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The role of an international football team captain is not just about skill. It's about leadership, diplomacy and character. They are pivotal figures in maintaining high standards and morale within the squad. International football team captains face many challenges and shoulder immense responsibilities on and off the pitch.
They often act as the link between players and the coaching staff and play a vital role in communicating strategies and tactics during games. Off the pitch, captains have the responsibility of being spokespersons for their respective sides and have to uphold their country and values.
They also help the coach manage the egos and emotions within the squad. Quite simply, it's not a job for everyone.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five of the best international captains in world football at the moment (2023).
#5 Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Robert Lewandowski is one of the greatest footballers Poland has ever produced. The two-time FIFA Best Men's Player Award winner is one of the finest strikers of his generation and has enjoyed an illustrious career at club level.
He has endured mixed fortunes with the Poland national team but the veteran striker has always led by example. The Barcelona centre-forward has been Poland's best player over the last decade by a country mile. In 144 appearances for the Poland national team, Lewandowski has scored 81 goals.
He has been captaining them for over a year now, wearing the armband with pride and leading his team from the front in all major competitions.
#4 Harry Kane (England)
Harry Kane was appointed the captain of the England national team shortly before the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Kane immediately showed that he was the right man for the job, finishing the tournament as the top goalscorer and winning the Golden Boot as the Three Lions made it to the semi-finals.
Kane also led England to the runners-up position at the 2020 Euros which was the Three Lions' best ever run in the competition.
The Bayern Munich striker has definitely been one of England's best players of the modern era. The 30-year-old recently surpassed Wayne Rooney as their all-time leading goalscorer in men's international football.
#3 Kylian Mbappe (France)
Kylian Mbappe is one of the most exciting footballers of the 21st century and despite being only 24, he has already had a stellar career. Mbappe is widely tipped to win multiple Ballon d'Or awards in the future and is one of the most coveted footballers in club football.
Mbappe was made captain of the French national team on March 21, 2023, following the retirement of Hugo Lloris. It was very well deserved and it came on the back of Mbappe's phenomenal performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup where he won the Golden Boot after scoring eight goals in the tournament.
Mbappe's brilliant hat-trick in the World Cup final against Argentina illustrated his elite mentality and ability to rise to the occasion. He is a great fit for the captain's role and is expected to lead France to major triumphs in the future.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Cristiano Ronaldo has been the captain of the Portugal national football team for over 15 years now. He assumed captaincy all the way back in 2008 and has since displayed exceptional leadership and a relentless commitment to the team's success.
His on-field performance as captain has been exceptional, producing numerous match-winning goals and providing stellar contributions in major tournaments.
Under his leadership, Portugal secured their first major international trophy, winning the Euros in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019.
Ronaldo's success as Portugal's captain has helped solidify his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He is the leading goalscorer in men's international football with 125 goals to his name.
#1 Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi completed football by leading Argentina to World Cup glory last year. By leading, we don't mean he just wore the armband and marshalled his troops in commendable fashion. He also led by example on the pitch and was the best player in the tournament, even scoring a brace in the final against France.
Messi won the Golden Ball at the tournament. He was also the winner of the Golden Boot and the Player of the Tournament award at the 2021 Copa America, yet another tournament in which Messi led La Albiceleste to glory.
Messi will most probably go down in history as the greatest footballer of all time and as Argentina's greatest-ever player and captain.
