Tottenham Hotspur have ushered in a new chapter with the appointment of Cristian Romero as their club captain, following the departure of long-serving skipper Son Heung-Min to Los Angeles FC in a £20m deal.
The announcement, made by new manager Thomas Frank, marks a significant moment for the North London club as they prepare for a competitive season, starting with the UEFA Super Cup against PSG.
🚨🫡 Cuti Romero has been named Tottenham Hotspur Captain. pic.twitter.com/ARtUcgDDMO
— COYS.com (@COYS_com) August 13, 2025
Romero’s Rise to Leadership
Cristian "Cuti" Romero, a 27-year-old Argentine centre-back, has been a cornerstone of Tottenham’s defense since joining from Atalanta in 2021 for a fee around £42m. Initially arriving on a season-long loan, his transfer was made permanent in 2022, and he has since made 100 appearances for Spurs, earning accolades for his aggressive yet composed defending. His standout performances, including being named Serie A’s Best Defender in 2020/21 and his pivotal role in Tottenham’s UEFA Europa League triumph last season, have solidified his reputation as a world-class talent.
Romero’s leadership qualities were evident even before his captaincy, as he served as vice-captain alongside James Maddison under former manager Ange Postecoglou in 2023. His commanding presence, relentless drive, and ability to rally teammates on and off the pitch made him a natural choice to succeed Son. Thomas Frank, speaking in Udine, Italy, ahead of the UEFA Super Cup, praised Romero’s qualities: “I had a good conversation with Cuti Romero, and he’s going to be our captain. He was very honored and very happy about it. He leads from his behavior on the pitch, driving the team forward in every way, and outside the pitch, he’s always pushing the team.”
The Context of the Appointment
The decision comes in the wake of Son Heung-Min’s exit, a move that sent shockwaves through the Tottenham fanbase. Son, a club legend with 454 appearances, 173 goals, and 101 assists, had been the heart and soul of Spurs for a decade. His departure to the MLS left a leadership void, prompting Frank to act decisively. While Romero had been linked with a potential move to Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer, interest from the Spanish club cooled due to Spurs’ £60m valuation, and Romero’s commitment to the club was reaffirmed through his captaincy and recent social media posts hinting at his long-term stay.
Frank’s choice to appoint Romero was not left to a team vote but was a deliberate decision by the manager, who emphasized Romero’s readiness to lead. “It’s a big thing to lead this wonderful club out on the pitch, not just for this Super Cup, but also throughout the season,” Frank said. The Argentine’s first opportunity to lead as captain could be historic, with the UEFA Super Cup offering a chance to lift silverware in his debut match as skipper.
A Leadership Group to Support Romero
While Romero will wear the armband, Frank has outlined plans to establish a broader leadership group to support him, a strategy he believes is essential for success. “I want a leadership group as well,” Frank noted. “I would like to have as many leaders as possible, four to five in the leadership group who can help, because I can’t do everything on my own and need a superb coaching staff around me.” This group, which may include players like James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario, will be finalized after the summer transfer window closes, allowing Frank to assess the squad fully.
Fan and Pundit Reactions
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from Tottenham supporters, who see Romero as a fitting successor to Son. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with fans describing Romero as “a leader, winner, and mentality monster” and “the perfect captain for Tottenham.” His performances, including leading Spurs to a pre-season victory over Arsenal and his Player of the Match display in the Europa League final, have endeared him to fans and cemented his status as a fan favorite.
Pundits and analysts have also backed the decision. John Wenham, owner of the Lilywhite Rose podcast, previously predicted Romero’s appointment, stating, “Romero will be the new captain if Son departs the club,” highlighting his belief that Romero’s leadership could anchor Spurs’ future, potentially influencing players like Rodrigo Bentancur to extend their contracts.
What Lies Ahead for Romero and Spurs
Romero’s captaincy signals a new era for Tottenham under Thomas Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou after the latter’s departure. With new signings like Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel, and a return to the UEFA Champions League in the 2025/26 season, Spurs are poised for a competitive campaign. Romero’s role as captain will be crucial in guiding younger players like Destiny Udogie and Micky van de Ven, with whom he formed a formidable defensive partnership last season.
However, challenges remain. Romero is entering the penultimate year of his contract, and while recent updates suggest he is committed to Spurs, the club must prioritize securing a new deal to fend off interest from clubs like Atletico Madrid. A long-term contract, potentially making him the highest-paid player at the club, could solidify his legacy as a Spurs icon.
Conclusion
Cristian Romero’s appointment as Tottenham Hotspur’s club captain is a statement of intent from Thomas Frank and the club’s hierarchy. With his World Cup-winning pedigree, fierce determination, and proven leadership, Romero is well-equipped to lead Spurs into a new era. As the team prepares to face PSG in the UEFA Super Cup, all eyes will be on “Cuti” to set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season in North London.
