Kyle Walker has been confirmed skipper for the 2023/24 season, despite Kevin De Bruyne’s return

Manchester City has officially announced Kyle Walker as their captain following Kevin De Bruyne‘s comeback from injury.

At the start of each season, City players nominate five members to form a leadership group. With Ilkay Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona, there was an opening for the captaincy. Walker and De Bruyne were among the nominated five, alongside Rodri, Ruben Dias, and for the first time, Bernardo Silva. De Bruyne initially took the armband for the Premier League season opener against Burnley, but a Turf Moor injury sidelined him for five months.

Walker had worn the armband in pre-season, and with De Bruyne’s return, the Belgian will now serve as the deputy captain.

After Kevin De Bruyne’s return from injury, Manchester City has officially appointed Kyle Walker as their captain. At the onset of each season, City players nominate five squad members to establish a leadership group.

This year, a captaincy vacancy arose due to Ilkay Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona in the summer transfer window. The chosen five included Walker, De Bruyne, Rodri, Ruben Dias, and, for the first time, Bernardo Silva.

De Bruyne assumed the captain’s role in the Premier League season opener against Burnley prior to the official vote, following Walker’s preseason stint with the armband. Unfortunately, the Belgian sustained an injury at Turf Moor, sidelining him for five months. He made a comeback as a substitute in the 5-0 FA Cup victory against Huddersfield, contributing an assist for Jeremy Doku’s fifth goal, and will now act as Walker’s deputy.

This signifies that De Bruyne has served as the second-in-command under three distinct City captains. He held the vice-captaincy position under Fernandinho for a season and later under Ilkay Gundogan last year.