Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed his four man captaincy group for the 2026/27 season, with Rúben Dias, Erling Haaland, Marc Guéhi and Gianluigi Donnarumma handed leadership responsibilities.
The announcement completes Maresca’s leadership structure at the club following a major summer rebuild that has seen several new players arrive at the Etihad Stadium. The Manchester City boss confirmed the decision ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Coventry City.
Dias and Haaland were already expected to play prominent leadership roles within the squad. The Portuguese centre back has worn the captain’s armband during City’s opening two Premier League matches of the campaign, underlining his importance to the new manager.
Guéhi, who joined City after previously captaining Crystal Palace, brings additional leadership experience to the group. The England international had already established himself as a respected figure during his time at Selhurst Park and will now take on another leadership role at one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
Donnarumma also brings considerable experience to the captaincy group. The Italian goalkeeper is the current captain of the Italy national team, meaning Maresca has selected four players with significant leadership credentials and international experience.
Haaland’s inclusion is particularly notable because the Norwegian striker has traditionally been recognised primarily for his goalscoring rather than his captaincy responsibilities. However, Maresca believes his increasing influence within the squad makes him an important member of the leadership structure.
The 25 year old forward is now entering his fifth season with Manchester City and has become one of the most senior figures in a squad that has undergone significant changes during the summer transfer window. His performances and influence have made him one of the central figures in City’s plans for the new era.
Maresca’s decision also means new signing Enzo Fernández will not be part of the four man captaincy group, despite the manager’s high opinion of the Argentine midfielder.
Fernández completed a British record equalling £125m move from Chelsea to Manchester City and has been welcomed enthusiastically by his new teammates. Maresca previously worked with the midfielder and believes his winning mentality and experience of major international and club competitions will strengthen the team.
The City manager revealed that several players were eager to see Fernández complete the move, with some members of the squad asking whether the transfer would happen during the final days of the window.
Fernández has won the World Cup with Argentina as well as the Club World Cup at club level, giving him significant experience despite his relatively young age. His arrival is viewed as an important part of City’s effort to refresh the squad after a period of transition.
However, Maresca made it clear that leadership and playing ability are separate considerations. While Fernández is expected to have an important role on the pitch, the captaincy will remain with Dias, Haaland, Guéhi and Donnarumma.
The decision comes at the beginning of a new chapter for Manchester City following Pep Guardiola’s departure from the managerial position. Maresca has inherited a team with a strong winning culture but has also overseen considerable changes to the squad.
The summer transfer window brought several arrivals, including Fernández, Guéhi, Donnarumma and other additions designed to strengthen the team in different areas. Maresca has now indicated that the squad is complete and that the focus must shift from recruitment to performances on the pitch.
The appointment of four captains also gives Maresca a mixture of defensive, attacking and goalkeeping leadership. Dias provides experience from the heart of the defence, Haaland offers influence in the attack, Guéhi adds the perspective of an experienced English defender and former club captain, while Donnarumma brings international leadership from Italy.
For City supporters, the selection could also signal the manager’s desire to build a new identity around players who can take responsibility both on and off the pitch.
Dias has already demonstrated that responsibility by wearing the armband in the opening league fixtures, while Haaland’s growing status at the club makes his inclusion a significant development.
With the leadership structure now settled, Maresca will turn his attention to results. Manchester City face Coventry City in their next Premier League fixture, with the new captaincy group expected to play an important role as the club attempts to challenge for major honours under its new manager.
The appointment of Dias, Haaland, Guéhi and Donnarumma therefore represents more than a simple change in personnel. It is one of the first major leadership decisions of the Maresca era and could shape the culture of Manchester City as the club begins life after Guardiola.
