Demi Stokes named new Newcastle United captain | OneFootball

Demi Stokes and the Newcastle United squad (Chris Booth/Newcastle United)

Newcastle United have appointed former England international Demi Stokes as their captain ahead of their 2025-26 campaign.

She assumes the armband following the departure of Amber-Keegan Stobbs, and will lead the team as they look to secure promotion to the top tier from WSL2 (what was the Women’s Championship).

Stokes joined Newcastle in the summer of 2024 from Manchester City, where she won a league title, three FA Cups, and three league cups, during her nine years with the club.

She has 26 appearances thus far in black and white, saying when she signed: “I still have so much to give on the pitch and I’m excited to bring my experience to a club with such big ambitions.”

Now 33 years of age, the full back has also played for local rivals Sunderland and enjoyed a short spell at Vancouver Whitecaps.

She was part of the England squad that won the Women’s Euros in 2022, and also featured at the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Her legacy cap number is 183, making her international debut against Norway in January 2014, and her last appearance coming in a friendly against the Czech Republic in October 2022.

Demi Stokes: I feel honoured

“It has been a privilege wearing the Newcastle United badge, and wearing the captain’s armband is an even greater privilege,” said Stokes in a club statement.

“The armband is a promise of responsibility, a promise to do more rather than less. This includes leading from the front and within the team, lifting players up when needed, and ensuring every voice is heard, both on and off the pitch.

“I feel honoured that my wealth of experience and professionalism has been recognised and I thank the team and staff for placing their trust in me to lead us to promotion to the WSL.”

Langley: Stokes is an outstanding person

Newcastle United manager Becky Langley added: “When we signed Demi, we knew that she would be a leader in our group and would bring an abundance of experience with her. Those qualities that she has made her an obvious choice for captain.

“She drives standards, she’s loyal and professional. She is a voice for all of the players in the dressing room.

“I am really proud to work with Demi – not just because she’s a great player, but more so because she’s an outstanding person.”

Newcastle United begin their WSL2 campaign with a trip to the City Ground to play Nottingham Forest on Sunday, 7th September, kicking off at 2pm.