Cristian Romero has been confirmed as Tottenham Hotspur’s new captain following Son Heung-min’s departure to LAFC.
Head coach Thomas Frank made the announcement on the eve of Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain at Udine’s Stadio Friuli, ending speculation over the armband and, by extension, drawing a line under summer talk that the Argentine might seek a move away. Atlético Madrid had been linked earlier in the window, but Romero’s elevation signals Spurs’ intent to build around the 27-year-old World Cup winner.
“I had a good conversation with Cuti Romero, and he’s going to be our captain,” Frank said in Italy. “He was very honoured and very happy about it. It’s a big thing to lead this wonderful club out on the pitch, not just for this Super Cup, but also throughout the season. I think he has all the right qualities. He leads from his behaviour on the pitch, driving the team forward in every way, and outside the pitch, he’s always pushing the team.”
Romero, who joined Spurs from Atalanta in 2021 after being named Serie A’s Best Defender for 2020–21, has made 100 appearances in all competitions. Appointed vice-captain alongside James Maddison in August 2023, the centre-back assumes the role full-time as Frank prepares to formalise a wider leadership group after the transfer window closes.
“Of course, one will wear the armband and be the captain,” Frank added, “but I would like to have as many leaders as possible who can help, because I can’t do everything on my own and need a superb coaching staff around me.”
Romero’s partnership with Micky van de Ven underpinned last season’s Europa League triumph and is expected to remain central to Tottenham’s plans as they target domestic and European progress under Frank. The Super Cup meeting with PSG offers an immediate stage for Spurs’ new captain to begin his tenure.
