Juventus captain Danilo has found himself on the fringes of the first team after four Serie A matches, with Federico Gatti now wearing the armband. This shift was hinted at during new manager Thiago Motta’s first press conference in July, where he suggested changes might be coming to the captaincy.
As Juventus begins a new cycle with a revamped squad and generational change, even a player of Danilo’s caliber – one of the best performers last season under Massimiliano Allegri – may no longer be considered a first-choice option at 33 years old. Motta has emphasized that in this new Juventus, “everyone is useful, and no one is indispensable.”
Calciomercato report how, despite only playing 5 minutes in the league so far, Danilo has not shown any signs of discontent. He has demonstrated full support for Motta’s vision, embodying the role of a true team player regardless of his playing time or captain status.
Danilo remains confident that opportunities will arise throughout Juventus’ busy season, which includes Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, and the Club World Cup. His versatility as a fullback, center-back, or in a back three will be an asset for Motta.
The Brazilian’s contract situation adds another layer of intrigue. His current deal expires on June 30, 2025, but includes an automatic renewal clause until 2026 if he plays at least 50% of matches plus one appearance. This mirrors the situation that led to Alex Sandro’s automatic extension last season.
Some speculate that Juventus may be wary of triggering another automatic renewal, similar to Alex Sandro’s case. However, Motta cannot afford to make decisions based solely on contract clauses. In a demanding season, if Danilo is needed, the coach will not hesitate to use him regardless of appearance counts.
Motta reaffirmed Danilo’s importance in a recent press conference, stating, “Danilo is fine. The important thing is to continue training well with this determination. Danilo is as valuable as the others.” As the season progresses, Danilo’s role and future at Juventus will likely become clearer
