Who will be Real Madrid's new captain after Nacho's departure?

It seems like Real Madrid will appoint Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić as new captain, following departure of long-serving captain Nacho Fernández, who ended his 23-year association with the club. Image: AP

Modrić has recently renewed his contract with the club until next summer. Image: X/@lukamodric10

As per tradition in Real Madrid and across Spanish soccer, the captaincy is awarded to the longest-serving player, and Modrić's 12-year tenure at the club positions him as the frontrunner. Image: AP

If the expected step takes place, Modrić will become the club’s captain, succeeding a lineage of foreign captains, including Englishman Johnson, Federico Revuelto, Marcelo, and Frenchman Benzema. Image: AP

Modrić becomes the fifth captain since Sergio Ramos' departure in 2021, having never held the position for more than a single full-time season. Image: AP

Madrid will select four captains: Dani Carvajal as vice-captain, Lucas Vázquez as third captain, Valverde, Vinícius, and Courtois in a three-way tie for fourth leadership to be decided by Ancelotti. Image: AP