What is a cap in soccer?

In soccer, a cap refers to the number of times a player has represented their national team in an international match. When a player is selected to play in a match for their national team, they earn a cap. This term comes from the tradition of awarding players with a physical cap after they make their first appearance for their country.

Caps are a way to track and recognize a player's international career and are often used to compare the experience and longevity of different players. Players who have earned a significant number of caps are often seen as seasoned veterans with a wealth of international experience.

The record for the most international caps in men's soccer is held by Egypt's Ahmed Hassan, who earned a total of 184 caps during his career. In women's soccer, the record is held by United States' Kristine Lilly, with 354 caps.

Overall, earning a cap is a significant achievement for any soccer player and is a testament to their skill, dedication, and contributions to their national team.