Real Madrid have officially named Dani Carvajal as their new club captain following the departure of Luka Modric, who led the team during the 2024-25 campaign before his contract expired at the end of June.
With Modric and Lucas Vazquez both leaving the club this summer, two key spots opened up in the dressing room leadership, and AS Dairo revealed the club has now confirmed how those will be filled.
Softfootball Understands Carvajal, who served as Modric’s vice-captain last season, was the obvious successor. The 32-year-old right-back is one of the longest-serving players in the current squad and, despite missing a large portion of the last campaign with a torn ACL, retains immense respect in the dressing room.
For the Spaniard, who came through Real Madrid’s youth academy, the appointment is said to be a deeply personal honour.
Federico Valverde has been promoted to vice-captain. The Uruguayan midfielder was already a part of the captaincy group and is widely admired for his drive and work ethic. His elevation was expected and is seen as a natural next step in his journey at the club.
But perhaps the most intriguing additions to the leadership core are Thibaut Courtois and Vinicius Junior. Softfootball understands that Courtois, who signed a contract extension through to 2027, becomes the third captain. He has been a cornerstone for Madrid since his arrival from Chelsea in 2018 and remains a vocal presence, even as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury.
Vinicius, meanwhile, steps into the fourth captain’s role, a move that’s been greeted with mixed emotions. While he has certainly matured since joining from Flamengo in 2018, talks over a contract renewal have stalled. Rumours continue to swirl about potential Saudi Arabian interest, with suggestions of a record-breaking transfer bid being considered.
Still, Real Madrid’s coaching staff, led by Xabi Alonso, are backing Vinicius to step up. His leadership will be crucial in the club’s new era as they look to blend experience with emerging talent.
The new captaincy structure gives a clear signal: Real Madrid are leaning on a familiar core of players to guide the team into a new chapter, one filled with both promise and uncertainty.
