Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank officially appointed Argentina international Cristian Romero as the club’s new captain following the summer departure of Heung-Min Son. The announcement, made on Wednesday, comes ahead of the team’s UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Romero, affectionately known as “Cuti,” was elevated from his previous role as vice-captain—with James Maddison prior to his long-term injury—to become the third skipper in Spurs’ recent history, after Hugo Lloris and Son.
Frank emphasized the significance of Romero’s promotion: “I had a good conversation with Cuti Romero, and he’s going to be our captain,” he said. “He was very honoured and very happy about it. It’s a big thing and should be 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.”
Frank also revealed plans to form a leadership group comprising four to five players to support Romero, noting: “One will wear the armband … I would like to have as many leaders as possible … I will name that leadership group after the window to give me time to assess everything.”
Romero himself expressed heartfelt pride at his appointment. Speaking from the match location in Udine ahead of the Super Cup, he said, “I’m very happy to be captain of this beautiful club. It’s amazing for me … It’s a big responsibility. … The last 20 years, the club is sometimes good, close to winning, so enjoy this moment. To win another trophy at the start of the season would be amazing … the most important thing is to stay all together.”
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Romero, born April 27, 1998, in Córdoba, Argentina, joined Tottenham in 2021 initially on loan from Atalanta before making the move permanent in 2022 under a contract extending to 2027. His ascent to leadership is built on consistent performances at both club and international level.
Romero played a pivotal role in Spurs’ historic 2024–25 season, helping them clinch the UEFA Europa League title—their first major trophy in 17 years and first European honour in 41 years.
His resilience and commanding presence in defence earned him the UEFA Europa League Player of the Season award. His journey also includes notable international success, with triumphs in the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América.
Despite transfer speculation, including interest from Atlético Madrid valued at up to €70 million, the club’s decision to appoint Romero as captain signals their intent to retain him as a key figure and anchor this new era under Thomas Frank.
Son, who lifted the Europa League as captain and served at the helm for two seasons, completed a decade at Spurs earlier this summer, departing for LAFC.
The appointment comes amid a period of transition at Tottenham. Ange Postecoglou, who delivered the Europa League triumph, was relieved of his duties in June.
Frank was brought in to steer the club through a challenging new campaign—one that includes UEFA Super Cup exposure and the defence of Champions League qualification.