Overview

• Pep Guardiola broke with tradition by personally selecting Silva as captain and naming Rúben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland as vice-captains for the upcoming season.
• Silva, in the final year of his deal, has confirmed he will stay at the club for 2025–26 but acknowledged he could depart when his contract expires in 2026.
• The new leadership group reflects Guardiola’s response to last season’s underwhelming campaign and aims to guide City through the Club World Cup and beyond.
• City have bolstered their squad with fresh recruits Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, both of whom made their debuts in the Club World Cup opener.
• Uncertainty remains over other key players such as Jack Grealish, who was omitted from the touring squad as the club prepares for a rigorous season.