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Feyenoord appoints Luciano Valente as new captain
Teams 10 August 2026

Feyenoord appoints Luciano Valente as new captain

Luciano Valente has been elected as the new captain by Feyenoord. The 22-year-old Dutch international takes over the band from the departed Timon Wellenreuther. Several players wore the band in the preparation, but Valente is given the confidence for the entire season.

Feyenoord appoints Luciano Valente as new captain

According to Vi.

Background

Luciano Valente, who switched from FC Groningen to Feyenoord in the summer of 2025, has quickly developed into a crucial player for the club. His appointment as captain comes at a time when Feyenoord is preparing for a competitive season in the Eredivisie, and Valente's experience as a Dutch international could be of great importance to the team dynamics.

Why this matters

The appointment of Luciano Valente as captain of Feyenoord is an important step for the club, especially considering his young age of 22. This not only highlights his growth as a player, but also the confidence the club has in his leadership qualities and influence on the team. Valente's development from a player at FC Groningen to a key role in the Eredivisie underlines Feyenoord's focus on talent development and continuity within the team.

Key points

  • Feyenoord appoints Luciano Valente as new captain.
  • Luciano Valente has been elected as the new captain by Feyenoord.
  • Feyenoord appoints Valente as new captain.

Feyenoord has officially appointed Luciano Valente as their new captain. The 22-year-old midfielder takes over the captaincy from Timon Wellenreuther, who recently transferred to VfL Wolfsburg. The Rotterdam club therefore emphatically opts for continuity and leadership from the heart of the team.

Trainer Giovanni van Bronckhorst had already indicated at the press conference on Friday that his choice had been made internally after various discussions, with the club announcing it on Saturday. In the run-up to the new season, the band passed through several hands in preparation: Givairo Read and Anis Hadj Moussa, among others, wore it in practice matches. However, the decision has now been made: Valente will wear the captain's armband for the rest of the season.

Things have been going very fast for Valente since his arrival at De Kuip. The creative midfielder switched from FC Groningen to Feyenoord in the summer of 2025, where he started with shirt number forty. In the past season he became a Dutch international and was given shirt number ten at Feyenoord after Cyle Larin left. This development underlines the confidence within the club in his influence on and off the field.

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With the appointment of Valente, Feyenoord is betting on a captain who can provide football direction and monitor the highest rhythm. For a relatively young player it is a major responsibility, but his rapid rise, status as an international and role as a playmaker make him a logical choice for Van Bronckhorst. Within the dynamics of a top club, the captaincy is more than symbolism: it is about boosting intensity, directing pressing moments and monitoring agreements across all lines.

The changing of the guard follows the departure of Wellenreuther, who wore the band recently. For Feyenoord this means a new chapter in the dressing room hierarchy, with Valente as the face of the team towards the newEredivisie season. The fact that he is already an international player can also contribute to his profile as a leader: the experiences at international level sharpen his match intelligence and speed of action, qualities that are required at Feyenoord.

The preparation already showed that there were several candidates to wear the bracelet, but the fact that Valente has now received final confidence provides clarity for the selection and supporters. It fits in with the line that Van Bronckhorst previously indicated: clearly explaining choices, creating support and ensuring sporting continuity. For Valente himself, it is the next step in a year in which a lot comes together: from number forty to number ten, from newcomer to decisive player and now also the captain's armband.

The timing is significant for the club: the hierarchy is fixed just before the start of the competition, which provides peace of mind in the run-up to the first matches. For the supporters, it is a signal that the club is building a recognizable core with a clear leader on the field. Valente will now wear the armband and lead the group in the hunt for success in the Eredivisie and the Dutch cup campaign.

What's happening now

With Valente as the new captain, Feyenoord can prepare for the coming season with a strong focus on team cohesion and leadership. The club will hope that his influence on the pitch and in the dressing room will improve the team's performance. In addition, his role as captain can also influence the transfer market, as clubs are always looking for young leaders with potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Feyenoord's new captain?

Luciano Valente has been officially appointed as the new captain of Feyenoord.

Which club does Luciano Valente come from?

Luciano Valente came over from FC Groningen to Feyenoord in the summer of 2025.

Why did Feyenoord choose Luciano Valente?

Feyenoord opts for continuity and leadership from the heart of the team, and Valente has quickly developed into an important player.

When was Luciano Valente's appointment made official?

The appointment of Luciano Valente was announced by the club on Saturday.

What is Luciano Valente's role within the team?

Luciano Valente will wear the captain's armband for the rest of the season and has an important role as a playmaker and leader on the pitch.

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