In a move underscoring strong player unity and trust, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that he asked his squad to vote for the club’s captain ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season—and the result was overwhelmingly in favor of the current skipper, Martin Odegaard.
Following recent public calls by former Arsenal captain Tony Adams to replace Odegaard with Declan Rice as captain, Arteta confidently reaffirmed the faith the team has in Odegaard’s leadership. Speaking to reporters, the manager said, “My opinion is clear, and it is the same as all the staff and the players. I asked them to vote for the captain, and by a mile, they all chose the same person, Martin Odegaard.”
This near-unanimous endorsement highlights Odegaard’s influence within the squad as not only captain but a key motivator and figure central to the club’s ambitions. Odegaard has worn the armband since 2022 and is credited with driving the team’s tactical cohesion and resilience on and off the pitch.
Arteta further explained that captaincy is about more than just who wears the armband; it’s about the leader’s ability to inspire teammates, represent the club’s values, and lift the team during crucial moments. “What matters most is how the guys feel about who leads them, who pushes them, and who supports them in tough times,” Arteta added.
The manager’s reaffirmation comes as Arsenal prepares to embark on a challenging season opener against Manchester United, followed by a demanding fixture list featuring top rivals like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle.
With the backing of both players and coaching staff, Odegaard’s captaincy is set to continue anchoring Arsenal’s march towards Premier League success and the club’s quest to finally end their trophy drought.
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