The role of an international football captain is complex and demanding. They must lead by example, inspire teammates, and act as a key communicator between players and coaches. Captains also handle various personalities and conflicts in the team, manage fan and national expectations, and embody the values of their nation. It’s a role suited for those with strong mental resilience.
Let’s explore the top five international football captains in 2023
5. Luka Modric (Croatia)
Luka Modric is set to be remembered as one of the top midfielders of the 21st century. He earned the 2018 Ballon d’Or after guiding his team to the FIFA World Cup final that year. His exceptional performance earned him the Golden Ball, and he nearly replicated that success four years later in Qatar.
In the 2022 World Cup, Croatia was considered a bit weaker, with an older Modric and the retirement of Ivan Rakitic. Despite these challenges, Modric’s leadership and impressive performances were key to their advancement to the semi-finals.
Modric continues to lead Croatia with distinction, delivering excellent performances as captain. His leadership is helping the team edge closer to qualifying for the 2024 Euros.
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4. Harry Kane (England)
Harry Kane is currently one of the best strikers in the world and has excelled as the captain of the England national football team. Under his leadership, England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Kane won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer.
Kane also shone at the 2020 Euros, where England lost to Italy in the final after a penalty shootout. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he continued to be a key player for the Three Lions.
With 62 goals, Kane is England’s all-time leading scorer in men’s international football and has earned his captaincy through his impressive performances.
3. Kylian Mbappe (France)
In March of this year, Kylian Mbappe became one of the youngest captains in the history of French football when Didier Deschamps appointed him. Mbappe, who is undeniably France’s top player, is expected to win several Ballon d’Or awards in the future.
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Mbappe won the Golden Boot and even scored a hat-trick in the final against Argentina, despite France’s defeat. This performance highlighted his mental strength, ability to deliver in key moments, and exceptional skill.
Currently, Mbappe is considered one of the most versatile attackers in football and continues to set an example as the leader of the French national team.
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2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Cristiano Ronaldo shouldn’t be performing so well at his age. As he approaches his 39th birthday in three months, he’s playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Despite this, Ronaldo proudly continues to captain the Portugal national team.
He holds the record for the most goals in men’s international football, with 128 goals in 205 matches. Recently, he has been scoring frequently for both his club and country. His strong leadership has also contributed to making Portugal one of the top teams in international football today.
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Leading your nation to a World Cup victory at 35 years old and winning the Golden Ball in the process is a remarkable achievement. Lionel Messi’s outstanding performance in Qatar will be remembered for years to come.
During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Messi demonstrated true leadership, netting seven goals and assisting on three more to guide Argentina to success. Even as he approaches his late 30s, he remains one of the top footballers in the world.
This year, Messi earned his record-eighth Ballon d’Or, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest of all time.
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