Rangers captain James Tavernier has confirmed he will leave Rangers F.C. at the end of the 2025–26 season, bringing an emotional close to one of the most remarkable spells in the club’s modern history.
According to reports widely covered by outlets including BBC Sport, the 34-year-old made the decision after 11 years at Ibrox, where he established himself as a leader, record-breaker, and fan favorite.
Tavernier’s journey began in 2015, and by 2018 he had taken on the captain’s armband—leading Rangers through both rebuilding years and moments of glory. His legacy is defined not just by leadership, but by extraordinary numbers. Over 560 appearances and more than 140 goals, he became the highest-scoring defender in British football history, a feat rarely seen in the modern game.
His impact was felt most during Rangers’ resurgence, including the historic 2020–21 Scottish Premiership title, which ended Celtic’s nine-year dominance, and the unforgettable run to the 2022 UEFA Europa League final, where Tavernier finished as the competition’s top scorer despite playing in defense.
In a heartfelt statement, Tavernier expressed deep gratitude to the club, teammates, and supporters, emphasizing that captaining Rangers had been “an honor.” Tributes quickly poured in, with the club posting a simple but powerful message: “Once a Ranger, always a Ranger.”
His departure also symbolizes the closing of a chapter, as he becomes the last remaining player from that 2022 European final squad to leave the club.
While questions remain about his next destination, one thing is certain: James Tavernier leaves as a modern Rangers legend—his influence etched permanently into the club’s history.
