To be a hero or a villain in the eyes of the world depends on how you treat your teammates and how you make decisions.
There are a few people that come to mind when you think of football team leaders who have fulfilled the promise of becoming a well-known and well-respected figure. However, not everyone relinquishes their duties by voluntarily stepping down from their position.
Without further ado, below are some of the players stripped of the captain’s armband
5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
Aubamayeng deteriorated dramatically as a player since signing a new deal at arsenal. His physical condition deteriorated significantly, and he became a burden rather than a talisman.
In March 2021, Aubameyang caused a stir by arriving late for a North London derby. His on-the-field performance didn’t improve, and his commitment to the team was frequently questioned.
When Mikel Arteta took over as Arsenal manager in December, he felt enough was enough and removed Aubamayeng as captain.
4. Granit Xhaka – Arsenal
Granit Xhaka had his captaincy revoked by Unai Emery just two months into the 2019-20 season. He was substituted after a terrible performance at home to Crystal Palace, where he gestured at the crowd to “f*ck off” after they booed him.
The Arsenal crowd was not pleased with this and the armband was taken away from him and it was given to Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang.
3. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
2. Joey Barton (Queens Park Rangers)
Joey Barton has had his share of disciplinary issues. On the football field, he was a ruffian who exaggerated situations.
The Premier League’s dramatic 3-2 win over Queens Park Rangers on the final day of 2011-12 was a high point. To stay in the Premier League, QPR needed a draw or Bolton Wanderers to lose on the penultimate day.
But their captain, Joey Barton, elbowed former comrade Carlos Tevez. After getting sent off, he kicked Sergio Aguero in the knee.
He also tried to headbutt Vincent Kompany and fought Mario Balotelli until Micah Richards hauled him away. Barton suffered deservedly. He lost his captaincy and was loaned to Marseille.
1. John Terry – England
The former Chelsea captain was involved in a racial row with Anton Ferdinand a few months before Euro 2012, making him an international addition to this list.
The English FA had robbed him of the honor of leading his country out before his trial began, originally until the ‘allegations had been settled,’ but he was found guilty and would never wear the armband again.
Terry remained Chelsea captain, but after the Euros, he retired from international duty after the trial was completed and he was found guilty.
