A look at twelve of the most legendary football captains of all time, featuring world class names at Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona and more…
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Read on to see our selection of the game’s best ever skippers, in no particular order:
1) Paolo Maldini (AC Milan)
A five-time Champions League winner, as well as an incredible seven Serie A titles, there’s no doubt Paolo Maldini is one of the game’s best ever players and leaders.
2) Tony Adams (Arsenal)
With an entire career spent at Arsenal, Tony Adams is one of the club’s greats and was named captain at the age of just 21, going on to win league titles in three different decades.
3) John Terry (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s answer to Tony Adams, John Terry is another who looked a natural born captain from the moment he broke through as a youngster, and is now a club legend.
4) Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
A hugely successful captain for both Real Madrid and Spain, Iker Casillas has won all there is to win in the game and is one of the best goalkeepers of all time.
5) Carles Puyol (Barcelona)
A one club-man and a real winner, Barcelona legend Carles Puyol retired from playing last summer, but played a major role in their recent success.
6) Xavi (Barcelona)
Replacing Puyol as captain, and often taking the armand in his absence in recent seasons, Xavi is another great captain set to quit the Nou Camp this summer, bowing out in some style with the treble.
7) Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan)
A great player and personality who gave his all for Inter Milan, whether they were winning the treble or finishing in mid-table, Javier Zanetti is definitely one of the great captains of his time.
8) Patrick Vieira (Arsenal)
Another former Arsenal captain, Patrick Vieira was able to inspire his team-mates to new levels with his great leadership and commanding play.
9) Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Another club legend on the move this summer, Steven Gerrard will be greatly missed at Liverpool, and is surely one of their best ever players and captains.
10) Roy Keane (Manchester United)
Almost a one-man team at his best, Roy Keane inspired Manchester United’s amazing run to the Champions League final in 1999 and was the perfect on-pitch voice for manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
11) Franz Beckenbauer (Bayern Munich)
A long-serving great at Bayern Munich, Franz Beckenbauer is one of the best defenders ever to play the game and won a whole host of honours for club and country in a glittering career.
12) Francesco Totti (AS Roma)
Another one-club man and rarity in the modern game, as Francesco Totti has stayed utterly loyal to underachieving AS Roma, despite being one of the best players in the world for much of his career.
