Enzo Maresca is currently weighing up who to appoint as Manchester City’s next permanent captain following Bernardo Silva’s departure this summer.

However, an unusual rule introduced by Maresca at the Etihad Stadium has effectively ruled out star striker Erling Haaland.

Haaland has been at Man City for four years now, winning three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, one League Cup and the UEFA Champions League during that period.

In 198 appearances, the Norwegian has scored an astonishing 162 goals. He’s already won the Premier League Golden Boot award on three occasions and put pen to paper on an unprecedented nine-and-a-half-year contract with the Citizens in January 2025.

Why Haaland Won’t be Man City Captain Under Maresca

Despite the fact he’s committed his long-term future to Man City, it seems the captain’s armband won’t be heading Haaland’s way all the while Maresca’s in charge.

Asked if Haaland is a leading candidate to become City’s new skipper, Maresca told reporters, per BBC Sport: “Erling was one of the first to send a message when I joined the club.

“At Leicester and Chelsea I had a rule that when we scored the captain had to come to the bench, not to celebrate, but for instructions. But if he scores, then he can celebrate.

“If you saw the game [against K-League XI] on Wednesday, when we scored the first goal, Ruben [Dias] came over to the bench.

“I think even if it is two or three minutes, there is always something to adjust. At the moment, we have three or four [in the leadership group] and we are missing one. In the case of Rodri, see what happens.”

City’s Leadership Group and Most Likely New Captain

Rodri and Dias are part of City’s leadership group, alongside Haaland, but Maresca would prefer to have a captain who doesn’t score so many goals.

The Italian coach, who has taken over from the legendary Pep Guardiola, uses the little bit of time during a goal celebration to communicate valuable tactical instructions to his skipper that can then be passed on to teammates.

Because Haaland scores so many of Man City’s goals, Maresca would have far fewer opportunities to deliver touchline instructions if the club’s No. 9 was captain.

With 2026 Ballon d’Or contender Rodri likely to sign for Barcelona in the coming weeks, Ruben Dias appears to be the most likely candidate to become City’s new skipper.

However, Rodri will become a strong contender if his move to Camp Nou fails to materialise.

WWE has been a conveyor belt for some of the most iconic figures in sports entertainment, producing larger‑than‑life heroes of the ’80s, rebellious anti‑heroes of the ’90s, and global megastars of the modern age.

Across every generation, performers have carried the company through peak periods and challenging times, breaking into the mainstream and leaving a legacy that continues to shape the world of professional wrestling.

By using AI to evaluate careers, achievements, and cultural impact, we have compiled a definitive ranking of the 20 greatest WWE Superstars of all time. Championship success and world titles remain key markers of greatness, but this list recognises that true influence extends beyond belts. Match quality, fan connection, storytelling ability, and cultural significance all play a crucial role in shaping a wrestler’s place in history.

These are the Superstars who set new standards, redefined the sport, and helped elevate WWE into one of the most recognised entertainment brands in the world.

10

Bruno Sammartino

Bruno Sammartino stands as one of the most iconic figures in WWE history, a wrestler whose extraordinary strength, charisma, and integrity made him a true legend of professional wrestling.

During his two reigns as WWWF Champion, Sammartino held the title for more than 11 years combined, including an unforgettable reign of nearly eight years – the longest in company history for decades. More than his remarkable longevity and athletic achievements, Bruno became a symbol of loyalty, resilience, and connection with the fans, particularly during WWE’s formative years. His legacy extends far beyond championship records: he helped establish the foundation upon which WWE was built and inspired generations of wrestlers who followed.

Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013, Bruno Sammartino remains revered as “The Living Legend”, a testament to a career and character that left an enduring mark on professional wrestling.

9

Ric Flair

“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair set the standard for professional wrestling greatness. With 16 recognised world championships across WWE, WCW, and the NWA, Flair’s career spanned decades and showcased immense charisma and storytelling. Known for his trademark “Wooo!” and flamboyant robes, he embodied the extravagant wrestling lifestyle while delivering legendary matches against a host of legendary performers.

One of the most emotional moments in WWE history came at WrestleMania 24 in Flair’s “career‑threatening match” against Shawn Michaels. Barely able to stand, Flair looked defiant yet vulnerable as Michaels mouthed “I’m sorry, I love you” before delivering the final Sweet Chin Music and embracing him after the three count. The moment highlighted Flair’s influence on generations of Superstars and solidified his status as the blueprint for excellence in wrestling history.

8

Triple H

Triple H built his legacy on constant reinvention. Starting in WWE as the aristocratic Hunter Hearst Helmsley, he evolved into The Game and The Cerebral Assassin, becoming one of the defining stars of the Attitude and Ruthless Aggression Eras. A 14‑time world champion, he also fronted several of WWE’s most influential stables, including D‑Generation X, Evolution, and The Authority, each of which helped define major storylines and elevate future stars.

Known for his ability to make opponents look incredible through exceptional selling and in‑ring storytelling, Triple H delivered classics against the likes of The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Shawn Michaels. Beyond his wrestling career, he now serves as WWE’s chief content officer, overseeing the creative direction of the entire company and continuing his lasting impact on professional wrestling.

7

Bret “The Hitman” Hart

Bret Hart was the backbone of WWE in the early ’90s, holding the company together when star power was lacking. Known for his pink and black attire and elite technical wrestling ability, Hart brought a realistic style to WWE that influenced countless performers who followed.

He became a five‑time WWE Champion and delivered classics against names like Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and his late brother Owen Hart. His unscripted mic-work also set him apart, making him beloved among purist fans. Beyond championships, Hart’s legacy is defined by his work ethic and the respect he commanded in every locker room he entered, ensuring his place as one of wrestling’s all‑time greats.

6

Shawn Michaels

Shawn Michaels is often hailed as the greatest in‑ring performer in WWE history. Nicknamed “Mr. WrestleMania” for his iconic performances on the grandest stage, Michaels revolutionised wrestling with his athleticism and ability to tell emotional stories in the ring. His rivalries with Bret Hart, The Undertaker, and Triple H remain legendary, and his comeback run from 2002 to 2010, after a four-year absence, proved he could deliver classics well into his 40s.

Michaels’ off-the-scale charisma, character evolution, and ability to connect with fans made him stand out in every era he was a part of. A four-time world champion and two‑time Hall of Famer, his influence on modern wrestling is undeniable, inspiring countless Superstars who grew up captivated by his matches.

5

The Rock

Nobody has achieved the crossover success The Rock has had. Rising to prominence in the late ’90s, his electrifying charisma and unbeatable mic skills made him a cornerstone of the Attitude Era. As an eight‑time WWE Champion, The Rock headlined numerous WrestleManias and engaged in iconic rivalries with Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, and, more recently, John Cena.

Just as captivating in the ring as on the microphone, he delivered unforgettable performances packed with intensity and crowd‑pleasing drama. His catchphrases and larger‑than‑life personality transcended wrestling, launching him into Hollywood superstardom. Even with sporadic returns, The Rock’s impact on WWE remains enormous, bringing mainstream attention whenever he appears.

4

The Undertaker

The Undertaker stands alone as WWE’s most enduring and mystical Superstar. For over 30 years, he captivated audiences worldwide with a presence that was both chilling and magnetic, drawing fans into every storyline and match. Combining supernatural elements with unique storytelling, he created a persona unlike any other in sports entertainment.

His legendary WrestleMania streak of 21 consecutive victories remains one of wrestling’s most celebrated achievements and a testament to his consistency at the highest level. A defining moment came at WrestleMania 20, when he returned as The Deadman after four years as The American Badass. This return, following his burial at the hands of his brother Kane at Survivor Series, signalled the beginning of a new, unforgettable chapter that would last until the end of his career.

The Undertaker adapted seamlessly across eras, from the eerie Deadman to the rebellious American Badass, always staying relevant while maintaining his aura of invincibility. A seven‑time world champion, he captivated fans not only with unforgettable singles matches but also as one half of the formidable Brothers of Destruction alongside Kane, with whom he won three tag team championships. His unwavering loyalty to WWE, combined with his ability to continually reinvent himself while preserving his mystique, cements his status as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time and a true icon of sports entertainment.

3

Stone Cold Steve Austin

Stone Cold Steve Austin defined the Attitude Era and became the ultimate anti‑hero, connecting with fans through his rebellious and chaotic persona. His feuds with Vince McMahon and The Rock are cornerstones of wrestling history, as well as drawing massive television ratings during WWE’s battle with WCW.

Austin captured six world championships, but his cultural influence far outweighs numbers and records. His surprise entrances became legendary, with none louder than his 2001 appearance to save WWE from The Alliance, where he stormed the ring and stunned seven ECW and WCW stars in a row, getting one of the biggest crowd reactions in company history.

This moment, along with his “Austin 3:16” promo and beer‑soaked celebrations, remain some of WWE’s most replayed moments, and despite an injury‑shortened career, his impact on WWE’s survival and success is truly legendary.

2

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan’s influence on professional wrestling cannot be overstated. As the face of WWE in the ’80s, Hogan helped transform the company into a global phenomenon with his “Hulkamania” movement. A six‑time WWE Champion and six‑time WCW Champion, he is also one of only four Superstars in history to win back‑to‑back Royal Rumbles, achieving the feat in 1990 and 1991.

He headlined the first WrestleMania and became wrestling’s first mainstream icon, inspiring a generation of fans with his larger‑than‑life persona and catchphrases. The wrestling world was left saddened following the announcement of his passing at the age of 71, with tributes pouring in from across the industry. His impact on WWE and wrestling as a whole is incomparable, ensuring his legacy as one of the most significant figures in wrestling history.

1

John Cena

John Cena carried WWE on his shoulders for more than a decade, becoming the face of the company during the 2000s and 2010s. Winning a record‑breaking 17 world championships, Cena’s “never give up” mantra and tireless work ethic resonated with fans of all ages. Even though he wouldn’t be a fixture on WWE programming every week due to having parts in multiple films, he delivered countless classic matches against legends of the past as well as today’s biggest Superstars.

Beyond the ring, Cena’s charity work, including granting over 650 Make‑A‑Wish requests, firmly places him as one of WWE’s most admirable and beloved figures. His transition to Hollywood has not diminished his wrestling legacy at all, with fans continuing to celebrate his contributions to the company as well as his all-around greatness.

Tottenham could be getting closer to sealing the major sale of Cristian Romero as they look to balance their squad and spending over the coming weeks. Spurs have spent big this summer, amassing a record spend largely made up of the signings of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Spurs want to go from back-to-back bottom-half finishes to qualifying for Europe, and it was always clear that significant spending would be required to turn things around. Roberto De Zerbi has been the beneficiary of that, but he also knows that he will have to sell some players to ensure there is sufficient space, and indeed to make sure Spurs don’t have to do major cost-cutting in the next couple of years amid the presence of Profit and Sustainability rules. PSR is not a concern for Spurs currently, thanks to their financially stable approach over recent years, but such a high-spending window will mean they will be closer to the line in the next couple of summers.

Atletico Madrid stepping up Romero efforts

Romero is expected to leave Tottenham this summer, with the relationship having run its course. The centre-back always wore his heart on his sleeve for the club, and he will leave a good relationship with fans, but he often called out the club’s approach and has long admitted his desire to play in Spain.

“He leads from his behaviour on the pitch, driving the team forward in every way, and outside the pitch he’s always pushing the team.” – Thomas Frank on Cristian Romero

A departure is almost certain, with Van Hecke effectively signed to replace Romero, and transfer guru Fabriizo Romano has issued an update on the situation. He said on his YouTube show: “Atletico are now preparing a new official bid to send to Tottenham to try to close the deal. The first bid was €30million plus €5million, rejected. Atletico are returning to the table with a new bid, then they hope to close the deal for Cuti.

“They sent a contract proposal to Cuti Romero, who gave the green light to the move. Now it’s time for a financial agreement, length of the contract, salary and all the rest. But the deal is completely on track for Cuti Romero. As of today, Barcelona are not going for Cuti Romero. This is a club decision.”

Romero’s 2024/25 Premier League defending stats

• Appearances: 23
• Tackles: 2.5 per game
• Interceptions: 1.3 per game
• Clearances: 4.1 per game
• Blocks: 0.6 per game

Spurs set to lose leading figure in Romero

Romero has been a fine leader for Spurs, and it’s something former boss Thomas Frank acknowledged in 2025, when he said: “I think he has all the right qualities. He leads from his behaviour on the pitch, driving the team forward in every way, and outside the pitch he’s always pushing the team.”

That will be missed by Spurs, who will be hoping Mick van de Ven can offer that leadership, and that Van Hecke can be a commanding presence even early in his time at the club.