived at Barça at a young age as a high-profile signing, and over the last few seasons, you’ve taken on an increasingly prominent role within the team. In fact, it’s clear to everyone that you are one of the squad’s leaders. How would you describe that evolution, and how do you feel in this role?

I think it’s a natural progression. I went from playing at Joventut—where I played a major role and felt very important—to a big club like Barça, which has different objectives compared to Joventut: here at Barça, the main goal is to compete for every single title. My progress has been steady—with its ups and downs, certainly, but it has been a normal process, and that process is still ongoing. This year, I feel very confident, thanks in part to the support from the club, my teammates, and the coaching staff. I’m very happy and eager for the season to start so I can give it my all.

Joel Parra ha ido creciendo hasta ser uno de los líderes del Barça

💙❤ “Pasé de estar en el Joventut, donde me sentía muy importante, a un club grande como el Barça, con objetivos diferentes”

💪 “Este año me siento con mucha confianza, muy contento y con muchas ganas” pic.twitter.com/1lfpYjdaVr

— Alex Molina (@alex30mp) September 16, 2026

In fact, this summer you were chosen as one of Barça’s three captains, alongside Kevin Punter and Darío Brizuela. What did it mean to you to take on that responsibility, and what does being a Barça captain mean to you personally?

I’m handling it very well. The role of captain has to be reflected in day-to-day life and on the court—by setting an example. It’s a responsibility I enjoy; I like carrying that weight within the team. Helping the young players and those in their first year—and we have quite a few of them—and trying to get them integrated as quickly as possible. I’m really eager to take on this role within the team, and I’m ready for it.

You also renewed your contract with Barça this summer. Did that renewal come with extra responsibility or pressure, knowing the club trusts you and expects you to play a key role in this new project?

Responsibility, rather than pressure. From the moment I arrived at Barça, the club has supported me in everything; I’ve felt truly backed. I’m very grateful for the trust they showed me with the renewal this summer. All that’s left for me to do is repay that trust through sacrifice, hard work, and by setting an example—both on the court and in our daily routine. It’s a responsibility, not pressure.

This Barça squad has a very different profile compared to last season—obviously with many new players and much more physical presence, which Xevi Pujol had stated was the goal. Do you think this shift in mentality and profile was what Barça needed—something that was missing in previous years?

It’s true that there has been a clear shift—younger, fresher players; that’s obvious. There’s also been a change in playing style compared to what we were doing before at Barça. I wouldn’t say whether it’s better or worse; having experienced veterans has its pros and cons, just as having players with less experience does. I won’t get into that debate: the team we have is built for this style of play, and it’s going to benefit us. It will be a process—we still have things to fine-tune—but we’re on the right track, and that’s the most important thing.

Given the players’ versatility, one of the big questions is whether Joel Parra will play as a small forward or a power forward. Which do you prefer?

As long as I’m on the court and can help the team win, the position doesn’t matter to me. I feel very comfortable in both roles; each offers different advantages. The important thing is being out there and helping the team secure a win.

You’ve been part of the Spanish national team for several years, and now Spain is fighting to qualify for the upcoming World Cup. How are you experiencing this situation, and how important is it for you to help the team qualify?

While the results this summer weren’t what we expected, our fate is still in our own hands. That’s a real positive. I feel good about the national team; we’re going through a generational transition, which takes time. I believe we have very young players with incredible potential who will play key roles for the team for years to come. It’s a process, and despite the setbacks, we still control our own destiny. Our goal remains the same: qualifying for the next World Cup. Even though players from the EuroLeague and the NBA won’t be available, we have more than enough talent to achieve the goal we’ve all set for ourselves.

This weekend, Barça returns to the Super Cup in a place that is very special to you—Badalona—and does so with a clear goal: to win the title after an eleven-year drought. Despite injury issues, how is the team approaching this major challenge?

We are approaching the Super Cup with great excitement; we know there are still things to fine-tune, but it is the first title of the season. It is very important to us because it would provide a huge morale boost for both the locker room and the fans. We are arriving with high hopes; it’s taking place in a special location—my hometown, surrounded by my people. Winning it would mean a lot to me, though we know it won’t be easy—we’re up against a strong opponent in Valencia—but we are already preparing for this first title of the season, which is one of our objectives.

Looking ahead to the end of the season, what would you like people to say about Joel Parra and this Barça team? What personal goals have you set for yourself?

I don’t like to talk about titles, but both the team and I are fully aware of where we stand. We could have a great regular season in the EuroLeague and the Liga Endesa, but if we don’t win a title… at Barça, it isn’t considered a good season. I believe we have the team to aim for everything—to compete for every trophy—starting this Saturday. So, the goal is winning titles; I couldn’t tell you exactly how many, but as many as possible.