---
title: "Maresca names Dias and Haaland as Man City captains, two more to follow"
canonical: "https://readmancity.com/2026/08/16/man-city-captains-ruben-dias-erling-haaland-maresca/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Articles"
published: "2026-08-16T09:30:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T19:04:05Z"
---

# Maresca names Dias and Haaland as Man City captains, two more to follow

**Enzo Maresca has confirmed Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland as his [City](https://readmancity.com/) captains for now, with two further additions to the leadership group to be decided once the transfer window closes.**

“At the moment I have picked Ruben and Erling, and I want to wait until the end of the transfer window to pick two more,” Maresca said.

The pair are the only survivors from Pep Guardiola’s old leadership group still guaranteed a place in the setup. Bernardo Silva, City’s captain last season, left for Real Madrid this summer, and Rodri’s own future remains unresolved after two bids from Barcelona. Maresca made no mention of the Spaniard when discussing his captaincy plans.

Dias looks the clear favourite to take the armband on a permanent basis. Maresca pointed to how the defender has represented the club during his time there, and set out what he expects from anyone wearing it. “It is important for the captains to understand that the reason why they are captain is that I expect more from them, not because I give them more freedom or advantage,” he said.

Haaland’s position is more complicated, despite his status as City’s talisman. Maresca operates a rule carried over from his time at Leicester and Chelsea in which the captain comes to the touchline for instructions after City score — workable for most players, considerably less so for a striker who scored 38 goals last season and would rather be celebrating.

Phil Foden, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Mateo Kovacic have all been mentioned as candidates to complete the group, with a decision expected only once City’s squad is finalised for the season ahead.