Davies named Canada captain ahead of Copa América
Alphonso Davies was named Canada captain on Monday ahead of the start of Copa América.
Davies captained Canada in a friendly against the Netherlands earlier this month. Stephen Eustáquio wore the armband against France, and he will now be the team's vice captain.
"Being named captain was a joy. I'm happy to be captain of this team. I'm very proud. I want to show my leadership on and off the pitch and try to lead in the right way," Davies said.
"He has a real presence and a gravity to his personality and to who he is," Canada coach Jesse Marsch said. "We know he's still young and that he's not a finished product as a captain, but I think the guys look up to him, that he's an inspiring leader.
"Phonzie will be a great representation for what this country will need in two years [at the World Cup], for what this national team needs, and I expect him to grow into it in a big way."
Davies, who grew up in Edmonton, is at 23 years old a four-time Canada Soccer Player of the Year and the holder of numerous other national awards, including youngest player to debut and score for Canada. A player for FC Bayern Munich, he has made 48 senior international appearances.
Eustáquio, a member of FC Porto, was named the most recent Canada Soccer Player of the year. He has featured 37 times for Canada's men's senior team.
The team will play its first match in Copa América against Argentina on Thursday.
"Playing Argentina, the World Cup champions, it's an incredible feeling knowing that we're gonna go play against the best players in the world," Davies said. "Definitely everyone is a bit anxious but we're ready for the fight."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES Luigi Mangione arraigned, faces five charges
Following his arrest in Altoona, Pa. earlier on Monday, Luigi Mangione was arraigned and charged with five counts, according to a criminal complaint.
BREAKING Union reportedly drops wage demands in Canada Post negotiations
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has reportedly dropped its wage demand to 19 per cent over four years, CTV News has learned.
Sudbury, Ont., family traumatized after hospital said loved one had been released, when in fact they had passed away
Sudbury resident Angela Vitiello says a staff member at Health Sciences North told her that her brother, Allan St. Martin, was released from the hospital late last month when, in fact, he had passed away.
Liberal government survives third Conservative non-confidence vote
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's latest attempt to topple the minority Liberal government in a non-confidence vote failed on Monday, thanks to the New Democrats.
Polygamous U.S. sect leader gets 50 years in prison in scheme to orchestrate sex involving children
A polygamist religious leader in the U.S. who claimed more than 20 spiritual “wives” including 10 underage girls was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Monday.
Montreal man retiring early after winning half of the $80 million Lotto-Max jackpot
Factor worker Jean Lamontagne, 63, will retire earlier than planned after he won $40 million on Dec. 3 in the Lotto-Max draw.
Katie Holmes refutes story about daughter Suri Cruise’s fortune
Katie Holmes has posted a screen grab of a Daily Mail article, which reported that her 18-year old daughter, whose father is Tom Cruise, is now a "millionaire."
Trudeau says dealing with Trump will be 'a little more challenging' than last time
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said dealing with incoming president Donald Trump and his thundering on trade will be 'a little more challenging' than the last time.
Rupert Murdoch fails in bid to change family trust, New York Times reports
A Nevada commissioner has ruled against Rupert Murdoch's bid to change his family trust to consolidate control of his media empire in the hands of his son Lachlan, the New York Times reported on Monday.