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Captain (association football)
Captain (association football)
Captain (association football)
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United States captain Abby Wambach (left, in red) and England captain Steph Houghton (right, in white) shake hands before kickoff, 2015
A captain's armband with FIFA's "My Game is Fair Play" slogan printed on it

The captain of a football/soccer team, sometimes known as the skipper,[1] is a team member chosen to be the on-pitch leader of the team; they are often one of the older or more experienced members of the squad, or a player that can heavily influence a game or has good leadership qualities. The team captain is usually identified by the wearing of an armband.[2] In the 2024/25 edition of the Laws of the Game, it was made mandatory for each team to have a captain and for each captain to be identified by the previously traditional but non-mandatory captain's armband.

Responsibilities

[edit]

The only official responsibility of a captain specified by the Laws of the Game is to participate in the coin toss prior to kick-off[3] (for choice of ends or to have kick-off) and prior to a penalty shoot-out. Captains have no special authority under the Laws to challenge a decision by the referee.[4] However, referees may talk to the captain of a side about the side's general behaviour when necessary.[5]

At an award-giving ceremony after a fixture like a cup competition final, the captain usually leads the team up to collect their medals. Any trophy won by a team will be received by the captain, who will also be the first one to hoist it. The captain also generally leads the teams out of the dressing room at the start of the match. A captain is also tasked with running the dressing room.

The captain generally provides a rallying point for the team: if morale is low, it is the captain who will be looked upon to boost their team's spirits.[6]

Captains may join the manager in deciding the starting eleven for a certain game. In youth or recreational football, the captain often takes on duties that would, at a higher level, be delegated to the manager.

Club

[edit]
Francesco Totti, Roma captain, lifting the 2007–08 Coppa Italia

A club captain is usually appointed for a season. If they are unavailable or not selected for a particular game, or must leave the pitch, then the club vice-captain will assume similar duties.

The match captain is the first player to lift a trophy should the team win one, even if they are not the club captain. A good example of this was in the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final when match captain Peter Schmeichel lifted the trophy for Manchester United as club captain Roy Keane was suspended.[7][8] In the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final, match captain Frank Lampard (who was the vice-captain) jointly lifted the trophy for Chelsea with club captain John Terry,[9] who was suspended, but given permission by UEFA.[7]

A club may appoint two distinct roles: a club captain to represent the players in a public relations role, and correspondent on the pitch. Manchester United has had both of these types of captains: Roy Keane was the club captain on and off the pitch from 1997 to 2005 as he was a regular in the starting eleven, but his successor Gary Neville while nominally club captain from 2005 to 2010 had made few first team appearances due to injuries. In his absence other players (Rio Ferdinand or vice-captain Ryan Giggs) were chosen to captain the team on the field, such as in the 2008 (Ferdinand was captain as he was in the starting eleven, while Giggs was a substitute) and 2009 UEFA Champions League Finals, respectively. After Neville retired in 2011, regular starter Nemanja Vidić was named as club captain.

Vice-captain

[edit]
James Milner, vice-captain of Liverpool from 2015–2023. As depicted in the image, vice-captains serve as their team's captain when the regular captain is not included in the starting eleven, or if, during a game, the captain is substituted or sent off.

A vice-captain (or assistant captain) is a player that is expected to captain the side when the club's captain is not included in the starting eleven, or if, during a game, the captain is substituted or sent off. Examples include Ronald Araújo at Barcelona, Joshua Kimmich at Bayern Munich, and Federico Valverde at Real Madrid.

Similarly, some clubs also name a 3rd captain, a 4th captain, or even a 5th captain to take the role of captain when both the captain and vice-captain are unavailable.[10][11] Examples include Frenkie de Jong as a 3rd captain and Raphinha as a 4th captain for Barcelona. In their 2015–16 season, Barcelona Femení had six named captains.[12]

International

[edit]
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Lionel Messi, wearing the captain's armband while playing for Portugal and Argentina respectively.

In the 1986 FIFA World Cup, when Bryan Robson was injured and vice-captain Ray Wilkins received a two-game suspension for a red card, Peter Shilton became England's captain for the rest of the tournament.

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Germany had three captains. Michael Ballack had captained the national team since 2004, including the successful qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, but he did not play in the latter tournament due to a last minute injury. Philipp Lahm was appointed captain in South Africa, but due to an illness that ruled him out of Germany's final fixture, Bastian Schweinsteiger captained the team for that game which was the third-place match. Lahm stated in an interview that he would not relinquish the captaincy when Ballack returned, causing some controversy, so team manager Oliver Bierhoff clarified the situation, saying: "Philipp Lahm is the World Cup captain and Michael Ballack is still the captain".[13][14] Lahm ended up becoming the permanent captain of Germany until his retirement, as Ballack was never called up in the national team again.[15][16]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Captain (association football)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
In , the is the designated on-field leader of a , identified by wearing a distinctive , and is responsible for representing the in key procedures while ensuring the overall behaviour of the players aligns with the spirit of the game. According to the Laws of the Game, the holds no special status or privileges but bears a degree of accountability for the team's conduct during matches. The captain's official duties, as outlined by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), include participating in the coin toss prior to kick-off to decide which team starts and which goal they will attack in the first half, as well as similar tosses before penalty shootouts. If the captain is the goalkeeper and unable to leave the penalty area, a teammate must be nominated in advance to handle these interactions. From 1 July 2025, as part of the 2025/26 Laws of the Game, competitions have the option to implement the 'Only the Captain' guidelines, which restrict approaches to the referee for explanations of key decisions to the captain alone, provided it is done respectfully, with the aim of minimizing dissent, intimidation, and interference from other players; violations by non-captains may result in cautions—for example, the Premier League adopted these guidelines for the 2025–26 season. These measures, when adopted, apply across professional, youth, and grassroots levels, with referees using signals like a whistle and a 4-meter exclusion zone in lower-tier games to enforce compliance. Beyond these formal obligations, the captain plays a pivotal role, acting as a mediator between teammates, the manager, and officials to foster unity, resolve conflicts, and boost morale during high-pressure moments such as talks or after controversial decisions. Effective captains demonstrate , tactical awareness, and motivational skills to inspire consistent performance and adherence to team values, often selected by coaches for their experience and ability to lead by example on and off the pitch. In international tournaments like the , this role extends to embodying national pride and setting cultural standards, as seen in captains addressing social issues through symbolic gestures.

Overview and Selection

Definition and Importance

In , the is the designated player who leads the team on the field of play and wears an identifying to signify the role. According to the Laws of the Game, each team must have a , who holds no special status or privileges under but bears a degree of responsibility for the team's behavior and conduct during matches. This formal designation ensures clear representation and accountability within the team structure. The role of the captain originated in the 19th-century British football codes, where team leaders, often referred to as captains, were responsible for enforcing rules and representing clubs even before the establishment of referees in 1871. As the sport formalized through the creation of in 1863, captains participated as key representatives in rule-making meetings, evolving into a recognized position by the early as professional leagues emerged and the Laws of the Game were refined. The is crucial for fostering team unity, motivating players during high-pressure moments, and acting as the primary liaison with match officials to address decisions or clarify rules. Effective captains influence by providing vocal encouragement, calming tensions, and exemplifying commitment, which helps maintain focus and resilience amid the game's intensity. Research highlights that high-quality , including from captains, enhances team cohesion, , and overall dynamics, contributing to better athlete satisfaction and reduced conflict. Empirical studies across multiple sports, including , demonstrate the impact of on . For instance, an analysis of 4,451 from 143 teams in nine sports in , , expanded the classification of roles to include task, motivational, social, and external leaders, revealing that is often distributed among multiple players rather than centralized on the alone.

Selection Criteria and Process

The selection of a captain in relies on a combination of factors, including within the , demonstrated qualities, consistent performance on the pitch, and from peers. often plays a key role, as longer-serving players are viewed as having a deeper understanding of and club culture. qualities, such as effective communication and the to motivate teammates under , are prioritized to ensure the captain can foster unity and . Consistent performance is essential, as captains must lead by example through reliability and technical proficiency, while peer is gauged through input to confirm the appointee's influence. Managers like at have emphasized communication skills in this process, incorporating player votes to identify those who excel in bridging gaps between the and . The appointment process in professional football typically begins with the manager's assessment and recommendation, often followed by through a player vote, review, or board approval to align with team consensus. This democratic element helps mitigate biases and ensures the represents collective interests. Terms usually last 1-3 seasons, allowing for evaluation and adjustment based on evolving needs, though extensions occur if the continues to meet criteria effectively. In many clubs, the process is revisited annually or after major changes like transfers, with the manager retaining final say to maintain strategic control. Variations exist across leagues, reflecting cultural and structural differences. In (MLS), some teams employ rotating captains to distribute leadership and develop multiple players, as seen with alternating the armband among key squad members over seasons to build depth. Conversely, European clubs like Real Madrid adhere to long-term appointments based strictly on seniority, where the longest-serving player assumes the role potentially for several years, exemplified by holding the captaincy from 2015 until his departure in 2021. These approaches balance tradition with adaptability, though they can influence team morale differently. Challenges in selection often arise from perceptions of favoritism or mismatched qualities, leading to controversies that undermine authority. A notable case occurred in 2018 at Manchester United, where manager stripped Paul of the vice-captaincy amid tensions over attitude and tactics, sparking debates on whether the decision reflected personal bias rather than objective criteria. More recently, in 2025, Manchester City manager expressed dissatisfaction with the previous season's captaincy situation involving , leading to changes that highlighted ongoing tensions in high-profile selections. Such incidents highlight the need for transparent processes to preserve trust, as erroneous choices can exacerbate divisions within the squad.

Responsibilities

On-Field Duties

In , the team captain's on-field duties are primarily governed by the Laws of the Game, which stipulate that each team must designate a captain who wears an identifying to denote their , though they hold no special status or privileges beyond a degree of responsibility for the team's during the match. This serves as a visible symbol of , facilitating quick identification by officials and players alike. The also participates in formal pre-match and match procedures, including the coin toss conducted by the before kick-off to determine which team chooses to attack which goal in the first half or to take the kick-off. A similar coin toss occurs before penalty shootouts to decide the ends and order of kicks. If the is the and unable to participate, a teammate must be nominated in advance, with the informed no later than the pre-kick-off coin toss. A key on-field responsibility involves communication with match officials, particularly under the widely adopted "Only the captain" guidelines introduced by the (IFAB) to reduce and improve cooperation. These guidelines permit only the to approach the respectfully to seek clarifications on key decisions, such as interpretations of rulings, while ensuring teammates maintain a reasonable distance—often enforced as a 4-meter "captain-only zone" in , veterans', , and competitions. Unauthorized approaches by other players result in a caution for , underscoring the 's role in managing team interactions with the to prevent disciplinary issues. If the serves as , an player must be nominated to handle these consultations. Beyond official protocols, captains often provide real-time leadership by rallying teammates during critical moments, such as motivating the squad after conceding a goal or coordinating defensive positioning to maintain structure. In emergencies, such as when the manager is temporarily unavailable, the captain may relay tactical instructions or assist in substitution decisions to sustain team momentum. They also offer tactical input when consulted by the manager, advising on adjustments like formation shifts or player positioning based on the flow of play, thereby influencing on-field strategy without direct authority over the coaching staff. Notable examples illustrate these duties' impact. During the , , as Argentina's captain, exemplified rallying and tactical leadership by inspiring his teammates through intense motivation and on-field organization, directly contributing to their triumph, including five goals and five assists across the tournament. In modern football, Liverpool's has demonstrated defensive organization as club captain, leading the backline with precise communication to orchestrate high-pressing structures and recoveries, which were pivotal in their 2019-20 title win where they conceded just 33 goals.

Off-Field Leadership

Beyond the pitch, the captain plays a pivotal in fostering through motivational addresses in the room and mediating internal disputes to maintain unity. Captains often deliver pre- and post-match speeches to inspire players, reinforce collective goals, and address performance issues, acting as an extension of the in building . For instance, in high-performance environments, captains facilitate by bridging interpersonal gaps among teammates, promoting open communication to prevent disruptions from escalating and ensuring the squad remains cohesive during challenging periods. This extends to enforcing discipline and fair play, as outlined in guidelines from bodies like The FA, where captains are responsible for guiding teammates' behavior and modeling to create a positive environment. Captains also serve as the primary representatives in external communications, handling media interviews, press conferences, and official statements to convey team perspectives and manage public narratives. In an era of constant media scrutiny, this role demands articulate responses that protect team interests while upholding professionalism, often including participation in disciplinary proceedings on behalf of the squad, such as attending hearings for team-related infractions. Notable examples include captains like contesting suspensions at disciplinary hearings, highlighting their duty to advocate for the team in regulatory matters. A key aspect of off-field leadership involves mentoring emerging talent and upholding club principles, with captains acting as to instill values like and commitment. on high-performance sports underscores how captains integrate psychological development programs, guiding younger players through advice on resilience and ethical conduct to foster long-term growth. exemplified this during his tenure as Chelsea captain in the 2000s, where he organized the dressing room, enforced high standards amid multiple managerial changes, and cultivated a winning culture that contributed to the club's dominance in domestic and European competitions. His approach emphasized accountability, often confronting underperformance to align the squad with Chelsea's ethos of resilience and unity. Furthermore, captains frequently embody exemplary conduct as club ambassadors, participating in charitable initiatives and community outreach to promote . FIFA's of Ethics stresses that officials and players, particularly leaders like captains, must serve as positive exemplars, encouraging involvement in to enhance football's societal impact. This includes leading fundraising events and youth programs, as seen with figures like , who leveraged his captaincy at Manchester City to support global children's charities through ambassadorial roles.

Club Football

Club Captain Role

In club football, the serves as a vital intermediary between the manager and the , facilitating on sessions and to ensure cohesive implementation of tactics. This involves communicating managerial directives to players while relaying team feedback to the , fostering a unified approach to preparation and match-day decisions. For instance, captains often contribute insights on , helping maintain levels throughout a season. Beyond tactical input, the club captain navigates internal club politics, acting as an for teammates in sensitive matters like negotiations or disciplinary issues to preserve group and focus. This helps resolve conflicts discreetly, preventing disruptions that could affect on-pitch results, and underscores the captain's responsibility in upholding team unity off the field. By confiding in the on personal or professional concerns, players benefit from a trusted voice that bridges individual needs with club objectives. Long-term captains exemplify stability within a club, providing consistent that spans multiple eras and builds institutional continuity. , who assumed the captaincy at in 1997 following Franco Baresi's retirement and held it until his own in 2009, embodied this over a 25-year career with the club, amassing 902 official appearances. His enduring presence helped cultivate a culture of resilience and excellence, contributing to Milan's sustained competitiveness in domestic and European competitions. The captain's has a measurable impact on club , with indicating that effective captains enhance teammate and reduce burnout, correlating with higher achievement rates in elite tournaments. In the from 1992 to 2020, winning teams frequently featured influential captains who lifted the , such as (, 1993), (, 1994), and (, 2003 and 2007), where stable aligned with multiple victories for clubs like Milan and Real Madrid under (2014) and (2016, 2017, 2018). This pattern highlights how captains' roles in and contribute to hauls, with studies showing formal leaders like captains outperforming individual stars in driving collective outcomes.

Vice-Captain and Succession

In clubs, the serves as the primary deputy to the club captain, stepping in to assume leadership responsibilities during the captain's absence due to injury, suspension, or other unavailability. This role ensures continuity in on-field decision-making, such as communicating with officials and motivating teammates, without the captain's full ceremonial duties. For instance, at , acted as from September 2014, leading the team while was sidelined or rested. Vice-captains are typically selected by the club manager based on demonstrated qualities, positional versatility, and reliability under , with most teams appointing one or two to cover various scenarios. Managers prioritize players who exhibit strong communication skills and team respect, often from midfield or defensive positions where influence is broad. This selection mirrors the broader criteria but emphasizes readiness to deputize immediately. Succession planning for club captaincy involves grooming potential leaders through vice-captain roles, particularly to manage transitions triggered by retirements or transfers. Clubs identify and develop candidates over seasons, allowing them to gain experience under the incumbent, as seen when Liverpool's manager positioned Henderson as Gerrard's successor by making him a year before Gerrard's 2015 departure to . This approach minimizes disruption and fosters institutional . While uncommon, some clubs employ multiple vice-captains to distribute leadership and provide depth, a system notably used by , where a of up to four captains (one primary and three vice-captains) is voted on by the squad based on seniority and contributions. This structure, rooted in club tradition, was maintained during Pep Guardiola's managerial tenure from 2008 to 2012, with players like as captain and Xavi Hernández and as key deputies, ensuring robust coverage for high-stakes matches.

International Football

National Team Captain Role

The role of a national team captain in extends beyond typical on-field leadership, serving as a profound symbol of national pride and unity during international competitions. In high-stakes tournaments like the , the captain's duties are amplified, embodying the aspirations of an entire nation and often culminating in ceremonial acts such as lifting the trophy in victory. For instance, captains like in 1986 and in 2022 exemplified this by inspiring their teams to glory and representing broader national values on the global stage. This representational aspect underscores the captain's position as the team's foremost ambassador, fostering a sense of collective identity amid intense international scrutiny. National team captains must adeptly manage diverse squads comprising players from various clubs worldwide, a challenge heightened by the brief duration of training camps, which typically last only weeks before major events. Effective captains cultivate unity through and trust-building, bridging club rivalries to prioritize national goals during these condensed preparation periods. This leadership ensures cohesion in high-pressure environments, where players converge from disparate backgrounds to form a synchronized unit. A seminal historical example is , who captained to victory in the on home soil. As a revolutionary sweeper and tactical innovator, Beckenbauer delivered a pivotal team speech following a group-stage defeat to , identifying underperformers and collaborating with manager Helmut Schön to overhaul the lineup, which revitalized morale and propelled the team to a 2-1 final win over the . His on-field orchestration and deep-lying playmaking exemplified composed leadership, helping the squad embody national resilience during a period of post-war recovery. National team captains frequently interact with governing federations on matters of player selection and related disputes, advocating for team interests to resolve conflicts that could disrupt preparation. Beckenbauer notably negotiated a 70,000 DM bonus with the (DFB) to avert a pre-tournament and persuaded Schön to include key players like Bernd Hölzenbein and , whose contributions proved decisive in the final. Post-victory, he led a of the DFB's celebratory over the exclusion of players' wives, highlighting captains' role in mediating administrative tensions to safeguard squad welfare and focus.

Unique Aspects and Selection

In international association football, the selection of national team captains frequently involves decisions made by the federation or , with significant weight given to the player's popularity among peers and supporters alongside their accumulated experience and leadership potential. This approach contrasts with club-level processes by incorporating broader national sentiments, where a player's public image can influence federation choices to foster team unity and fan engagement. For instance, Lionel Messi's role as Argentina's captain, appointed by coach in August 2011 and reaffirmed by through subsequent successes like the , underscores how experience and widespread acclaim—evident in teammate endorsements and fan polls recognizing his influence—guide such appointments. Player availability poses a persistent challenge in international captaincy selection, as demanding club schedules often lead to conflicts with national duties, resulting in injuries, fatigue, or absences that complicate leadership continuity. Star players, who are prime candidates for captaincy due to their stature, frequently face overloaded calendars that heighten injury risks, forcing federations to balance immediate team needs with long-term reliability. A notable example is Spain's national team, where captains Rodri and were ruled out of key matches in 2024 due to season-long club exertions, highlighting how such scheduling pressures can disrupt captaincy plans and necessitate interim leaders. Political influences within national federations further complicate selections in certain contexts, where governmental or partisan pressures may prioritize players aligned with prevailing ideologies over pure merit. In countries like , historical regime interventions in football governance have extended to team leadership decisions, embedding political considerations into captain appointments to align with national narratives. Captaincy terms at the international level are commonly linked to major tournaments, with rotations occurring to inject new energy or adapt to evolving squad dynamics, rather than indefinite tenures. This practice ensures alignment with event-specific goals, such as the , where participating teams often appoint or rotate captains per edition to leverage current form and motivational impact—evident in changes like Iran's shift from in 2019 to in 2023, reflecting tournament-tied evaluations by the federation. In women's international football, considerations add a layer to selections, emphasizing captains who serve as trailblazers and role models amid ongoing efforts to elevate the sport's visibility and address historical barriers. Sam Kerr's 2019 appointment as captain of Australia's Matildas by coach exemplified this, chosen for her on-field prowess, off-field advocacy against , and personal story of concealing her to compete in youth boys' leagues, thereby inspiring broader participation in women's football.

Insignia and Traditions

Captain's Armband

The captain's armband serves as the primary physical identifier for the team in , distinguishing them from other players to facilitate communication with match officials. The tradition of the captain's armband dates back to the mid-20th century and was made compulsory in the Laws of the Game starting from the 2024/25 season. According to the Laws of the Game established by the (IFAB), each team must designate a who wears an identifying on the sleeve of their . This requirement ensures clear on-field recognition. Players, including the , are inspected for proper equipment by match officials before the match begins; if the armband is absent, the captain must correct it by leaving the field at the next stoppage. The is typically worn on the left , a longstanding symbolizing close to the heart and practical for right-handed players, though the laws do not specify the arm. The can be one issued or authorised by the organiser, or alternatively a single-coloured band, often matching the team's kit colors for cohesion, and the single-coloured version may include the word "" if authorised by the organiser. Prohibitions under Law 4 ban political, religious, or personal slogans, statements, images, or unauthorised , but official integrations such as or sponsor elements are permitted when approved. Variations occur across competitions; for instance, clubs may use custom elastic bands with embroidered team emblems, while international matches adhere strictly to neutral designs to maintain uniformity. If the designated captain is substituted, sent off, or otherwise unable to continue, the armband transfers immediately to a teammate—often the —who assumes the role until the end of the match or the original captain's return. This ensures continuous leadership on the field. Culturally, the armband embodies and responsibility, evoking the phrase "wearing one's heart on one's sleeve" through its prominent left-arm placement, and in some leagues like the , clubs incorporate subtle team-specific motifs within authorised guidelines to honor traditions without violating rules. Special commemorative versions, such as those marking player milestones, are occasionally issued in international contexts, like for a 100th cap, provided they comply with IFAB standards.

Ceremonial Duties

In , the performs several ceremonial duties that symbolize team representation and sportsmanship, primarily occurring before and after matches. One of the most prominent pre-kickoff rituals is the toss, governed by FIFA's Laws of the Game under Law 8. The assembles with the two team s at the , where the referee tosses a , and one calls heads or tails; the winning 's team then decides whether to take the kick-off or choose which to attack in the first half, ensuring a fair start to the proceedings. In international fixtures, captains often engage in the exchange of pennants—small flags or banners emblazoned with or national emblems—or other commemorative gifts with their opposing counterparts and match officials. This , rooted in fostering mutual respect and goodwill, typically takes place during the pre-match formalities in the center circle, accompanying handshakes to underscore the ceremonial nature of the encounter. Post-match, captains lead or participate in the customary handshake line, where players from both teams form two lines to exchange greetings, promoting fair play and camaraderie regardless of the result. In high-stakes finals, such as those of the —a tradition upheld since the inaugural tournament in —the captain of the victorious team receives the trophy from officials during the presentation ceremony and is the first to lift it, symbolizing collective achievement. These rituals have evolved in response to global events, notably during the from 2020 to 2021, when physical contact was minimized. Some youth and club matches implemented virtual coin tosses conducted via video calls between captains, coaches, and referees the evening before kickoff, adapting the protocol to maintain safety while preserving the ceremonial essence.

References

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  46. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/26087835/sam-kerr-appointed-matildas-captain
  47. https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/sam-kerr-opens-up-on-why-she-had-to-hide-her-gender-as-a-junior-footballer/news-story/031f7ce28ba2237ffa5296a5b8bdff5c
  48. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/dec/21/why-did-captains-start-wearing-armbands-depends-football
  49. https://www.flsoccerrefs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024-25-ifabs-lotg-changes-clarifications-july-2024.pdf
  50. https://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/lawsandrules/laws/football-11-11/law-4---the-players-equipment
  51. https://www.theifab.com/laws/latest/the-players-equipment/
  52. https://www.sportspolicy.org/post/captain-s-armband-is-for-soccer-not-politics
  53. https://en.as.com/soccer/what-do-team-captains-choose-at-the-coin-flip-at-the-beginning-of-the-game-n-2/
  54. https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/what-do-world-cup-captains-swap-at-the-beginning-of-a-match
  55. https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/euro-2020-captains-national-team-pennants-before-game
  56. https://www.sports247.my/s-league-importance-handshakes-match/
  57. https://www.fifamuseum.com/en/explore/fifamuseumplus/blog/Top-of-the-class
  58. https://www.olympics.com/en/news/fifa-world-cup-trophy-jules-rimet-history
  59. https://caschools.us/assets/uploads/sites/711/2020/09/Enews-9-14-20.pdf
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