Captain James Tavernier to Bid Farewell to Rangers After 11 Years of Service

Written by Pavel Kateliev

Pavel Kateliev is a popular sport journalist, particularly in the fields of football, basketball, tennis, and hockey. He writes daily for Sportingpedia and his work has been translated into at least 20 languages and featured on renowned outlets such as BBC, Yahoo, MCN, Sun, and Evening News, in Italian, English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

, | Updated: April 22, 2026

Key Takeaways:

James Tavernier confirmed on Wednesday he will depart Rangers at the end of the season after 11 years at Ibrox
Tavernier has served as captain since 2018, winning the Scottish Premiership in 2021, the Scottish Cup in 2022, and the League Cup in 2023
The 34-year-old English full-back has scored 144 goals in 562 appearances for Rangers, making him the highest-scoring defender in British football

End of an Era for Rangers’ Stalwart Captain

Rangers’ long-serving captain, James Tavernier, has announced that he will depart the Glasgow club when his contract expires at the close of the season. The defender, who has become synonymous with the side over more than a decade, confirmed his decision in a statement released on Instagram, describing the move as “not an easy decision”.

Tavernier arrived at Ibrox from Newcastle in 2015, initially joining a side in the Scottish Championship following their demotion due to administration. Since then, his dedication and influence both on and off the pitch have seen him become a central figure in Rangers’ resurgence.

💙 Captain James Tavernier has the following message for fans, teammates and staff at the club. pic.twitter.com/7Di6ko7hGG
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 22, 2026

Crowns, Cup Triumphs and a European Journey

Tavernier assumed the captain’s armband on a full-time basis in 2018 under Steven Gerrard, and led Rangers through multiple domestic successes. His tenure includes a historic Scottish Premiership triumph in 2021, the club’s first in a decade, followed by the Scottish Cup in 2022 and the League Cup in 2023.

He also guided Rangers to the 2022 Europa League final, where the side narrowly missed out on glory, falling to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties.

Unmatched Goal-Scoring Defender

Having made 562 appearances for the club, Tavernier’s attacking contributions from right-back have been exceptional, tallying 144 goals for Rangers and 152 in total across his career. This record cements him as the highest-scoring defender in British football history.

Reflecting on his spell at the club, Tavernier stated, “This club has been a huge part of my life and my family’s over the past 11 years… To have had the honour of being made captain of this club since 2018 is something I will always be incredibly proud of. Leading this team out, wearing the armband and being trusted in that role has meant more to me that I can properly put into words.”

Rangers’ Current Campaign and Final Hopes

Despite trailing leaders Hearts by a single point in the league this season, Rangers remain in contention for the title. The club will be determined to secure another Premiership medal for Tavernier before his impending departure.