Arsenal have witnessed plenty of footballing icons wear the captain’s armband over the years, leading the side to glory.
Few can downplay the role of a club captain at a side like Arsenal, where the work ethic, values and standards are set by those at the top.
Over the years at Highbury and the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners have seen plenty of different leaders on and off the pitch.
Some of those led to some outstanding success, adding plenty to the Arsenal trophy cabinet and memories that last forever.
So with that said, here’s a look at Arsenal’s captains, both past and present, during the Premier League era.
Tony Adams – 1988-2002
- Position: Defender
- Appearances: 628
- Goals: 45
- Trophies: First Division (x2), Premier League (x2), FA Cup (x3), Community Shield, European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Tony Adams is Arsenal’s longest-serving captain in the club’s history, sealing himself as one of the greatest to ever carry the armband.
The defender was monumental in the Gunners’ success and will be defined as Arsenal through and through.
Patrick Vieira – 2002-2005
- Position: Midfielder
- Appearances: 405
- Goals: 32
- Trophies: Premier League (x3), FA Cup (x4), Community Shield (x3)
Patrick Vieira was the first Arsenal captain from outside the British Isles, sealing himself as a key player for Arsene Wenger from the moment he signed in 1996.
Vieira was named as captain in 2002 and helped the Gunners go unbeaten in the 2003/04 campaign, also known as The Invincibles.
Thierry Henry – 2005-2007
- Position: Forward
- Appearances: 377
- Goals: 228
- Trophies: Premier League (x2), FA Cup (x3), Community Shield (x2)
Following on from Vieira, star forward Thierry Henry was handed the armband in 2005 to lead Arsenal into battle.
The Frenchman was captain for two years before he moved on to join Barcelona.
William Gallas – 2007-2008
- Position: Defender
- Appearances: 142
- Goals: 14
William Gallas was named as Arsenal captain in 2007, but the midfielder was stripped of that in 2008.
Cesc Fabregas – 2008-2011
- Position: Midfielder
- Appearances: 303
- Goals: 57
- Trophies: FA Cup, Community Shield
Midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas was named Arsenal captain in 2008, replacing Gallas as the holder of the armband.
The Spaniard held that for three years before he decided to make a return to Barcelona – where he was part of the youth ranks.
Robin van Persie – 2011-2012
- Position: Striker
- Appearances: 278
- Goals: 132
- Trophies: FA Cup, Community Shield
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie was handed the captaincy in 2011, replacing the outgoing Fabregas as the dressing room leader.
The Dutchman only held that position for one year though, leaving for rivals Manchester United one year later.
Thomas Vermaelen – 2012-2014
- Position: Defender
- Appearances: 150
- Goals: 15
- Trophies: FA Cup
Defensive stalwart Thomas Vermaelen spent five years at the Emirates Stadium, taking the armband from 2012 until 2014 when he left to join Barcelona.
Mikel Arteta – 2014-2016
- Position: Midfielder
- Appearances: 150
- Goals: 16
- Trophies: FA Cup (x2), Community Shield (x2)
Midfielder Mikel Arteta was named club captain in 2014 and held that duty for two years – where further along the long he would become Arsenal manager.
Per Mertesacker – 2016-2018
- Position: Defender
- Appearances: 221
- Goals: 10
- Trophies: FA Cup (x3), Community Shield (x2)
Following on from Arteta’s retirement, defender Per Mertesacker was named club captain, which he also held for two years before hanging up his boots.
Mertesacker is now the Arsenal academy manager, overseeing all of the development in the youth ranks.
Laurent Koscielny – 2018-2019
- Position: Defender
- Appearances: 353
- Goals: 27
- Trophies: FA Cup (x3), Community Shield (x3)
Another defensive stalwart in Laurent Koscielny was then handed the armband at Arsenal, but he only kept it for one year before leaving for Bordeaux.
Granit Xhaka – 2019
- Position: Midfielder
- Appearances: 297
- Goals: 23
- Trophies: FA Cup (x2), Community Shield (x2)
Granit Xhaka had a short spell as Arsenal captain in 2019, with Unai Emery stripping him of the responsibility after an angry confrontation with fans.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 2019-2021
- Position: Forward
- Appearances: 163
- Goals: 92
- Trophies: FA Cup, Community Shield
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was appointed as club captain after Granit Xhaka was stripped of the armband.
The forward held it for two years until he left in January 2021, with Mikel Arteta moving him on after a disagreement.
Alexandre Lacazette – 2021-2022
- Position: Forward
- Appearances: 206
- Goals: 71
- Trophies: FA Cup, Community Shield
Alexandre Lacazette was given the responsibility as Arsenal captain in the absence of Aubameyang for over one year before he left to rejoin Lyon.
Martin Odegaard – 2022-present
Martin Odegaard is the current captain of Arsenal, having been named as the leader of the dressing room in 2022.
The Norwegian has been a symbol of the club’s growth from European outsiders to Premier League title challengers.
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