Capitanes

Capitanes is the Spanish plural noun meaning captains; it is the plural form of capitán, the rank equivalent to captain in many Spanish-speaking armed forces and naval organizations. In these services, a capitán typically commands a company, squadron, or other unit and ranks above teniente (lieutenant) and below coronel or comandante, depending on national structure. Insignia and duties vary by country, but the core role involves leadership, organization, and operational command.

In sports and popular usage, Capitanes is used as a team name or nickname. The best-known example is Capitanes de Ciudad de México, a basketball club that competes in the NBA G League and is based in Mexico City; they joined the league for the 2021–22 season, becoming the league’s first team located outside the United States. Other clubs and fan groups across the Spanish-speaking world adopt Capitanes to evoke leadership and a central role on the team.

In literature and media, capitán or capitanes appears as the title for leaders of ships, troops, or expeditions, and as a symbolic label for protagonists who command respect. The term thus spans military, sports, and cultural contexts, retaining a common sense of leadership, authority, and responsibility.