Federico Valverde central midfield of Real Madrid and Uruguay during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F.
(Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto via Getty ImagesOn his way out, Dani Carvajal handed the captain’s armband to Fede Valverde in a moment of symbolism.
The order next season, barring any surprising turn of events in the transfer window, will start with Fede Valverde.
It is important to recognize that Valverde is not the first Uruguayan to simply captain Real Madrid.
However, Fede Valverde is the first Uruguayan to become the designated first captain of the club with the seniority rule in full effect.
Federico Valverde central midfield of Real Madrid and Uruguay during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto via Getty Images
On his way out, Dani Carvajal handed the captain’s armband to Fede Valverde in a moment of symbolism. Real Madrid’s captaincy is decided by seniority at the club. Four players are designated as captains in order of their seniority. The order next season, barring any surprising turn of events in the transfer window, will start with Fede Valverde.
The 27-year-old midfielder has played 372 games for Real Madrid. He has been under heavy scrutiny since his altercation with Aurélien Tchouaméni. Having served a two-week hiatus, he was called up by Álvaro Arbeloa for the last game of the season.
It is important to recognize that Valverde is not the first Uruguayan to simply captain Real Madrid. Club legend José Santamaría played 337 games between 1957 and 1966 and wore the armband on many occasions. However, Fede Valverde is the first Uruguayan to become the designated first captain of the club with the seniority rule in full effect.
