List of Premier League captains: Leaders of the game
If we’ve learned anything from watching Euro 2024, it’s that being club captain is about more than just wearing the armband. In domestic football, being your club’s captain means so much more. As we head into the 2024-25 Premier League season, some clubs will have long-standing captains, while others will be new to the role. Who will be the main captain this season? Let’s review the list of premier league captains with Premiumsoccertips.net through the following article!
Every Premier League club to captain in 2024-25
1. Arsenal: Martin Odegaard
Real Madrid were impatient with Martin Ødegaard, but Arsenal gave him time and opportunity to develop, and that trust has been rewarded. The Norwegian midfielder initially joined Arsenal on loan in 2021, before being bought permanently in the summer of the same year. Under Mikel Arteta, Ødegaard quickly became a key player in the team’s style of play. With his technical prowess, tactical insight and ability to dictate the tempo of a game, he has established himself as one of the world’s top attacking midfielders. Not only has he contributed with goals and assists, but he has also shown leadership qualities, helping Arsenal compete for trophies both domestically and in Europe.
The big turning point came at the start of the 2022-23 season, when Ødegaard was officially named Arsenal captain. At just 25 years old, he has shown incredible maturity in both his playing style and his leadership. Under his guidance, Arsenal have continued to improve, becoming one of the top teams in the Premier League. With his consistent form and irreplaceable role, Ødegaard can absolutely continue to wear the Arsenal captain’s armband for many years to come. There is no reason for him or the club to change, as this is the perfect relationship, where Ødegaard’s talent is fully developed and Arsenal has an excellent leader to look to for the future.
2. Aston Villa: John McGinn
Aston Villa are having a big season, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in decades. This achievement not only marks the club’s return to the continental stage but also confirms their strong progress under coach Unai Emery. Villa’s next target is to continue to maintain this position next season, and to do that, they will need excellent performances from their key players, including John McGinn. The Scottish midfielder has long been the soul of Aston Villa’s midfield, contributing greatly to the stability and success of the team. Since joining in 2018, McGinn has not only proven his ability to control the tempo and support the attack, but also brought an uncompromising fighting spirit that has made him an irreplaceable factor.
McGinn was given the captain’s armband at the same time Martin Ødegaard became Arsenal’s captain. However, only one of the two will experience the Champions League atmosphere for the first time. For McGinn, this is not only an important milestone in his career but also an opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage in Europe. He will be a solid support for Aston Villa in their journey to conquer the continent, while helping the team maintain their form in the Premier League to continue to be present in this prestigious arena in the future.
3. Bournemouth: Neto
Brazilian goalkeeper Neto has had an interesting career journey, playing for many big clubs in Europe. He has played for Juventus and Barcelona, two of the most famous clubs in the world. However, at these clubs, Neto’s playing opportunities were quite limited due to competition from top goalkeepers. Although he did not play much, he still gained valuable experience playing in a top environment. After a period of mainly playing as a reserve, Neto decided to look for more regular playing opportunities, and Bournemouth was the place where he could show his ability.
Joining Bournemouth, Neto quickly affirmed his value as an experienced goalkeeper. He became a reliable stopper in goal and had a great influence in the dressing room. As a result, in the 2022-23 season, he was given the captain’s armband, a recognition of his importance to the team. Despite Bournemouth’s coaching changes, Neto still maintains his leadership role, continuing to lead the team in the Premier League. With his consistent performance and extensive experience, he is a key factor in helping Bournemouth maintain a safe position in the middle of the rankings and aim for higher goals in the future.
4. Brentford: Christian Norgaard
Christian Nørgaard had a big career change when he left hometown club Brøndby to join Fiorentina. However, Italian football was not his long-term destination. After a short spell in Serie A, the Danish defensive midfielder decided to reunite with coach Thomas Frank, who had coached him at the Danish U17 team. Brentford were still playing in the Championship at the time, but Nørgaard was not afraid to take on the challenge. The decision helped him regain his form and become an important factor in the Brentford squad, playing a key role in the midfield with his ability to intercept, win the ball back and organize play.
Nørgaard’s hard work paid off when he played a key role in Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League in 2021. The team quickly adapted to the rigours of the English top flight, and Nørgaard became one of the most important players in the squad. His consistency and influence on and off the pitch earned him the Brentford captaincy, a recognition of his irreplaceable contribution. From a player who left Serie A to play in the Championship, Nørgaard is now the captain of a Premier League club, a testament to his tenacity and determination to stay on the right path.
5. Brighton & Hove Albion: Lewis Dunk
If you’re not a Brighton fan, it’s probably hard to associate a particular player with the club. However, for those who do, no one represents Brighton more than Lewis Dunk. The English centre-back has been with the club since their League One days, rising through the Championship to become a stable mid-table Premier League club. Throughout that journey, Dunk has been a reliable stopper in defence, contributing greatly to Brighton’s continued progress. Few players in modern football have been as committed to a club for as long as he has, and that makes him an icon of the club.
Now aged 32, Dunk has made over 450 appearances for Brighton, an impressive record that demonstrates his longevity and unwavering loyalty. Ahead of the 2019-20 season, he was made captain, demonstrating leadership not only on the pitch but also in the dressing room. Since then, despite Brighton’s managerial changes, with three different managers in charge, Dunk has always maintained his captaincy, demonstrating his importance to the team and the absolute trust that the coaching staff have in the veteran centre-back.
6. Chelsea: Reece James
Chelsea have been through a turbulent few years, with rapid changes to both the squad and the coaching staff. Since the start of 2021, the club has appointed six different managers, while the transfer market has seen a series of signings come and go at a dizzying pace. Against this backdrop, Reece James was named captain ahead of the 2023-24 season, with the expectation that he would become the new leader of the team. However, things have not gone as planned. Injury problems have continued to plague the right-back, limiting him to just 10 appearances all season.
Not only has his appearances been limited, James has also had to deal with a red card towards the end of the season, meaning he will miss Chelsea’s 2024-25 campaign. It’s certainly not an easy time for the England international, with the club still searching for stability. When he returns, James will need to prove he can maintain his captaincy and help Chelsea overcome the turmoil and regain their status. However, given the club’s recent tumultuous history, his future as a leader remains a big question mark.
7. Crystal Palace: Joel Ward
Joel Ward joined Crystal Palace in the 2012-13 season, just as the club were about to exit the Championship and gain promotion to the Premier League. Since then, the England defender has been an integral part of Palace’s journey, playing a key role in helping the club maintain their place in the top flight. Over the course of more than a decade, Ward has been not only a reliable defender but also a model of consistency and commitment to the club. When Palace have faced difficult seasons, he has been a key part of the defence, helping the club avoid relegation on several occasions.
Ward will be 35 by the time the 2024-25 season begins, an age when many players consider retiring or leaving for other challenges. However, he has remained at Crystal Palace, despite having signed short-term contracts in recent years, a testament to both his loyalty and the importance he continues to hold for the club. At least he has stayed long enough to be made captain ahead of the 2023-24 season, a fitting recognition of his contributions over the years. While his future may not be long, Ward remains a symbol of stability at Crystal Palace, a player who has seen and contributed to the club’s continued development.
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8. Everton: Seamus Coleman
Seamus Coleman has been with Everton since 2009, becoming one of the most loyal players in the club’s history. Over the past decade, the Irish defender has seen everything from European Cup finals to relegation battles. Coleman is not only a reliable right-back with a fiery style of play, but also a role model for the fighting spirit Everton fans will always cherish. He has not only been a club and national team regular for many years, representing a level of consistency and loyalty that is rare in modern football.
At the start of the 2019-20 season, Coleman was appointed Everton captain, a role he has held for many years, despite changes in management and squad. Now in his mid-30s, he remains a key part of the team, although his playing time may be affected by injuries and competition from younger players. Given his longevity, it would be no surprise if Coleman decides to end his career at Everton, becoming one of the club’s legends. However, if he were to seek a new challenge before retiring, he could well choose MLS or the Saudi Pro League, both attractive destinations for experienced players at the end of their careers. Whatever he chooses, Coleman’s legacy at Goodison Park will be remembered.
9. Fulham: Tom Cairney
Tom Cairney has been a key figure in Fulham’s midfield for many years, accompanying the club through promotion and relegation between the Premier League and Championship. Despite this instability, Cairney has always been an important part of the team, contributing consistently to the team’s overall play. Last season, the midfielder made 34 Premier League appearances, showing that he is still a valuable asset despite his long tenure at the club. Cairney’s creativity, good ball control and vast experience have helped Fulham remain competitive against stronger sides.
Cairney was made captain at the start of the 2016-17 season, replacing Scott Parker, and has since become one of the longest-serving captains in the Premier League. His leadership role was not limited to the pitch, but also in the dressing room, where he helped guide his teammates through difficult times. With over a decade at Fulham, Cairney was not only a key player but also a club icon. While the future may bring changes, he remains an integral part of Fulham’s modern history.
10. Ipswich Town: Sam Morsy
Ipswich Town have been waiting for a return to the Premier League for many years, and when they finally got the chance, they decided to hand the captaincy to Egyptian international midfielder Sam Morsy. Morsy had spent many years at Wigan Athletic before joining Ipswich, but when the club went bankrupt and struggled financially, he was forced to look elsewhere. Ipswich were quick to seize the opportunity and sign Morsy, making him captain within months of his arrival, even though the club were still in League One.
Morsy’s leadership has been a key factor in Ipswich’s rise, not only contributing to the team’s development but also helping to lay a solid foundation for future success. Under Morsy’s guidance, Ipswich have risen from League One to become a top-flight contender, preparing for their return to the Premier League. Morsy’s leadership has proven to be vital not only in the way the team plays, but also in building a sense of unity and common purpose.
11. Leicester City: Jamie Vardy
Leicester City, although a newly promoted club, are familiar to many, especially striker Jamie Vardy. After a surprise Premier League title win in 2015-16, Leicester suffered a shock relegation at the end of the 2022-23 season. However, it was no surprise that the team fought back strongly in the Championship and immediately won the right to return to the Premier League. Throughout this journey, Vardy has been an important pillar of the team, a model of dedication and relentless effort.
A late bloomer, Vardy did not make his Premier League debut until he was nearly 28, but when he did get his chance, he shone brightly and won the Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer. When Leicester were relegated, Vardy was appointed captain of the team, a position he has held ever since. Despite the team being relegated to the Championship, Vardy continued to lead his team-mates, with his vast experience and consistent form. His love for Leicester and ability to maintain a high level of influence in any situation has made Vardy one of the greatest players in the club’s history.
12. Liverpool: Virgil Van Dijk
Jordan Henderson has succeeded the legendary Steve Gerrard as Liverpool captain, a role he has held throughout his golden years under Jurgen Klopp. Henderson has been instrumental in Liverpool’s resurgence over the past decade, winning the Premier League and Champions League, and helping the club return to the top flight. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk, widely regarded as the best centre-back in the world for many years, has been integral to Liverpool’s success, particularly in defence.
When Henderson moved to the Saudi Pro League, van Dijk was handed the captain’s armband ahead of the 2023-24 season. Appointed at a crucial time, van Dijk has not only brought stability at the back but also leadership on the pitch, helping the team maintain their fighting spirit. Despite Klopp’s retirement, van Dijk’s decision to hand him the captaincy is no surprise, as he has proven his leadership qualities and influence within the team. And under new Dutch coach Arne Slot, their relationship is likely to continue to grow, as no one knows more about van Dijk’s importance to Liverpool than Slot, the centre-back’s compatriot.
13. Manchester City: Kyle Walker
The captaincy at Manchester City is a constant, and if you don’t count Vincent Kompany, you have to go back to the 1980s to Paul Power to find a captain who has served more than four seasons. Against that backdrop, 34-year-old right-back Kyle Walker has been handed the armband for the 2022-23 season. Despite only being in his second season in the role, Walker has proven himself to be one of the quickest players on the pitch, particularly with his acceleration and defensive ability.
The big question, however, is whether Walker can maintain his form and play long enough to really make a lasting impact as captain. While he has shown character and leadership, maintaining that level of fitness and consistency at 34 will be a challenge. However, Walker’s professionalism and ability to adapt to the demands of manager Pep Guardiola could see him continue to contribute to Manchester City, while maintaining his leadership role in a team that is at the top of Europe.
14. Manchester United: Bruno Fernandes
Erik ten Hag’s retention as Manchester United manager could be the deciding factor in Bruno Fernandes retaining his captaincy. The Portuguese attacking midfielder has been a key cog in United’s style of play since joining the club in 2020, contributing both creatively and scoring goals. Fernandes has been a key player in midfield, leading the attack and showing a strong fighting spirit.
However, despite his early influence, Fernandes will only officially be named Manchester United captain ahead of the 2023-24 season, after ten Hag takes charge. The decision reflects the Dutchman’s confidence in Fernandes, as he has demonstrated his leadership and decisiveness in leading the team. Under Fernandes, United will hope to continue to develop and improve their form in the coming seasons, especially as ten Hag builds a strong and united squad.
15. Newcastle United: Jamaal Lascelles
Although Newcastle United’s squad has changed significantly since the club’s new owners invested heavily, there are still some old players who have maintained important positions in the squad, and Jamaal Lascelles is one of them. The centre-back has made over 250 appearances for the club and is an integral part of Newcastle’s defence. Lascelles has been the club’s captain since the 2016-17 season, when Newcastle were relegated.
What makes Lascelles special is his resilience and determination. He famously postponed surgery on a double herniated disc so he could continue playing, helping the team win promotion back to the Premier League. Although Newcastle have undergone major changes with the arrival of new players and the investment from new owners, Lascelles’ captaincy has remained unchanged. His loyalty and leadership have seen Lascelles maintain this role, and he has been an example of dedication and fighting spirit for the team during crucial periods of change.
16. Nottingham Forest: Joe Worrall
Worrall’s captaincy has been less stable than many thought. He was only given the role ahead of the 2022-23 season, a decision that came as a surprise to many. However, a succession of coaching changes has made Worrall’s role even more precarious. Steve Cooper, who made Worrall captain, was sacked during the 2023-24 season, with Nuno Espirito Santo appointed in December. Shortly after, Worrall was loaned out to Besiktas in February, raising doubts over his future at Nottingham Forest.
Although he returned to Forest after his loan spell, Worrall’s continued captaincy is no longer a certainty. Nuno Espirito Santo, who has just arrived and is likely to make changes to the squad, could decide to hand the captaincy to another player he trusts more. So if Santo decides to make the switch, it would be no surprise to see Worrall no longer wear the armband.
17. Southampton: Jack Stephens
Southampton are the last of the newly promoted teams. James Stephens, a long-time member of the club, has had a rather unique career at the club. Although he has been a part of Southampton for many years, he has spent most of his time on loan at other clubs, rather than playing full-time for his parent club. However, last season, when Southampton were relegated, Stephens decided to stay and was made captain, a gesture of faith from the coaching staff in him.
Under Stephens, Southampton performed well and earned promotion back to the Premier League. It was thanks to the defender’s solid leadership and important contributions that the team achieved their goal of promotion. Now, after winning the right to return to the top flight of English football, Stephens continues to captain Southampton, a worthy reward for his tireless efforts.
18. Tottenham Hotspur: Son Heung-Min
Ahead of the 2023-24 season, Tottenham Hotspur had to say goodbye to two important icons. Harry Kane, the club’s all-time top scorer and one of the best strikers of his generation, left Spurs to join Bayern Munich. In addition, goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris also left the team. After a long time of dedication, Lloris decided to move to MLS, marking the end of an era at Tottenham.
In the face of this big change, Son Heung-min took on the leadership role of the team, becoming the new captain of Spurs. The Korean player is not only a key attacking star, but also a spiritual leader for the whole team. Son has proven his ability on both fronts: scoring goals and coordinating the team. This will continue to be a central image in the coming season, as Son continues to lead Tottenham on a challenging new journey.
19. West Ham United: Kurt Zouma
Kurt Zouma has always been a menace on the pitch, not only with his strong defending but also with his dangerous tackles from set-pieces. However, off the pitch, Zouma has also caused controversy when he has faced accusations of animal abuse. His violent actions towards a cat have angered the fan community, especially when he was appointed captain of West Ham United. This has caused a lot of criticism, damaging Zouma’s image in the eyes of many fans of the team.
However, Zouma is likely to continue as captain of West Ham in the 2024-25 season, although there are also rumors that he could be transferred if there is a change of manager. However, one thing is certain, whether he stays or leaves, Zouma will always be a big threat to opponents on the pitch, it will not be easy for them to overcome him in aerial duels or in defensive situations.
20. Wolverhampton Wanderers: Mario Lemina
To date, Mario Lemina is the only Gabonese player to have captained a Premier League club. Prior to joining Wolverhampton Wanderers, Lemina spent the majority of his career in France, most notably with Nice. A box-to-box midfielder with the ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, Lemina has proven his worth in previous seasons.
Notably, the 2024-25 season will be Lemina’s first time as captain at Wolves, a significant step up in his career. This is an important milestone, as he will have to lead the team through the challenges of the Premier League, while also being a role model for his teammates in both technical and fighting spirit. This appointment shows the coaching staff’s confidence in Lemina’s leadership ability for the coming season.
General Conclusion
Throughout the history of the Premier League, the list of Premier League captains has always reflected players with outstanding leadership qualities and the ability to influence teammates. Captains like Harry Kane, Hugo Lloris, or Son Heung-min are not only stars on the pitch but also symbols of team spirit. In the 2024-25 season, many new players, like Lemina, will also join the Premier League captaincy roster, bringing with them great responsibility. The change in captaincy reflects the growth and transformation of clubs, and sets the expectation for a challenging and exciting season.
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