Ruben Dias has committed his long-term future to Manchester City.
It was reported at the start of July that Man City were working on a new contract for Dias, and several weeks later, the deal has been announced with the Portuguese star penning new terms that keep him at the club until 2029, with the option of a further year to 2030.
Should the defender see out this contract, that would make it 10 years for the centre-back at the Etihad Stadium, having joined from Benfica in 2020.
Man City view Dias as the best defender in the Premier League, but that is not the real reason why the Manchester club have tied him down to a new contract.
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Man City view Ruben Dias as a future captain
Last season was a tough one for Dias, with many pundits and fans believing the Portuguese star was on the decline. Steve Nicol even stated that the Man City star’s legs have gone, and it remains to be seen throughout the 2025/26 campaign if that is the case.
Man City fans have mixed feelings over Dias staying, but the reason the Manchester club want to keep the 28-year-old is that they view the defender as a future captain and a key part of the spine of Guardiola’s team, reports the Daily Mail.
“The Portugal international has penned a two-year extension, with the option of a further year to 2030, and is viewed as a future captain,” Jack Gaughan wrote.
“City have made a raft of new signings as they move towards a new era, but the likes of Dias and Erling Haaland are seen as crucial to the team’s spine throughout the transition. The pair are part of Pep Guardiola’s leadership group, alongside Rodri and captain Bernardo Silva.”
With Bernardo Silva set to leave Man City when his contract expires at the end of the season, Dias could become captain of the Manchester club as early as next season.
That would be an honour for the Portuguese defender, who Man City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, is more than happy to keep around.
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Hugo Viana heaps praise on Ruben Dias
The reasons Man City are keeping Dias can be seen in the words of Viana following the announcement of Dias’ new deal.
“As a club, we’re really excited that Ruben has signed a new contract and committed his long-term future to the club,” the City Director of Football told mancity.com.
“His hard work, professionalism and sheer dedication are clear to all of us every single day, He is a leader in the dressing room and on the pitch. He is one of our captains, the players listen to him and Pep and the coaching staff love working with him. He is the ultimate professional.
“His performances over the past five years have been outstanding, and he is a big reason why we have been so successful. Every time Ruben pulls on a City shirt, he gives his all for the badge, and we are so happy to know he will be here for the next four years.”
The 25/26 season is a big one for Dias, as throughout the coming months, the defender will need to prove how important he can still be for Guardiola’s squad.
