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. So who are the list of premier league captains? Let's Wintips take a look.
List of Premier League captains
1. Arsenal: Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard was once considered a prodigy when he joined Real Madrid at the age of 16. However, at Real, limited playing time prevented him from fully developing. That changed when he moved to Arsenal, where he not only found his peak form but also established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world. Odegaard officially became Arsenal captain from the 2022-23 season, at just 23 years old. His creativity, ability to control the game and leadership spirit have helped Arsenal flourish under Mikel Arteta. At such a young age, Odegaard promises to be the heart of Arsenal for many years to come, helping the club achieve many successes in both the Premier League and Europe.
As captain, Odegaard has not only stood out on the pitch but also in the dressing room. He has inspired his teammates with his dedication and professionalism. Odegaard knows the pressure of being captain of a club as big as Arsenal, but he has turned it into motivation to develop. With the trust of the coaching staff and fans, Odegaard is a new symbol of Arsenal, inheriting the values that legends like Patrick Vieira and Tony Adams once brought.
2. Aston Villa: John McGinn
John McGinn has proven himself to be one of Aston Villa's most important central midfielders since joining the club from Hibernian in 2018. His energetic playing style, strong pressing ability and relentless fighting spirit have made McGinn a pillar of the team. He was appointed captain at the start of the 2022-23 season, coinciding with the transformation of Aston Villa under manager Unai Emery. The 2024-25 season marks a major milestone as Villa qualify for the Champions League for the first time in decades, with McGinn playing a key role on both the domestic and continental fronts.
McGinn is not only a dedicated captain but also a symbol of stability at Aston Villa. Despite the constant changes in the squad, he has maintained a high level of performance and is a bridge between the new players and the old ones. McGinn brings a balance to the game, both supporting the defense and participating effectively in the attack. With a strong personality and natural leadership skills, McGinn is not only the captain of Aston Villa but also represents the club's enduring fighting spirit.
3. Bournemouth: Neto
Neto, a Brazilian goalkeeper, has had a career spanning many big clubs such as Juventus and Barcelona, but has not had many opportunities to show his ability at those teams. After moving to Bournemouth, he quickly regained his form and became a reliable stopper for the team. Neto was appointed captain for the 2022-23 season, a move that reflects his huge influence on Bournemouth both on and off the pitch. As one of the few players in the squad who have played for top European clubs, Neto brings valuable experience and professionalism to his younger teammates.
As captain, Neto has not only ensured solidity in goal but also been a guiding force, especially in difficult times. He has helped Bournemouth maintain stability in the Premier League and has been instrumental in cementing the team’s mid-table position. With his commanding defensive skills and excellent reading of the game, Neto has proven that sometimes a career can only truly flourish when you find the right environment.
4. Brentford: Christian Norgaard
Christian Norgaard has been one of Brentford's most important players since joining the club from Fiorentina in 2019. Under the guidance of Thomas Frank, Norgaard quickly established himself as a classy defensive midfielder, capable of stopping attacks and distributing the ball well. He was a key player in Brentford's historic promotion from the Championship to the Premier League. His important role and consistency saw Norgaard named captain ahead of the 2022-23 season, marking a major milestone in his career.
As captain, Norgaard not only focuses on his own performance but also pushes his teammates to do better. He brings solidity to Brentford's midfield and is often the one to initiate important attacks. Norgaard’s fighting spirit and leadership have been integral to Brentford’s Premier League status, while also establishing themselves as a small club with ambition and discipline.
5. Brighton & Hove Albion: Lewis Dunk
Lewis Dunk is one of the most loyal and reliable centre-backs in Brighton’s history. Having been with the club since their League One days, Dunk has witnessed and contributed to Brighton’s rise from the Championship to a stable Premier League position. Since being handed the captaincy in 2019-20, Dunk has not only provided solidity at the back but has also been a symbol of Brighton’s loyalty.
Dunk has made over 450 appearances for Brighton and has consistently performed well, regardless of the opposition. At 32, he remains fit and has a top-notch reading of the game, helping Brighton maintain their position as a solid mid-table side in the Premier League. With his vast experience, Dunk is not only a role model for the younger players but also a moral support for the whole team. He is the embodiment of consistency and loyalty, a rare quality in modern football.
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6. Chelsea: Reece James
Reece James is one of the brightest talents to emerge from Chelsea's academy and is considered the future of the club. The English right-back possesses an all-round style of play, from solid defending to sharp attacking play. He was appointed Chelsea captain ahead of the 2023-24 season, becoming a youthful and promising successor after a turbulent period for the club. However, his first season in the role has been challenging, with James struggling with injuries and making just 10 appearances.
Despite his struggles, James is still seen as a future leader for Chelsea, thanks to his fighting spirit and loyalty to the team. He brings determination and a desire to contribute to every game. When fit, James is one of the best right-backs in the world, and Chelsea fans expect him to lead the team through a difficult period and return to the top of the Premier League and Europe.
7. Crystal Palace: Joel Ward
Joel Ward is one of Crystal Palace's most experienced and loyal players. He joined the club from Portsmouth in the 2012-13 season, when Palace were still in the Championship. Ward played a key role in helping the club gain promotion to the Premier League and maintain their place in the top flight of English football for over a decade. Ahead of the 2023-24 season, at the age of 34, Ward was made captain, marking a well-deserved recognition for his long-standing commitment to the club.
With his versatile ability to play across defence, Ward is the type of player who puts the team first. While his age has affected his pace and stamina, he makes up for it with experience and a deep understanding of tactics. As captain, Ward not only leads on the pitch but also guides the younger players in the squad. With his dedication and leadership, he is a symbol of consistency and loyalty that Crystal Palace fans will always cherish.
8. Everton: Seamus Coleman
Seamus Coleman is the epitome of loyalty in modern football. Having joined Everton in 2009, Coleman has become an integral part of the Merseyside club. The Irish right-back was made captain in the 2019-20 season and has been a solid leader both on and off the pitch since. He has always shown a deep commitment and love for Everton, despite the ups and downs the team has experienced.
At 36, Coleman remains a key figure in the Everton squad, although his role has changed due to his fitness issues. However, he remains a leader and an inspiration to the younger players. Coleman is not only a solid defender but also represents the values of dedication and professionalism. Although his playing career may be coming to an end, Coleman has carved his name into Everton's history as one of the club's most revered captains.
9. Fulham: Tom Cairney
Tom Cairney is one of the longest-serving captains in the Premier League. Having joined Fulham in 2015, the Scottish midfielder has been an integral part of the side's constant ups and downs between the Premier League and Championship. Cairney was appointed captain at the start of the 2016-17 season and has led the club to multiple promotions, while maintaining a consistent style of play in midfield.
Cairney has not only been instrumental in dictating play, but has also inspired his teammates with his tenacity and fighting spirit. No matter how much Fulham have changed, he has always been a constant, especially in tight games. With over 300 appearances for the club, Cairney has proven himself to be one of the best captains Fulham have ever had, and he continues to do his part to help the team maintain their Premier League status.
10. Ipswich Town: Sam Morsy
Sam Morsy has become a symbol of Ipswich Town's resurgence. The Egyptian midfielder joined the club in 2021 from Wigan Athletic, with Ipswich still playing in League One. Just months after joining, Morsy was made captain thanks to his leadership and strong midfield play. Under his guidance, Ipswich overcame many difficulties to gain promotion to the Championship and are now part of the Premier League in 2024-25.
Morsy has not only excelled on the pitch but has also been a true leader on the pitch. He has shown determination and control of the game, helping Ipswich build a solid and effective style of play. Morsy's leadership has brought Ipswich back to the Premier League spotlight after many years of waiting. He is proof that a player needs not only skills but also courage to shoulder the great responsibility of a captain.
Final Thoughts
This list of Premier League captains clearly reflects the important role of leadership in football. Each one brings with them a spirit of dedication, courage and responsibility, contributing to shaping the team's identity. They are symbols of unity and the desire to win, and play an important role in maintaining the appeal and competitiveness of the world's top tournament.
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