Florentino Perez has doubts about star player’s Real Madrid captaincy credentials

Florentino Perez has doubts about star player’s Real Madrid captaincy credentials Real Madrid are starting a new era this summer, with Jose Mourinho having returned to the club as head coach. They are also under new captaincy, with Federico Valverde having replaced Dani Carvajal following the veteran defender’s exit at the end of his contract, which officially expires on Tuesday (30th June). Real Madrid’s captaincy operates on a loyalty system, and given that Valverde is now the longest-serving first team player (he signed in 2016 from Penarol), he is the one that has taken over the armband. However, he does so having recently been involved in a controversial incident with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni, with whom he came to blows after a training session in May. That incident led to Valverde (and Tchouameni) being fined, but it also increased doubts about whether the Uruguayan should be club captain. According to Alberto Pereiro (via Radioestadio Noche ), one of those with concerns is Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who is reportedly prepared to make changes to the captaincy system. “I have the feeling that there’s a pending conversation about the captaincies at Madrid. Florentino is not at all convinced about Valverde’s captaincy.” Valverde is under pressure to prove doubters wrong The last 12 months have been very tough for Valverde. He clashed with previous head coach Xabi Alonso, and after Real Madrid’s trophyless 2025-26 season, he was one of the players that received the most criticism from fans and pundits alike. To make matters worse, he failed to deliver during the 2026 World Cup as Uruguay crashed out in the group stages. As such, the pressure on his shoulders has increased further, and he will need to start the 2026-27 season strong if he is to make things easier for himself as the weeks and months go on. It will be interesting to sew whether Perez does decide to review the captaincy system, but for now, there are no suggestions that Valverde will be removed as Real Madrid skipper anytime soon.