Ranking Every 2025/26 Premier League Captain — From Worst to Best

September 28, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Leadership in the Premier League comes in many forms — from fiery midfield generals to composed defenders at the heart of the backline. We've ranked all 20 club captains for the 2025/26 season based on their influence, playing ability, experience, and impact. Let’s count them down, from the most commanding presence to those with room to grow.

20. Jamaal Lascelles – Newcastle United

Jamaal Lascelles may still be the official captain, but he hasn’t played a single game in over a season. With Bruno Guimarães regularly wearing the armband on matchdays, Lascelles’ influence is clearly now off the pitch — and even that might be fading fast.

19. Toti Gomes – Wolverhampton Wanderers

Thrust into captaincy after a chaotic period at Wolves, Toti Gomes is a solid defender but not yet a proven leader. His lack of wins as skipper and minimal experience in the role keep him near the bottom of this list.

18. Adam Smith – Bournemouth

Adam Smith bleeds Bournemouth red and black, having been with the club for over a decade. While he brings passion and loyalty, his playing level isn’t what it once was, and his captaincy is more about tenure than performance.

17. Nathan Collins – Brentford

At just 24, Collins has been handed the armband during a transitional period for Brentford. He has potential and presence, but still needs time to truly grow into the role of a Premier League leader.

16. Josh Cullen – Burnley

Cullen's non-stop engine and experience in the Football League make him a solid choice for Burnley. However, it's yet to be seen if he can consistently lead at Premier League level under the pressure of top-flight survival.

15. Lewis Dunk – Brighton & Hove Albion

A club legend, Dunk has led Brighton through thick and thin and remains a reliable defensive anchor. But with Brighton evolving under new management, his influence has slightly waned compared to his peak years.

14. Tom Cairney – Fulham

The longest-serving captain in the league, Cairney’s leadership is defined by loyalty and calmness. Though mostly used off the bench these days, his steadying presence remains valuable behind the scenes.

13. Ethan Ampadu – Leeds United

Ampadu has quickly become a vital figure at Leeds, leading by example with his versatility and composure. While he’s still young, he’s embraced the captaincy role with maturity beyond his years.

12. Ryan Yates – Nottingham Forest

A Forest academy graduate, Yates is a symbol of the club’s identity and resilience. He may not be the flashiest captain, but his grit and love for the badge make him a worthy leader.

11. Seamus Coleman – Everton

A true Everton icon, Coleman has been a steadying presence for over 15 years. While age and injuries now limit his time on the pitch, few captains command the same level of respect within their club.

10. John McGinn – Aston Villa

McGinn leads with heart, grit, and passion — the kind of captain who rallies teammates and leaves everything on the pitch. His leadership has helped take Villa from the Championship to European competition.

9. Granit Xhaka – Sunderland

Xhaka’s surprise return to the Premier League saw him bring experience and bite to newly promoted Sunderland. His leadership credentials are proven, having captained Arsenal and Leverkusen, and he's wasted no time making an impact.

8. Marc Guehi – Crystal Palace

At just 25, Guehi has already captained England’s youth teams and now leads Palace with quiet strength. Despite early controversy off the pitch, his courage and maturity shine through on it.

7. Jarrod Bowen – West Ham United

Bowen’s journey from the Championship to West Ham captaincy has been impressive. He brings goals, fight, and consistency — all vital traits for a side looking to remain competitive in Europe.

6. Cristian Romero – Tottenham Hotspur

Romero has stepped up superbly since taking over the armband, providing steel and leadership from the back. His warrior mentality and European final heroics have cemented him as a key figure under Thomas Frank.

5. Reece James – Chelsea

Despite recurring injuries, James remains a passionate, homegrown leader for Chelsea. His connection to the club is unmatched, and recent trophy wins under his captaincy show what he brings when fit and focused.

4. Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal

Elegant and composed, Ødegaard has helped Arsenal become title challengers once again. Though not the most vocal, his intelligence and consistency make him the perfect on-field conductor for Arteta’s team.

3. Bernardo Silva – Manchester City

One of the most decorated players on this list, Silva is a quiet but influential leader. Pep Guardiola’s faith in him reflects the trust built over years of top-level performances and title-winning experience.

2. Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United

Fernandes has lifted both the FA Cup and League Cup as United captain and remains their creative spark. While he can be inconsistent, his highs are game-changing and his passion for the armband is unquestionable.

1. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool

Van Dijk epitomises everything you want in a Premier League captain — commanding, consistent, and a natural leader. Under his watch, Liverpool are back among the title contenders, and his presence remains vital to their success.