Real Betis Balompié has confirmed its captaincy structure for the 2026-27 season, ensuring stability within the squad. Marc Bartra, Isco and Aitor Ruibal will continue as the team's captains. The departure of goalkeeper Adrián San Miguel has allowed Héctor Bellerín to move up the internal hierarchy at the club.
Who are the Betis captains?
The primary on-field leadership will be provided by Marc Bartra, Isco and Aitor Ruibal. They are the players with the most weight and seniority within the squad. Bartra, who joined the club in January 2018, is the footballer with the most years of continuous service, excluding his loan spell at Trabzonspor in the 2022-23 season. He debuted with the first team in 2017 and became a regular starter from 2020. Isco took on captain's responsibilities almost from his arrival at the Benito Villamarín and already wore the armband in the pre-season match against Levante.
Aitor Ruibal completes the main trio. His continuity is a pillar for the manager in a dressing room seeking balance. This stability off the pitch contrasts with the current sporting situation, where the team sits sixth in La Liga with six points from three matches. You can check the full standings on our standings page.
How has the hierarchy changed?
The exit of Adrián San Miguel has reshuffled the order behind the top three. Héctor Bellerín is the main beneficiary, moving up one place in the chain of command. The right-back initially joined on loan in 2021-22 and signed permanently for the 2023-24 season. His development at the club has earned him this recognition.
Next in line are Marcos Llorente and Pablo Fornals. Both are set to wear the armband when the primary captains are unavailable. Llorente already served as captain in the league match against Valencia. Fornals, meanwhile, had that responsibility in some pre-season friendlies. This structure provides coverage and experience across all areas of the pitch.
What is the context for this decision?
The confirmation of the captaincy comes at a key moment in the season. Betis faces a demanding schedule, with a record of two wins and one loss in their first three games. They have scored four goals and conceded five, leaving a goal difference of -1. The team is three points behind the leaders, Real Madrid, whom they will face next at the Benito Villamarín.
The squad, however, is dealing with several significant absences. Aitor Ruibal, one of the captains, is on the injured list alongside Diego Conde, Giovani Lo Celso and Gonzalo Petit. The status of these players can be checked in our injuries section. This circumstance will test the team's depth and the ability of the deputies in the captaincy hierarchy to assume leadership.
What does it mean for the upcoming fixtures?
Clarity in command is an asset for tackling the busy schedule. Having a defined hierarchy helps manage the dressing room and transmits stability to the group. The first major test for this structure will be the clash against Real Madrid on September 4th. A highly demanding match where leadership on the pitch will be critical.
With the team in Conference League places and just three points off the top, every match counts. The institutional solidity represented by a stable captaincy can be a differentiating factor in moments of pressure. Fans can follow the team's progress and check the lineup for the next match in our squad section. The immediate objective is to add points and maintain a connection with the top positions in the table.
