Following on from Europe's fantastic 16.5-11.5 victory over the USA at Ryder Cup 2023, the question of who will lead the reigning champions in 2025 has already been asked.

Playing on home soil once again proved crucial as Europe won the cup back from the US, who appeared rattled in the hostile atmosphere, at Marco Simone Golf Club, Rome.

The defeat prolongs the wait for an American win on foreign ground, with their last away triumph coming in 1993 when they edged out Europe 15-13 on the Brabazon course at The Belfry.

Bernard Gallacher was the losing captain 30 years ago before he made amends in 1995 when winning at Oak Hill Country Club, which is also the last time Europe kept the same captain for successive Ryder Cups.

Luke Donald is receiving huge plaudits for how he masterminded Europe's triumph in Italy last weekend and he could become only the fourth person since 1979 - the year players from continental Europe were allowed to compete in the Ryder Cup - to take charge for back-to-back events.

The winning team from Marco Simone made it clear they wanted Donald to remain in the role for the trip to Bethpage Black in 2025, chanting "two more years" when he was speaking to the media on Sunday.

It is not out of the question that the Englishman will be named as skipper for the next edition, especially given many previous captain contenders are now ineligible due to the switch to LIV, but we have looked at some other options Europe may be looking at.

Francesco Molinari

Italian ace Francesco Molinari was the fifth and final vice-captain named for the 2023 Ryder Cup and he played a big part behind the scenes to help Europe get the better of the USA.

The 40-year-old has won all three Ryder Cups he has participated in (2010, 2012 and 2018) and he made history five years ago in France, becoming the first player ever to win all five matches.

Since his 2018 Open success, Ryder Cup heroics and Arnold Palmer Invitational triumph in 2019, his game has taken a steady decline over the past few years and there is a feeling he could be ready for a different type of test at Bethpage Black.

Jose Maria Olazabal

Europe could decide to go back to the well and name Jose Maria Olazabal, who was in charge for the famous 'Miracle at Medinah' in 2012, as captain for the 2025 edition.

The Spaniard is the last person to skipper Europe to a victory on American soil and it couldn't have come in more dramatic fashion, as his side came from 10-6 down heading into the singles to win 14.5-13.5.

Along with playing in seven Ryder Cups and being captain in 2012, Olazabal was also a vice-captain in 2008, 2010, 2014 and 2023, so he has plenty of experience in this area.

Olazabal would be 59 years of age the time the next Ryder Cup came about and it is unclear whether he would  accept the opportunity to be captain again, having gone through all the emotions when in charge the first time.

Miguel Angel Jimenez

One name that continues to be overlooked for the Ryder Cup captaincy is Miguel Angel Jimenez, who was a vice-captain for Europe's triumphs in 1997 and 2012.

The 59-year-old Spaniard is one of the most charismatic, laid-back people in the world of golf and he would have no problems inspiring his 12-man team, while his experience of playing in this competition also aids his cause.

Jimenez competed in four Ryder Cups (1999, 2004, 2008 and 2010), ending up on the winning side in two of those, but a perhaps crucial part of his vice-captains successes were that they both came on US soil.

Justin Rose

Justin Rose further rubberstamped his status as one of England's greatest ever golfers after delivering 1.5 points from his three matches at Marco Simone, where he was also handed the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award.

The 2013 US Open champion has now won four of the six Ryder Cups he has played in - 2008 and 2016 the only blemishes - and has contributed a total of 15.5 points across those six editions.

While the 43-year-old will still have the thought of playing at Bethpage Black, this victory in Rome could prove to be a fitting end to one of Europe's most dependable players and he could be lined up for a crack at being captain.

bet365 News Team

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