Marc Guehi captained the England national team for the first time during a match against Japan, becoming the 129th player to do so. The 25-year-old has previously led Crystal Palace and Chelsea, showcasing his leadership skills.
Marc Guehi: Manchester City’s future captain?
During the international break, Manchester City and England star Marc Guehi became the 129th player to captain the Three Lions, as they faced Japan in what was an underwhelming night at Wembley.
So far in his professional career, Guehi has captained Crystal Palace and Chelsea at senior and academy levels, demonstrating key leadership values on and off the field.
This was proved in his influential role in Palace’s fairy-tale FA Cup final win against Manchester City last summer. As the 25-year-old penned a five-and-a-half year deal at City in January, Guehi looks to be hooked in Manchester for the longer term.
But could he be a leader at City and captain the blue side of Manchester to further glory?
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With Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva set to leave at the end of the season, the Blues will need a new face in their leadership group – currently comprising Silva, Ruben Dias (28), Rodri (29) and Erling Haaland (25).
Alongside the departing Silva, City’s anchor and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has also sparked interest from Real Madrid, who have a rich history with signing players on pre-contract terms. With Rodri’s deal at the Etihad Stadium set to expire in 2027, there is a decision to be made on the Spain international’s future this summer.
Guardiola and City may look to Guehi as a long-term option for leadership, alongside current captaincy option Haaland, who is tied down until 2034 and has previously worn the armband in a 4-0 Premier League thrashing of Newcastle United in February 2025.
Other potential leadership options may include defensive pair John Stones and Nathan Ake, with the former out of contract in the summer and the latter also set to leave despite his current deal running till 2027.
Another prospective option for leadership could be homegrown talent Phil Foden, who boasts an exceptional nine season stint with the first-team since graduating from the City Football Academy. Foden understands Manchester City’s values better than anyone, having been at the club since he was four.
Guehi boasts significant Premier League experience, having played 161 times in the English-top fight. Alongside this continental experience, the Englishman captained Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory last season.
With proven experience as club captain at Selhurst Park alongside leading a team to domestic success, he seems the tailor-made option to jump into Manchester City’s leadership group.
Despite only joining the club in January, Guehi appears be a ready-made option for an in-transition Manchester City aiming to dominate the Premier League. Getting the centre-half embedded in the leadership group will allow him to continue to express his talent and guidance – making him a natural, long-term fit for the armband in the upcoming years.
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Alongside his succes as a skipper, Guehi’s experience will be crucial for the next generation of Manchester City stars. With an average squad age of just 26, youth is imploding into the senior City side as the likes of Nico O’Reilly, Divine Mukasa and Ryan McAidoo continue to shine.
A new era is on the horizon for City and Guehi looks set to play a pivotal role and lead this new-look side into an exciting future.
Marc Guehi is a professional footballer who has captained Crystal Palace and Chelsea at both senior and academy levels.
During the international break, Marc Guehi captained the England national team for the first time in a match against Japan.
Marc Guehi signed a five-and-a-half year deal with Manchester City in January, indicating a long-term commitment to the club.
Marc Guehi played an influential role in Crystal Palace's FA Cup final victory against Manchester City last summer.
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