Build A Soccer Squad Captains List
A guide to the 99 OVR captains in Build A Soccer Squad, how each is unlocked by completing a 2026 squad, and how to choose which captain to chase.
The captains are headline rewards in Build A Soccer Squad’s collection system - 99 OVR cards from 2026 squads and Premium Captains from select 2002 teams. This page explains both types and how to decide which to chase first.
Captain types
2026 Captains (99 OVR)
Complete every player in an eligible 2026 squad and that team’s 99 OVR captain becomes yours. Added in the Prime/Captains update.
Premium Captains (2002 teams)
The July 2026 update added Premium Captains - complete select teams from 2002 to unlock their captain. These expand the captain pool beyond World Cup 2026 squads.
How captains are unlocked
The process is the same for every captain:
- Choose a squad that offers a captain (2026 or 2002 Premium).
- Collect every player in that team via the daily shop, packs, and quests.
- The captain unlocks automatically when the squad is complete.
For the full step-by-step method, read how to unlock captains.
Choosing which captain to chase
Captains differ only in how hard their squads are to finish. Use these factors to pick:
- Your current progress. The squad you already own the most of is your cheapest captain.
- Squad cost. Teams built largely from the daily shop are far cheaper than premium Legend teams.
- Squad depth. Fewer required players means a faster unlock.
Compare value against effort on the captains tier list, which ranks the best first targets.
A captain roadmap
- First captain: pick an affordable, near-complete squad to learn the system and bank an instant rating jump.
- Second captain: reinvest your stronger income and reroll fuel into your next-closest squad.
- Long term: stack captains for an eleven full of elite, linked cards.
Keep your economy ahead of your ambitions with the coins guide and spend on guaranteed progress using the best packs guide.
Captains and your wider squad
A captain is the anchor, not the whole team. Surround it with strong, linked cards:
- Best players - the standout supporting cards by position.
- Prime players - 100+ OVR options from the hourly shop.
- Cup Players - 105+ OVR cards from winning cups.
- Players tier list - keep-or-reroll guidance.
- Chemistry guide - make the linked squad even stronger.
Stay current
The beta adds new captain-eligible squads over time, so the list of available captains grows. Check the updates hub for new additions, and if you are just starting out, the beginner guide and players database will get you oriented before you commit to a captain run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
What are captains in Build A Soccer Squad?
Captains are elite cards unlocked by completing full squads - 99 OVR captains from 2026 teams and Premium Captains from select 2002 teams.
How many captains are there?
Captains are tied to select 2026 squads, and more are added as the beta grows. Each completed eligible squad unlocks its own captain.
Which captain should I aim for?
Choose the squad you are closest to completing or one built from affordable daily-shop teams, so your first captain is achievable.
Are captains worth the effort?
Yes. A captain delivers a 99 OVR card plus a fully linked squad, which is the biggest single rating boost most players can earn.