Revealed: Enzo Fernandez set for leadership role at Chelsea despite racist Argentina Copa America chant video storm

The midfielder is expected to be named among Chelsea’s vice-captains by new coach Enzo Maresca, according to The Times. He was given the captain's armband in the second-half of his team's 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in a friendly after Reece James was substituted off.

The elevation of Fernandez's status within the Chelsea squad comes despite him creating a storm after winning the Copa America with Argentina this summer. He posted a video on social media in which he sang a racist and homophobic song about France players.

Fernandez's actions caused a stir within the Chelsea squad as many of the Blues' French players were reported to be "very angry" with the 23-year-old. Team-mate Wesley Fofana eventually came to the star's defence after he apologised to the France international, with the defender claiming that Fernandez is "not racist".

Fernandez will hope that the controversy is well and truly behind him and his Chelsea team-mates as they gear up for the 2024-25 Premier League season. The Stamford Bridge side will face Inter in their last pre-season friendly before they take on Manchester City in their first league game of the new campaign on August 18.