De Gea promoted to Fiorentina captain as mark of faith | OneFootball

Fiorentina have handed the captain’s armband to David De Gea, a symbolic decision aimed at restoring balance and confidence during a delicate phase of the season.

The change was confirmed ahead of Sunday’s match against Udinese, with De Gea taking over from Luca Ranieri, who had previously been named club captain.

The decision was taken by coach Paolo Vanoli in agreement with the club and communicated to the squad following Fiorentina’s recent trip to Lausanne.

FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Head coach Paolo Vanoli manager of ACF Fiorentina gestures during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Hellas Verona FC at Artemio Franchi on December 14, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Fiorentina reward De Gea with captaincy amid tricky season

According to reports from the Corriere dello Sport, the move was not intended as a punishment for Ranieri.

Instead, it reflects an effort to reset the atmosphere inside the dressing room and relieve pressure on a player who, as a product of the club’s academy, has felt the weight of a difficult campaign more than most.

Ranieri was informed directly and is understood to have accepted the decision without issue.

At the same time, giving the armband to De Gea represents a clear show of trust in the experienced goalkeeper, who has endured a challenging period of form. The club see the gesture as a statement of faith in the Spaniard’s leadership and character, as well as his importance within the squad.

PISA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: David de Gea of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and ACF Fiorentina at Arena Garibaldi on September 28, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

The move follows recent comments from Daniele Pradè’s successor, Roberto Goretti, who had warned that “strong decisions” would be required to steer Fiorentina through their current struggles.

While the comfortable win over Udinese that followed may not be directly linked, the message sent by the captaincy change was unmistakable.