Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has appointed veteran midfielder Luka Modric as the new team captain following Nacho Fernandez's departure this summer. Nacho, who left as a free agent, is set to sign with the newly-promoted Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsia.
According to COPE, Modric will take on the captaincy role, while Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez will serve as vice-captains. Despite losing Nacho and the retiring Toni Kroos, Real Madrid still retains a wealth of experience within their squad.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that Real Madrid has lost their captain, following the departures of Marcelo, Karim Benzema, and Sergio Ramos in previous years.
Modric’s appointment as captain underscores his importance and leadership within the team. The 37-year-old Croatian has been a key figure for Real Madrid since joining the club in 2012, contributing significantly to their successes both domestically and in Europe. His leadership qualities and experience make him a fitting choice to lead the team during this transitional period.
Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez, who have also been long-serving members of the squad, will support Modric in their new roles as vice-captains. Their appointments reflect Ancelotti's strategy of maintaining a stable leadership structure within the team by relying on experienced players who have been integral to the club’s recent achievements.
Real Madrid's decision to appoint new captains comes at a time when the club is undergoing a period of change. The departures of Nacho and Toni Kroos add to the list of key players who have left the club in recent years. Nacho’s move to Al-Qadsia represents a new chapter for the versatile defender, who spent his entire career at Real Madrid, making over 250 appearances for Los Blancos.
The retiring Kroos leaves behind a legacy of excellence, having been a pivotal part of the team since his arrival in 2014. His contributions to Real Madrid’s midfield have been instrumental in the club’s successes, including multiple Champions League and La Liga titles.
The continuous departure of captains over the past four years highlights the club's evolving dynamics. Marcelo, who left in 2021, Benzema, who moved to Al-Ittihad in 2022, and Ramos, who departed in 2020, were all influential leaders whose absence required Real Madrid to adapt and appoint new leaders within the squad.
Ancelotti’s selection of Modric, Carvajal, and Vazquez for the captaincy roles indicates his confidence in their ability to guide the team through this transitional phase. Modric, with his vast experience and exemplary professionalism, is expected to lead by example and help integrate younger players into the squad.
Real Madrid’s focus now shifts to building on their existing strengths and preparing for the upcoming season. With Ancelotti at the helm and a new leadership structure in place, the team aims to continue competing at the highest level and add to their illustrious history.
The appointment of Modric as captain also signals Real Madrid’s commitment to honoring and utilizing the experience of their veteran players. Modric’s leadership on and off the field will be crucial as the team navigates the challenges of the new season and aims for success in both domestic and European competitions.
Carlo Ancelotti's decision to name Luka Modric as the new captain, supported by Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez as vice-captains, reflects a strategic move to leverage the experience and leadership qualities of these seasoned players.
This new leadership trio is expected to play a pivotal role in guiding Real Madrid through the ongoing transitions and ensuring the club remains competitive at the highest levels.
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