noun
Used for the leader of a sports team, a ship, or a group, similar to English 'captain'. Common in sports contexts.
彼はサッカーチームのキャプテンに選ばれた。
He was chosen as the captain of the soccer team.
キャプテンがチームをまとめる。
The captain brings the team together.
主将 is a more formal or traditional term for a team captain, often used in school clubs or martial arts, while キャプテン is a common loanword used broadly in sports and other groups.
船長 specifically means the captain of a ship, whereas キャプテン can refer to a captain in various contexts including sports and ships.
Loanword from English 'captain'.