Being the captain of a team is a major honour and responsibility. Only players that have leadership qualities and those that lead by example can take up the responsibility.
Wearing the armband sets a player apart from the rest, one who has to marshall the troops on the pitch.
A great captain can be the difference between a team that underwhelms or a team that dominates.
Check out the list of some captains who are regarded as the greatest captains of all time;
1. Roy Keane
On the field, the ‘hot-headed’ midfielder was known for his aggressive demeanor.
Above all, he was a leader, a warrior who refused to surrender. Back in the day, his rivalry with Arsenal captain Patrick Viera was well-known.
Roy Keane was neither the most prolific goal scorer nor the best ball passer.
The Irishman, on the other hand, was a natural leader who commanded respect in the locker room and the respect of his teammates.
2. Carles Puyol
Carles Puyol was a fiery, energetic leader who would break down barriers for his players.
The centre-back is a legend at FC Barcelona and one of the finest Spanish players of all time.
Puyol, along with other prominent players such as Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, and others, are credited by fans with the club’s success over the years.
3. Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini is widely recognized as one of the greatest defenders of all time.
The Italian is a legend at AC Milan, having won numerous awards over his career.
He was one of Serie A’s most illustrious and successful club captains.
Maldini took over as captain from another great of the club, Franco Baresi.
He was the club’s captain for approximately 12 years, leading the squad to various trophies, including the UEFA Champions League.
4. Francesco Totti
The amount of trophies won under a captain’s command is not the primary measure of his worth.
A captain is a player who represents loyalty and a good reputation on the team.
Totti spent his entire playing career at AS Roma. He was a member of the club from 1993 to 2017, serving as captain for the majority of that time.
5. Franz Beckenbauer
Franz Beckenbauer is a legend in football.
Few players are as well-known as the German legend.
He invented and popularized the sweeper defender position on his own.
He led FC Bayern Munich to unprecedented heights as captain.
