New leader at Leipzig

Raum joined Leipzig from Bundesliga rivals Hoffenheim in summer 2022 and has since featured in 109 matches in all competitions.

The 27-year-old takes over from long-serving central defender Willi Orban, who will form part of Die Roten Bullen's new team council, alongside Christoph Baumgartner, Benjamin Henrichs and Castello Lukeba.

Midfielder Xaver Schlager has been named vice-captain.

"We want to give more players greater responsibility, and we chose David because he's predestined for this role," explained Werner, who took the vacant job at Leipzig on 24 June, following three-and-a-half years at Werder Bremen.

"We're choosing David because we believe he embodies everything we want to see from the team: hunger, potential for development and aggression."

Having captained Leipzig in their pre-season win over Toulouse at the end of July, Raum will have the opportunity to lead his team out in a competitive match when they travel to Sandhausen in the DFB Cup first round on Saturday. 

"I'm delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the new captain of RB Leipzig. It's a big responsibility and one that I aim to tackle with full conviction and passion," the 28-time Germany international said.

"To me, this means setting a good example both on and off the pitch, supporting the team and working together with the team to achieve our goals.

"I would like to thank everyone involved in this decision for the trust they have placed in me. Now, it's about giving everything, as the captain and as a team, to be able to celebrate success together."

Leipzig visit defending champions Bayern Munich in the opening top-flight fixture of 2025/26 on 22 August, but will have to do without European football for the first time since their promotion to the Bundesliga in 2016 after finishing seventh last season.