What does the term "cap" refer to in soccer?

The term "cap" in soccer refers to an appearance in an international match for a national team. When a player is selected to represent their country in a game, they receive a "cap," symbolizing their participation. This term has historical roots in the awarding of physical caps to players, which indicated their involvement in international play. Caps are often recorded cumulatively, and many players strive to achieve a high number of caps as recognition of their experience and contributions at the international level. This practice highlights the importance of representing one’s country and provides a tangible metric for a player’s international career.