By John Moses
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has appointed Bernardo Silva as the club’s new captain ahead of the 2025/26 season, in a rare move that bypasses the usual internal voting process.
Guardiola, who typically entrusts players and staff with selecting the team leader, confirmed he chose the Portuguese midfielder himself, alongside vice-captains Rúben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland. The decision follows what Guardiola described as concerns over the squad’s leadership dynamics last season.
Silva’s promotion to captaincy comes amid speculation about his future at the Etihad Stadium. The 30-year-old, who joined City from Monaco in 2017, has hinted that this season could be his last, with reports linking him to a return to boyhood club Benfica.
“I know what I’m going to do, but now isn’t the right time to talk about it,” Silva said. “I’m focused on performing well for Manchester City. I have one year left on my deal, and I’ve had opportunities to leave in the past, but I’ve chosen to stay.”
Guardiola justified his decision, saying: “For the first time in my career, I’ve picked the captain myself. I didn’t like what I saw last season. Sometimes I have to be the boss.”
Erling Haaland, who signed a 10-year contract in January, has been named a vice-captain for the first time. Guardiola suggested the Norwegian striker is being groomed for greater leadership responsibilities: “He’s young, but he has to learn what it means to be captain. One day, he will be the first choice.”
Former captain Kyle Walker, who moved to AC Milan on loan in January and has since been excluded from City’s Club World Cup squad, appears to have been edged out of the leadership frame.
