After Kevin De Bruyne’s exit and Kyle Walker soon to follow in the Belgian’s footsteps, a major question mark heading into next season has been about Manchester City’s next captain.
Usually, Pep Guardiola tends to let the players vote amongst themselves and decide who City’s skipper should be.
But this time around, Guardiola confirmed that he will be taking the decision, saying: “I decided this season, sometimes I want to be the boss…And this season I decided to do it. So I chose the four captains, and at the end of the tour, this [Club] World Cup, maybe we’ll choose one or two more.”
Manchester City have had excellent captains in the past, such as Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Fernandinho — which makes the decision an extremely important one to take.
Bernardo Silva is the new Manchester City captain
The Daily Mail have reported that ahead of the 2025/2026 season, Bernardo Silva has been appointed as Manchester City’s captain.
While Benfica were keen to re-sign Bernardo, he has rejected several offers to potentially stay at City in the final year of his contract, revealing: “I know what I’m going to do but it’s not the time to talk about that.”
Bernardo Silva clapping during Liverpool v Manchester City
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
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“I’m very focused on my season. I’m very focused on performing well for Man City.”
Bernardo, who cost Manchester City £43 million continued: “When the time is due I will talk about it. I have one year on my contract so obviously I can leave next season. This season for sure will be at City, I’m going to stay. I’ve had options in the past and this year, like last year, my option is to stay at Man City.”
Pep Guardiola explained why Bernardo Silva is a brilliant leader
Considering Bernardo is not the quintessential captain who waves his arms around and barks orders at other, Manchester City’s decision to hand him the armband might raise some eyebrows.
However, Pep Guardiola has praised Bernardo’s composure in pressure situations and alongside Ilkay Gundogan and John Stones, he is one of the senior heads in the dressing room.
Walker feels Bernardo could become a manager, which goes to show how serious he is about his football.
Ahead of Manchester City’s contest against Wydad AC, Pep Guardiola explained why he reckons Bernardo is an incredible leader.
“And I think Bernardo has been an incredible figure, nine years here, no injuries, always in bad moments made a step up, an example on the pitch, and when he has to say something to me as a manager, or the players, he says it because it’s the best for the club.”
Only time will tell how Bernardo fares as a captain.
But the versatile midfielder certainly has the experience, seniority and pedigree on his side to do a stellar job.