Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Reece James will remain Chelsea captain for the upcoming season. The Spanish coach, appointed in May 2026 after leaving Real Madrid, used his first press conference to settle the leadership question: "He's going to be the captain," Alonso said of the 26-year-old right-back, praising a player who "can do everything" and "has blue DNA."
James, a product of Chelsea's academy, was handed the armband in August 2023. Injuries have disrupted his time at Stamford Bridge, yet he still made 39 appearances in all competitions last season before earning a place in England's World Cup squad. He was absent from Alonso's opening pre-season session because he is still at the World Cup, where England face Argentina in a semi-final on Wednesday.
Alongside the captaincy, Alonso made clear he wants Enzo Fernandez to stay. The Argentina midfielder, 25, signed from Benfica in January 2023 for a then British-record £106.8m and enjoyed his best campaign last term, with 10 Premier League goals and four assists in 36 games; Real Madrid have publicly denied any interest. Alonso also acknowledged live interest from other clubs in winger Alejandro Garnacho, 22, who sat out the first training session this week.
