The Premier League captain plays a significant role in their team, and it has always been a top priority for coaches to appoint a reliable player for the role.
For this season, some of the most influential players include Bruno Fernandes, Reece James and Martin Odegaard.
Here is the list of Premier League captains for 2025/2026:
1. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal FC)
Martin Odegaard was appointed as Arsenal captain on July 30th, 2022. The Norwegian has been one of the most influential players in the squad. He is often ranked among the best midfielders in the world due to his versatility and consistency.
Martin Odegaard played a significant role as Arsenal won the Community Shield in 2023. He joined the club from Arsenal in 2021.
2. John McGinn (Aston Villa FC)
John McGinn leads the Aston Villa side, which has flourished under the management of Unai Emery as head coach. The Scottish footballer has been a key player in the team since joining in 2018. He was part of the team that won the EFL Championship play-offs in 2019.
3. Josh Cullen (Burnley FC)
Josh Cullen was appointed as squad captain for the 2025/26 football season. He joined the Clarets in July 2022 and has been part of the club for almost four years.
The midfielder has made several appearances in the team during the team's push for Premier League promotion.
4. Nathan Collins (Brentford FC)
Nathan Collins was appointed captain of Brentford FC on August 2nd, 2025, by the club's new head coach, Keith Andrews. The Republic of Ireland centre back has been a key player for the club. He moved to the London-based club from Wolverhampton Wanderers and has since become one of the mainstays in the first team.
5. Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion FC)
Lewis Dunk is one of the long-standing players in the Brighton & Hove Albion setup. The English centre back leads the team as captain. He has been part of the club since 2010.
Lewis Dunk came through the youth system of the club and went straight into the first team after some stints on loan. He was handed the club's captaincy ahead of the 2019–20 season.
6. Adam Smith (AFC Bournemouth)
Adam Smith is the current captain of AFC Bournemouth. The English full-back was handed the new role at the club in September 2024 following the departure of goalkeeper Neto. He rejoined the club on 28 January 2014 on a permanent basis after previously playing on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.
7. Reece James (Chelsea FC)
Reece James is the current captain of Chelsea FC. The England international was appointed in 2023. He is currently one of the most successful players in the team, with major trophies including the Champions League, Conference League and Club World Cup twice, the second during his captainship.
Reece James was part of the club's academy and youth system before gaining his position in the first team.
8. Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace FC)
Marc Guéhi leads the Eagles as captain. The England international has been one of the key players over the last few seasons. He was named captain ahead of the 2024/25 season and has since maintained his position. He led the club to lift the FA Cup and Community Shield.
9. Séamus Coleman (Everton FC)
Séamus Coleman has been one of the long-standing Everton FC players, having joined the club in 2009.
10. Tom Cairney (Fulham FC)
Tom Cairney is Fulham's captain for the new season. The midfielder has been a key player for the Cottagers.
11. Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United FC)
Ethan Ampadu was named captain of Leeds United FC in July 2024. The Welsh international joined the club from Chelsea and has since played an integral role in the team.
12. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool FC)
Virgil van Dijk has been one of the long-standing players in the Liverpool setup. The Dutch footballer was handed the role in 2023. His performance has been outstanding, helping the club to win the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup.
Virgil van Dijk is also ranked among the best defenders in world football.
13. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City FC)
Bernardo Silva was named as captain of Manchester City ahead of the 2025/26 season. The Portuguese star has played an integral role in the team over the years.
Bernardo Silva has spent over eight seasons at the club and has maintained his position in the first team.
14. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United FC)
Bruno Fernandes is arguably one of the best in the English Premier League over the years. The Portuguese star was handed the captaincy of Man United in July 2023.
15. Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United FC)
Brazilian star Bruno Guimaraes is Newcastle United captain and has handled the position since August 2024. The midfielder has been an impact since joining the club from French club Lyon.
Bruno Guimaraes is currently ranked as one of the best midfielders in the world for his consideration and style of play.
16. Ryan Yates (Nottingham Forest FC)
Ryan Yates is the current captain of the Nottingham Forest setup. The English midfielder has played a key role in the team over the years.
17. Granit Xhaka (Sunderland AFC)
Granit Xhaka leads the Sunderland team for the 2025/2026 season. The former Arsenal star joined the club after leaving Bayer Leverkusen.
18. Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur FC)
Cristian Romero was named captain of the Spurs team for the 2025/2026 season by new club coach Thomas Frank.
19. Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United FC)
Jarrod Bowen is the current captain of West Ham United. The English footballer was appointed ahead of the 2024/25 season. He has been one of the long-standing players in the team.
20. Toti Gomes (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC)
Toti Gomes is the current captain of Wolves FC. The Portuguese player plays as a centre back or left back.