The Ecuador Football Federation publicized this moment on social media platforms on 28/6. Addressing the entire squad, Valencia expressed his confidence in his teammates before the crucial match.

“The only thing I'm thinking about is hugging all of you after the match. I believe it will be an embrace of happiness, an embrace of securing our ticket to the next round,” the 36-year-old forward said before calling Caicedo forward.

Enner Valencia celebrates the opening goal during Ecuador's World Cup qualifier against Venezuela in Quito on 21/3/2025. Photo: AP

Valencia, who previously played for West Ham and Everton in the English Premier League, is an Ecuador football legend. He debuted for the national team in 2012 and currently holds the record for 49 goals in 108 matches. The forward regularly captained the team during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and subsequent tournaments.

The forward, born in 1989, recalled the moment he was given the captain's armband during a match in Argentina: “On that day, my teammates said they wanted me to be captain. It was a huge responsibility. I don't want people to remember me only for my goals or what I did on the field, but for being a good person.”

Valencia then handed the armband to Caicedo, entrusting him with it: “My brother, this armband is for you. In fact, anyone here could wear it. We are all leaders that our teammates need by our side. You are that leader.”

Caicedo is a new-generation star for Ecuador. He previously played for Independiente del Valle and Brighton before joining Chelsea for a total cost of 146 million USD in summer 2023. At Stamford Bridge, Caicedo wore the captain's armband in two Premier League matches against Man Utd and Man City in April. He also held this role against Cardiff City in the League Cup quarterfinals and Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup.

Internationally, the 24-year-old midfielder joined the national team in 2020 and has scored three goals in 64 appearances. He captained a friendly match against New Zealand in November 2025. Caicedo first held this role in an official match after Valencia left the field during Ecuador's 2-1 group stage victory over Germany at the 2026 World Cup.

Moises Caicedo celebrates after Ecuador's 2-1 victory over Germany in a 2026 World Cup group stage match in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, USA on 25/6. Photo: AP

Ecuador has participated in the World Cup four times, in 2002, 2006, 2014, and 2022. The South American representative's best performance was reaching the round of 16 in the 2006 World Cup, where they lost 0-1 to England.

Ecuador has an opportunity to replicate this achievement if they defeat Mexico in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 match at Mexico City, Mexico, at 8h on 1/7, Hanoi time.

Hong Duy (according to Marca, Abola)